Many taxpayers feel helpless when it comes to an IRS audit. They often make rash decisions, which can involve deciding to forgo hiring a lawyer or reluctantly paying what the IRS has decided their adjusted tax liability should be. An attorney possesses the necessary skills required to properly handle the tax issues that you are currently facing and will take the time to evaluate your tax return and come up with the right strategy. These professionals have years of experience working with tax codes and regulations and are prepared to fight for your rights.
By using a tax attorney from the very beginning, many tax issues can be avoided. Using software or tax return processing stores can often lead to mistakes and additional tax liabilities. These methods do not provide you with the assistance you need when the IRS decides to conduct an audit. An attorney can also advise you of tax advantages that you are not currently taking advantage of with your personal or business planning. You may find that you are not claiming all of the tax deductions that you deserve.
Another major point to consider is attorney-client privilege. When you hire an attorney to handle an audit, your affairs are kept in the strictest of confidences. You can rest assured knowing that you can provide your attorney with all the information that they need to properly defend your case.
With a full-blown audit, an IRS agent will likely come to your home or business to comb through your records looking for inconsistencies. Without the advice and counsel of a tax attorney, you would be leaving yourself open to being pressed by an agent to admit things that are not true and to incriminate yourself. A lawyer is your best ally against an IRS agent and their intrusive techniques.
Take the time to organize and maintain accurate, reliable records. This includes keeping a financial trail for business income and expenses, gathering cash receipts and disbursements; utilizing a program such as Quicken, QuickBooks or even an Excel spreadsheet to compile financial information and reconciling information with bank statements. Ms. El-Baz says, “This year the IRS will focus keenly on Schedule C filers. In the event of an audit, they will require bank statements for 14 months, including December of the previous year and the January following. It's important to keep separate checking accounts and credit cards for business and personal expenses, so that the information is easily accessible” and to avoid discrepancies.
Take deductions for space in your home exclusively designated for your business. You can also deduct expenses such as portion of utilities costs, cell and home phones, internet and use of personal vehicle. The mileage allowance for vehicles is.48 cents per mile and depreciation coverage. Ms. El-Baz advises, “Keep a log or journal of travel and business purpose.
If you need help, get it – inexpensively. If your business efforts are best served in a particular, more pressing area, consider outsourcing other responsibilities. “You don't have to wear multiple hats. In this financial downturn, you can retain consultants and freelancers to do bookkeeping, etc. cheaply and expertly.”
Check out the first year of business depreciation tax write-off. Now entrepreneurs and small business owners can take advantage of the generous savings potential and tax benefit available with the expansion of Section 179. Your business may be entitled to a deduction of up to $125,000 on tangible personal property assets and capital expenditures. This includes office equipment, furniture, fixtures, software and storage facilities. When filing your tax return, you must complete Form 4562 for Depreciation and Amortization. You must file for the write-off in the current year as it is not retroactive unless you filed for an extension before the actual due date.
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