March 2020
“… in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin
With dramatic quotes like that (from one of our founding fathers, no less), it’s no wonder why more than 50% of US taxpayers get anxious every year when tax season rolls around. April 15th may be approaching fast, but there’s no reason for you to stress; getting your taxes completed is as easy as 1, 2, 3… and 4!
- Earlier is always better
It might seem to go without saying, but the earlier you start filing your return, the better it is for everyone involved. Not only will you get the stress off your chest sooner, but any refunds you might receive will get back to you quicker. Additionally, if you know your return is going to take longer, give DSJ the time to process your return, with no rush.
- Keep your documents organized
Again, this tip might seem obvious, but it’s easy to lose track of mail—especially around this time of year when tax documents are coming in from every which way. Whether it’s electronic or physical, make sure to file and safely store any and all documents you need for your return. Not sure if you’ll need it or not? Err on the side of caution and hold onto any documents that seem useful; our CPAs will take care of the rest!
- Stay up to date on tax laws
According to a survey, 57% of American taxpayers are not confident in how well they understand the U.S. tax code. It’s not just your right, it’s your responsibility as a taxpaying citizen to know and understand how new adjustments to tax laws can affect you and your return. The IRS doesn’t accept ignorance as an excuse to escape liability. Fortunately, simple search on the DSJ website will show you important tax law updates and can help you understand other aspects of your return.
- Communicate regularly with all involved
We won’t leave you hanging once you’ve sent your documents off to us—we’ll keep in contact with you every step of the process. But don’t be shy and feel free to ask questions; we like answering your questions because they give us insight into your “tax world.” More communication will leave little room for uncertainty in your return status, which means less room for stress.
Remember, our accountants at DSJ are happy to help you stay stress-free this tax season. Keep in touch with us throughout the year so we can help you stay organized and stress-free during tax season and the rest of the year.