KUZIAK'S TAX AND ACCOUNTING

12101 East Second Avenue, Suite 201A

Aurora, CO  80011

Phone: (303) 364-0400      Fax: (303) 364-0404

map and directions

Home
BOOKKEEPING
INCOME TAX
PAYROLL
SALES TAX
CONSULTING
TAX NEWS
CONTACT INFO
RATES and FEES
LINKS
TAX FORMS

INCOME TAX

Individual Income Taxes
Most people must file a 1040 (or version) for each calendar year by April 15th of the following year or, with a proper extension, no later than October 15th of the following year.  The different aspects of a person's or a family's income vary as much as the people themselves.  There are a seemingly infinite number of forms that could apply to a tax situation.  Many people have less-complex returns that can be done fairly easily by a person with some financial sense.  The availability of "do it yourself" tax preparation programs like Turbo Tax have encouraged many people to avoid paying a professional to do the job.  The benefit is a lower cost to the taxpayer.  To decide whether to employ a professional or not, each taxpayer must weigh several factors.
Will I be able to prepare a correct tax return?
How long will it take me?  Is it worth the time and effort?
Some factors that some do-it-yourselfers may not be considering are whether they are getting the most tax benefit or whether they are taking benefits which they are not entitled to.  A tax audit or re-assessment can be costly when penalties and interest are involved.  You also may be losing the benefit of future tax planning advice that could improve your future returns.  It is your decision after all, but consider that the average tax return preparation fee runs from about $75 to $175 dollars, with more complex returns generally not more than $250 to $275.  Weigh that cost against your potential added tax benefit or potential tax pitfall and decide if it is worth your time or not.

Business Income Taxes
Business income taxes vary based on the nature of the business.  Corporations are generally taxed on the 1120 or 1120S returns.  Partnerships are usually taxed on the 1165 form and non-profit organizations typically us the 990 forms.  Again, these are general statements and can vary by situation.  By and large, most small businesses employ professionals to prepare their income tax returns.  These returns are completely different than individual tax returns and the "don't try this at home" approach is advisable.  Business owners would be well advised to consult a professional before choosing their business structure.  Bookkeeping services are recommended for most small business for the added benefit of lower tax preparation fees.  The rate for tax preparation is usually more than the rate for bookkeeping preparation.

 


I

 

Send mail to shannon@kuziak.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007 BDK, Inc.
Last modified: 12/18/07