Turbo-Charged Audits and Mistakes — Eliminated By Skylar Dubrow CPA
February 24, 2014
Skylar Dubrow, CPA
Blog
February 24, 2014Skylar Dubrow, CPABlog
Watching the Olympics the past couple weeks from our Thousand Oaks tax preparation headquarters (well, not while we’re preparing your taxes, of course!), and on the heels of the Super Bowl, we’ve been treated to some pretty great commercials lately, haven’t we? Some of the spots for the Olympics were downright inspiring.
But, of course, we all know that they are made with the express purpose to cause us to purchase. Either through creating dissatisfaction with our current lot, provoking envy/greed/jealousy/desire or by associating a brand with some really nice feelings.
Now, I’m certainly not one to rail against marketing per se. In a sense, this blogpost on my popular CPA of Thousand Oaks web site is marketing (of a sort).
But sometimes that marketing can lead Thousand Oaks-area consumers down a path which isn’t in their best interests.And though my writing this could easily be seen as self-serving, that doesn’t keep it from being true. Here’s what I’m referring to:
Trying to prepare your taxes correctly (and completely) on your own.
I should say that I don’t like to crow about other people’s mistakes — especially other, local Thousand Oaks tax professionals.
In fact, in our line of work, much of what we get to do is to *fix* or alleviate those mistakes, at least when it comes to their tax implications. This year (of all years) carries so many changes that tax software users who fall prey to screaming offers and seductive easy-buttons from the “cheap” options are more exposed to wallet-sucking mistakes, or even an audit.
I see so many mistakes from my new clients prior years taxes, I have said it before and I will say it again “All Tax Preparers are not the same. “
Do you remember when even the former Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, testified about tax irregularities in his own personal returns? Do you remember what DIDN’T help him find those irregularities?
Turbo Tax. (Link to a brief clip of his testimony before the Senate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKVxGlkPRlo#t=130 )
And he’s not alone here in Thousand Oaks. But there’s a good way to fix that problem…
… and a BIG incentive to do so, by the way, at the end of my Note.
Turbo-Charged Audits and Mistakes — Eliminated By Skylar Dubrow CPA
“Talent is a gift that brings with it an obligation to serve the world, and not ourselves, for it is not of our making.” -Jose Marti
You may have heard me say it before, but it’s true: Did you know that we Thousand Oaks-area tax accountants sometimes joke to one another about how good these online software programs (TaxSlayer, TurboTax, TaxACT, FreeFile, etc.) are for our business? Firstly, they are not as “easy to use” as claimed, and secondly … they cost you an arm and a leg.
You might think they’re cheap. And on the surface, you might be right (though, in the last few years, a $1 Billion class action lawsuit was filed in the federal court in Philadelphia alleging gross misstatement of fees and deceptive standards of the federal “FreeFile” program … so even on the surface, it wasn’t always cheap). But I’m not even talking about the money for the service itself.
Using those programs can end up leaving hundreds, or even thousands of your dollars in the coffers of Uncle Sam … even if you follow all of their instructions to a tee. I see it all the time — frustrated Thousand Oaks-area tax preparation clients bringing in their prior year’s tax return, astonished at all the “hidden money” my staff and I are able to find for them.
Even worse…
Choosing the wrong method, or forms, in filing your taxes can place you directly in the crosshairs for an audit.
Even if you don’t owe a ton of back taxes, you still don’t want your record to show some IRS agent that there has been a discrepancy of some kind in the past, so that red flags begin to fly, and then more bureaucratic people start looking through all of your past tax filings and current income holdings … basically taking your social security number, and poking around in your private life.
(And if you think they won’t do this, read a little online about the increased “enforcement” measures the IRS has been taking the last few years.)
They can do a lot of things you won’t want them to do. However, if you keep a clean slate (no IRS correspondence with you, related to filing your taxes incorrectly), the opportunities for them to mess with your personal stuff will be limited.
Here’s another reason why this is so important … now more than ever. New government regulations in 2013-4 (including the much-delayed ACA regulations), delays in Congressional action, and issues with refund “loans” from the big chains are creating a mess in the tax industry… and the “Big Brand Names” (you know who I’m talking about) do NOT want you to think much about it. In fact, they’re doing all they can this year to hold on to their business, and trust me — it is not always good for you.
Yes, it can be seductive to “go it alone” … to trust a piece of software to point out possible deductions. To trust your work to poorly-trained preparers in a big box office. To protect against your chances of audits through online chatroom support or hourly employees.
But it can be a big trap.
Just ask Tim Geithner.
And once again, allow me to remind you that though we are VERY busy right now, we always have time for you. Give us a call at (818) 889-7285 , and let’s get your tax return started right now… Find out why our clients refer to us as the best tax preparation service in Thousand oaks.
Warmly,
Skylar Dubrow CPA
(818) 889-7285
Preparing a correct and accurate tax return is our priority. We proudly stand behind our work and if a mistake does happen that is our fault, we will immediate correct the mistake and gladly refund your money if requested.
If any penalties or interest are incurred due to our mistake, we will do everything we can to fix the problem and cover any penalties should they arise.
We feel so confident in our processes to account for all deductions and uncover hidden deductions that we guarantee that you will pay the lowest amount of taxes legally possible. We spend a good amount of time correcting and fixing other so called tax pros mistakes and oversights.
We are so committed to giving out clients the best service. We do this by taking thte time to understand our clients situation and asking the right questions to make sure every deduction is accounted for. And remember we work for you, NOT the IRS.
Not only do we prepare an accurate tax return, we will inform you of tax saving strategies and best record keeping practices should we see fit.
Starting January 1, 2017, all our returns come with our “Silver” Stress Free Audit Insurance, FREE with paid tax preparation. Our Silver package includes our full support when handling IRS and State Notices for the 2016 tax year. If you receive a notice, send it to us and we will work with you to organize the required documentation and we will respond to the IRS on your behalf.
“Many tax experts are predicting an increase in IRS audits (because of the system automation), as well as an increase in audits by the state”
Our Gold Package adds our representation for an actual IRS audit for the current year. Whether it be an “audit by mail”, or an actual audit at one of the IRS locations, we will work with you to compile all the necessary documentation and represent you in front of the IRS for no additional charge. Our fees to represent our clients in an audit scenario can range from $1000- $2500 & up depending on time and complexities.
Our Gold option is an optional add on service & not included with regular tax preparation. Gold protection covers the current tax year only regardless of when you get audited.
The IRS and state authorities are behind in auditing tax returns and matching reporting documents to tax returns.They are currently working on 2012 & 2013 years.
Our Platinum level package covers you for a period of 7 years. It Is just like our Gold package, but it includes the currtent year and 6 prior years. We will provide audit coverage for prior years tax returns, even if we did not prepare them.
How is that for taking care of our clients! Once the Platinum level package is purchased, only the gold level will be required in future years as the previous years have been protected by the one time Platinum purchase.
