We’re still watching the government, here at Team Paredes, your Chatsworth, CA tax preparation headquarters, even after the completion of last week’s fiscal cliff deal … but this time, it’s the IRS to whom we’ve returned (which, to be frank, we’re used to paying attention to!).

The most recent press release from the IRS states that we’ll be able to begin e-filing tax returns on January 30th. This could be pushed back, however, because the forms we all need to do our jobs (preparing taxes) have to be finalized to reflect all the recent changes.

Now, this does NOT mean that we can’t work with you or help you obtain an advance on a refund, even, if you pull together your paperwork before that point. Call us: (818)435-2321 if you’d like to hear about those options.

As for what’s changing for 2013, I’ve noticed a few “back door” tax increases which haven’t been publicized much, and I will examine those in future Notes. (One of which that HAS been getting publicity is the payroll tax holiday ending — so your paychecks from wage income will decrease a bit.)

Look — riding this tax code roller coaster is not for the faint of heart. I truly do pity those inexperienced ones who try to muddle through all of the different codes and forms on their own,without devoting even a week’s labor to the transaction. It really doesn’t pay to “go it alone” for certain tasks.

So, for those of you who want our help (and that’s the vast majority of our contacts), I’ve got a special incentive for you at the end of this … AND, I’ve put together a handy little list of what you’ll need to bring in, which is something I make a point to put out each year. There may be certain situations where we’ll need other documentation to get you even more deductions. But, of course, we’ll let you know about that, should the situation arise!

Let me know your thoughts … and of course, if you’d like to talk this over with us, we’re here for you!

Chatsworth, CA Tax Preparation Service Tax Time Document Chase List
Yes, this is a long list — but it’s the unfortunate reality of our tax code that it’s not even comprehensive! But these items will cover 95% of our clients.  Really, this is for ensuring that we’re able to help you keep every dollar you can keep under our tax code.

Even if for some strange reason you won’t be using our cost-effective services this year, feel free to use this list as a handy guide… and call with any questions: (818)435-2321

Personal Data
Social Security Numbers (including spouse and children)
Child care provider tax I.D. or Social Security Number

Employment & Income Data
W-2 forms for this year
Tax refunds and unemployment compensation: Form 1099-G
Miscellaneous income including rent: Form 1099-MISC
Partnership and trust income
Pensions and annuities
Alimony received
Jury duty pay
Gambling and lottery winnings
Prizes and awards
Scholarships and fellowships
State and local income tax refunds
Unemployment compensation

Homeowner/Renter Data
Residential address(es) for this year
Mortgage interest: Form 1098
Sale of your home or other real estate: Form 1099-S
Second mortgage interest paid
Real estate taxes paid
Rent paid during tax year
Moving expenses

Financial Assets
Interest income statements: Form 1099-INT & 1099-OID
Dividend income statements: Form 1099-DIV
Proceeds from broker transactions: Form 1099-B
Retirement plan distribution: Form 1099-R
Capital gains or losses

Financial Liabilities
Auto loans and leases (account numbers and car value) if vehicle used for business
Student loan interest paid
Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other fixed time deposits

Automobiles
Personal property tax information
Department of Motor Vehicles fees

Expenses
Gifts to charity (receipts for any single donations of $250 or more)
Unreimbursed expenses related to volunteer work
Unreimbursed expenses related to your job (travel expenses, entertainment, uniforms, union dues, subscriptions)
Investment expenses
Job-hunting expenses
Education expenses (tuition and fees)
Child care expenses
Medical Savings Accounts
Adoption expenses
Alimony paid
Tax return preparation expenses and fees

Self-Employment Data
Estimated tax vouchers for the current year
Self-employment tax
Self-employment SEP plans
Self-employed health insurance
K-1s on all partnerships
Receipts or documentation for business-related expenses
Farm income

Deduction Documents
State and local income taxes
IRA, Keogh and other retirement plan contributions
Medical expenses
Casualty or theft losses
Other miscellaneous deductions

We hope this helps, and we really look forward to seeing you this year!

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Special Early 2013 Offer
$29.00 Off Any Tax Service
Special Gift Certificate
Print This and bring it to our office–and receive an instant $29 credit towards any tax or financial service for 2013
Expires February 15th, 2013
Not valid with any other offer
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