Sunday, August 4, 2013

Louisiana Tax Preparation Services Can Help Both Individuals And Businesses

By Cathy Mercer


Filing taxes is a requirement for most individuals and businesses-one that many people dread. Even individuals who are low income are often required to file a return, such as if they qualify for the earned income credit. In Louisiana tax preparation services can assist any individual or entity in filing accurate and timely returns.

Finding a tax preparer depends upon a couple of factors. What type of return you need to file is the first consideration. A single individual or a couple who files as married filing joint with wage income and no dependents can file a 1040EZ, which is the shortest form and very easy to fill out. A tax preparer will charge less for this form than for any other complete form.

A 1040A is slightly more complicated than a 1040EZ and is for taxpayers who have wage income and do not choose to itemize deductions. 1040A filers can claim dependents and credits such as the earned income credit and the child tax credit. Filers of this form can choose to pay the alternative minimum tax version tax from a tax table.

A 1040 form (also known as the long form) has certain instances when it must be used. It must be filed if the individual's income is over $100,000 or if they choose to itemize deductions. This form must also be used if the individual has self-employment income.

Itemized deductions can be of benefit to an individual in certain cases. The majority of taxpayers take advantage of the standard deduction, however if one has a large amount of medical expenses, property taxes, or charitable contributions, itemized deductions can reduce the tax owed in excess of the standard deduction. Medical deductions must meet certain requirements, and can include insurance premiums, if not paid for by the individual's employer.

All businesses can benefit from using a tax service. Many tax preparers are also bookkeepers or accountants and can be used the rest of the year to record and classify income and expenses. This also makes the tax filing process easier at the end of the year, or the end of the quarter in some cases. A preparer who is also a CPA can often give tax advice to businesses and individuals that could help reduce tax liability.

Any individual who owns a sold proprietorship is also required to file a form known as the Schedule C or the Schedule EZ. This form lists income and expenses, including a deduction for use of a vehicle. Half of the tax resulting from self employment is deductible on the 1040. This is referred to as a pre-AGI (adjusted gross income) deduction. This type of deduction reduces overall tax liability. The type of business entity that an individual owns determines the form that is needed for filing. This can be easily discerned by a professional preparer.

In Louisiana tax preparation can be taken care of easily and efficiently by contacting one of many tax professionals in the area. These professionals often specialize in a particular type of tax, so the individual should ask questions to determine if that company is a good fit for their situation. Timely filing of taxes saves money, as penalties do incur if filing is not done on time. A good tax preparer will ensure that deadlines are met and all requirements are satisfied.




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