Saturday, August 3, 2013

Louisiana Tax Preparation Services Can Help Both Individuals And Businesses

By Cathy Mercer


Getting taxes done is a necessity for all individuals and businesses. Even those who do not make enough money to be required to pay taxes often still have to file a return. In Louisiana tax preparation is available for large businesses and also those who just need to file a 1040EZ.

Choosing a tax service depends upon a few different factors. One thing to consider is the type of return that is needed. A couple who claims the filing status of married filing joint or a single individual can often file a 1040EZ. They must not claim any dependents or have income outside of certain parameters. This is also referred to as the short form and is the quickest to complete. A tax professional will charge the least for this form.

Slightly more complicated than the 1040EZ is a 1040A. This is for taxpayers who are not electing to file deductions and have income within particular parameters. These types of filers can claim dependents, the child tax credit, and the earned income credit. They can also choose to forgo the tax from the tax table and pay an alternative minimum tax. A tax preparer can assist with this calculation.

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.

Itemizing deductions can reduce tax liability in certain instances. Most of the time, the taxpayer chooses to utilize the standard deduction, which works for most people. In some cases, though, itemizing is the way to go. Some expenses, such as medical expenses over a certain threshold, charitable contributions, and property taxes can be itemized and deducted. Premiums for health insurance are also deductible, if not paid for by the individual's employer.

Business can gain a lot of benefits from hiring a tax service. In many cases, a tax preparer also services as an accountant or bookkeeper who can analyze, record and classify transactions throughout the year, create financial statements, and then file tax returns, and can even file local and state sales taxes. A preparer who also has their CPA license can offer tax advice and assist in estate planning, and can help individuals and businesses lower their tax liability.

An individual who owns a business that is a sole proprietorship must also file a Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ along with their 1040 form. Half of all self-employment tax is also deducted on the 1040 before the adjusted gross income is calculated. This reduces the overall taxable income for that individual. The type of business determines what type of form needs to be filed so it is important to check with a tax professional to be sure.

In the state of Louisiana tax preparation services are there to help and individual or business entity with filing or questions. Many professional specialize in a particular area of tax or tax law, so one should ask appropriate questions to determine which service to employ. The timely filing of tax prevents penalties, which in the case of a business can be steep. Good tax services ensure that the proper forms are filed before the deadline and that all necessary requirements are met.




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