Have A CPA Do The Taxes This Year?

According to IRS data, 59% of e-filed tax returns received last year came from tax professionals vs . 41% self-prepared. This year with Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in effect some taxpayers may choose to hire a CPA to prepare their taxes even if they’ve done it themselves in years past, especially if they have business income, higher education expenses, make significant contributions to charity or own retirement accounts.

Taxpayers are having trouble contacting the IRS directly for answers to their tax questions this year vs. last as the IRS continues to pump out new guidance around tax reform changes, and grapples with tough decisions affecting tax payer rights protections.

National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) Nina E. Olson released her 2018 Annual Report to Congress (NTA 2018 report) in February 2019. In the report Ms. Olson describes challenges the IRS is experiencing collecting tax and simultaneously acting as an advocate for taxpayers through the Tax Payer Advocate Services (TAS); challenges exacerbated during the government shutdown which stretched from midnight December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019 (35 days), the longest shut down in history, following on the heels of the largest tax overhaul in 30 years, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

In an Executive Summary NTA describes the most serious problems taxpayers face in dealing with the IRS and diagrams taxpayer experiences in ‘roadmaps’; presenting Congress with a sense of the frustrations a typical taxpayer faces attempting to gain quality information and resolve disputes with the IRS.

CPAs have the knowledge and experience to be more accessible, efficient and client friendly. We are here to serve the public and advocate for you, the client, in reporting and paying tax. SoundCPA‘s work with you is tailored to your unique lifestyle and future plans. With the security and convenience of a secure client portal, ongoing news and updates, and electronic filing. During your initial client consultation with SoundCPA (on-line or in person at SoundCPA in Bellevue, WA) you receive an assessment of your tax situation and an estimate of any remaining costs to complete this year’s return. You’ll get follow up with news and updates for an even better job serving you in the future. Ready to get your taxes done?