Accounting & Management Services, accounting, bookkeeping, taxes, irs audits, business planning and more for the Milton, Pace & Pensacola area in NW Florida.
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you get an audit by the IRS, can both of them represent you?

CPAs are authorized to represent taxpayers in an IRS audit, as are attorneys and other professionals known as enrolled agents (EA).

An EA is an individual who has demonstrated technical competence in the field of taxation and is the only taxpayer representative who receives their right to practice from the U.S. government. An accountant can only represent a taxpayer before the IRS if he or she is an EA.

How do I know if I can do my own taxes or if I need to consult a certified public accountant?

The IRS estimates that it can take 28 ˝ hours to research tax law, organize your records, and complete a standard 1040 return with three common schedules. Tax law is constantly changing, so it is important that you are educated about these changes so you correctly fill out your forms. Being technologically savvy is also important as tax preparation software can help eliminate errors, both mathematical and technical. If you’re not comfortable with using this type of software, you may want to contact a professional.

If you’re a salaried employee who takes the standard deduction, your return is likely to be simple. However, if you’ve encountered a major life change, such as marriage or divorce, or own a vacation home or rental property, your tax situation may be more complicated. Self-employed individuals and small business owners are more likely to be audited by the IRS, and working with an accounting professional will help lessen that risk. In addition, if you have a high income, live in a state with high income taxes, or have a lot of miscellaneous itemized deductions, you could be subjected to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). The AMT, which eliminates many itemized deductions and was created to ensure that the wealthy pay their share of taxes, is now affecting more middle-class taxpayers. If you think this might affect you, consult an accounting professional.

Should I consult accounting professional if I am starting a new business?

It is imperative that you contact a accounting professional. You will need to discuss the organization of your company for tax purposes as well as numerous other issues relating to operations, not the least of which will be setting your target pricing and gross profit margins. Don’t wait until the year-end to have this discussion. You could be making decisions without the proper advice, and that could wind up hurting you financially or legally.

How long should I keep my tax records?

All business records, especially sales and payroll must be kept for seven years. The Social Security Administration requires discrepancy be resolve anytime within this seven year window. The IRS and the states will audit within the seven year window. Keep all federal, state and local returns indefinitely and the all supporting documents for seven (7) years. Real Estate and stock market transactions records should be kept. Tax consequences of a transaction can depend on events that happened years earlier. Taxpayers often keep files in a single, easily accessible location. Consider keeping your files in a safe deposit box or other safe place outside your home.

What is a business strategic plan?

The family strategic plan establishes policies for the family’s role in the business and is needed to maintain a healthy, viable business. For example, it should include the creed or mission statement that spells out your family’s values and basic policies for the business, and it may include an entry and exit policy that outlines the criteria for working in the business. The plan should consider which family members desire to have a part in management of the business versus those who desire a more passive role.

What is an estate plan?

An estate plan is a written document that outlines the disposal of one’s estate and includes such things as a will, trust, power of attorney, and a living will. An estate plan is critical for the family and the business because without it, you will pay higher estate taxes than necessary, allocating less of the estate to your heirs. The estate plan should be used in conjunction with the succession plan to see that the family business is transferred in a tax effective manner.

Your Local Northwest FL EA Accounting Firm

If you’d like to know more about Accounting & Management Services, Inc. and our accounting services, please give us a call at 850-994-5691. We look forward to showing you how we can help you save time and money by partnering with a top Northwest Florida accounting firm.
 


Gary Ward, EA


Jennifer Morris, Partner


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