articles

$50 Bucks Says We Will Knock Block Off Your Back!

Submitted by taxman on January 30, 2009 - 11:25pm.

We have caller's call our office all the time and ask us about our pricing.  They usually ask "how much do you charge to do xyz?"  We try and ask the proper questions so that we can provide a good faith estimate.  The next thing we hear is "That is more than H&R Block".

Allow me to share a secret with you that most folks don't know.  We are a CPA firm.  As a CPA firm we have a higher professional standard than  H&R Block.  Therefore, if we are higher it is justified.

The fact is, I have never seen a bill from H&R Block that was cheaper than my bill on a similar return in the next filing season.  You just read it once but let me put it another way.  In 19+ years of preparing tax returns I have never seen an H&R Block bill that was less expensive than our bill on a similar tax return and that is comparing their previous years bill with our current year bill.

( categories: tax prep )

Tax Return Check List

Submitted by taxman on January 3, 2007 - 9:52am.

Make sure we have everything necessary to process your tax return quickly and get you the BIGGEST REFUND Allowed by Law: CALL FOR APPOINTMENT (256)739-3195

( categories: services )

Found Money

Submitted by admin on February 23, 2005 - 2:02pm.

Many taxpayers leave money on the table, due to missed deductions even qualified tax preparers miss. Bring your tax returns and related documents into our office, and we'll help you find lost money! If you don't have more money coming back, we charge nothing! No Risk.

( categories: services )

The Ant and Grasshopper Two Tales

Submitted by taxman on July 15, 2010 - 1:17pm.
THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER

This one is a little different.... Two Different Versions................. Two Different Morals

 
OLD VERSION

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away..

Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.

The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!
MODERN VERSION
( categories: helpful info )

RAL Bank Discontinues Business, No Need to Panic

Submitted by taxman on May 6, 2010 - 2:07pm.

JP Morgan Chase Bank (Formerly Chase and Bank One) has notified my office that they are no longer going to participate in the Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) program that T&M has used since our inception.  They thought so much of our business relationship that they sent me the following letter on April 30, 2010 to notify me of their decision.

Letter:  We are writing to let you know that we have decided to discontinue our Tax Related Products business because it does not fit strategically with JP Morgan Chase’s businesses.  We have appreciated working with you to help your customers and hope you share our pride in the significant improvements we have made together over the last three years.

( categories: business )

2010 Contest Winners

Submitted by taxman on May 6, 2010 - 1:53pm.

Our 2010 referral contest was once again a tremendous success.  I don't mind sharing with you that dollar for dollar comparisons to any other advertising that we have ever tried, your referrals are the best value.  The results are final and the grand prize winner was Tanya Bender.  Tanya won a 42" HDTV.  Second place through 14 place all had the same number of referrals so a drawing was held.  Second place ($200 gift certificate) went to Kevin and Rachel Holland and Third Place ($100 gift certificate) went to Thomas and Christina Shipp.  We look forward to the 2011 filing season.  If you have prize suggestions for us drop us an email or give us a call.  

( categories: business )

Why Incorporate And Then Do It Incorrectly?

Submitted by taxman on January 27, 2010 - 2:04pm.
There are many different reasons for choosing to Incorporate your business.  The best reason is typcially liability protection for personal assets.  I see and hear stories of all kinds of poorly formed and or operated corporate entities  which do little to protect the owners when they need it.  Here is a well written piece from a business associate and friend that has a very good feel for this issue.  The bottom line is don't do it if you do not intend to maintain the correct form which means following processes that will limit the way you conduct business.  
( categories: business )

2010 Mileage Rates

Submitted by taxman on January 27, 2010 - 1:54pm.

The standard mileage rates for 2010 are:

50 cents for business miles

16.5 cents for medical miles and moving miles

14 cents for charitable miles

PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!  keep that mileage log so your tax deduction will be bullet proof!

( categories: helpful info )

Highlights of Changes for Individuals 2009

Submitted by taxman on January 15, 2010 - 10:16am.
Incentives for Individuals
Tax breaks and credit enhancements for individuals include a refundable “making work pay” credit, an increased firsttime homebuyer credit, enhanced earned income and child tax credits, a deduction for taxes paid on new vehicles, and an improved education credit. Also included in the Recovery Act is a one-year AMT patch.
( categories: tax code )

IRS Notice Is 10 Pages Long For Missing W-2

Submitted by taxman on July 28, 2009 - 9:42am.

My office has recently received two notices from the IRS concerning a missing W-2 on a tax return.  In both cases the notice was 10 pages long and the explanation section (page 7 see pdf below) fails to foot and cross foot per their own schedule.  This is something that is common in the computer world among programmers that don't understand accountability and cross checking one's work.  This is not something that is acceptable in basic accounting circles much less tax notices from the IRS.

( categories: helpful info )