Skylar Dubrow CPA’s 3 Steps To Protecting Your Children’s Financial Future And More
February 24, 2016
Skylar Dubrow, CPA
Blog
February 24, 2016Skylar Dubrow, CPABlog
We are just about two months away from the tax deadline. This year (2016) the tax deadline happens to be April 18th, instead of April 15th, due to special a holiday in Washington, DC (“Emancipation Day”). More info here, if you care: http://1.usa.gov/1PzSzZL And for those of our clients in Maine or Massachusetts, you get one additional day because of “Patriots Day”, and your deadline is April 19th.
There are probably jokes to be made about special “Washington DC only” holidays, but I’ll leave them to those with more time on their hands.
Because we are really hitting our stride around here with the tax preparation process, handling a slew of new clients as well as meeting with longtime friends and clients for what, in many cases, feels like a reunion.
We love our clients very much — and not just because they help keep the lights on around here. Specifically, we are so grateful for the honor that we are given to handle these sensitive and weighty matters, such as personal finances and taxes. We don’t take it lightly!
Along those lines, I do have a favor to ask: would you leave us a review on Yelp or Google Maps for other potential clients to see? We have found that these sources can be so helpful for people evaluating their options, and would love to have as much information there as possible. Thank you!
https://www.yelp.com/writeareview/biz/vj3imS5hdVFnxbMdtuSS1w?return_url=%2Fbiz%2Fvj3imS5hdVFnxbMdtuSS1w
https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Dubrow+Group,+CPAs/@34.1541803,-118.8001795,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x3dd1133cfea87a93?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjx7ID858DKAhVkkYMKHVN9C2wQ_BIIazAK
Moving on … tax time can also be the perfect time for you to get other, long-delayed financial tasks accomplished. Especially if you have children (but even if not), there are some things that I want to make sure you consider putting into place ASAP…
Skylar Dubrow CPA’s 3 Steps To Protecting Your Children’s Financial Future And More
“The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.” – Jean Paul
When I think about what frightens parents most, seeing their children in a vulnerable position pretty much tops the list — whether it’s at home, at the pool, or any other place in public.
What exacerbates this further is knowing the fear which children themselves feel when they are surrounded by people they don’t know, and aren’t sure what to expect from what their parents have set up for them.
Put the following steps into place, and you’ll eliminate at least some of these dangers…
#1: Identify a Clear Plan for the Care of your Children.
Did you know that 74% of parents have not named guardians? Worse, of the 26% who have, most have made 1 of 6 common mistakes that leave their kids at risk.
When you name short AND long-term guardians for the care of your children, you must give clear guidance to your caregiver and everyone you’ve named to care for your children, in written form. Just by naming these guardians (both short and long-term), your children never have to be put in a situation in which they would be taken out of your home and into the hands of strangers if something happens to you.
An even better step, if your children are old enough for this discussion, is to tell them this plan. Don’t make a big deal of it … you don’t want to frighten your kids at the prospect of your loss. But they’ll feel better knowing that you’ve selected people they can trust and love to care for them well.
#2: Properly Document Your Decisions
Parents often have discussed and agreed upon a guardian for their children and have even made their wishes known to their families; however, not documenting these decisions can result in your wishes not being followed when it really is too late.
You see, if you don’t communicate your wishes in a legally-binding document, you are placing your children in a “free for all”. Without clear legal guidance, every family member has equal priority of guardianship and the decision about the care of your children will be left in the hands of a broken-down court system and some judge who doesn’t know you or your kids.
This legal documentation is particularly important if you intend for a friend to care for your children, as courts will almost always choose a family member over a friend.
Also, don’t forget to leave behind specific guidance about how you want your children raised. Education decisions, healthcare decisions, discipline decisions … these are all things you care a lot about and would want made consistent with your opinions for how your kids are raised.
#3: Don’t Neglect Their Financial Future
Sure, there’s different schools of thought on this issue. Some parents don’t want to overwhelm their children with too much in their bank accounts at once, which is understandable.
But, regardless of how you structure this provision, providing sufficient financial resources for your children’s care is your responsibility. And, as a responsible parent, you must take steps to protect what your children will receive … whether it’s through life insurance, savings or some other means.
To do so, establish a living trust, to receive any life insurance benefits your children would receive, so that they don’t get access to your assets at the age of 18; and make sure your living trust holds on to the title to any assets that would go through probate in the event of your death. And, if your estate is large enough, you will want to think through a wise strategy for handling the tax side of things as well (which, of course, we can help with).
All of these issues are things we can provide direct input to, or refer you to a trusted source if need be. So if you haven’t yet set any of these items into place, you can call us ((818) 889-7285) and say you want to discuss it during the tax meeting, or email us (simply click the button above), and we’ll be in touch just as soon as we’re able.
And remember — just because we’re busy, doesn’t mean we don’t care!
Warmly,
Skylar Dubrow CPA
(818) 889-7285
The Dubrow Group, CPAs
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.
