Questions Which Might Affect Your 2011 Tax Bill

“If you treat an individual as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be.” -Goethe

I have a few questions for you, which won’t take very long to answer, but can help US help you keep your taxes down, even for this year. Just email the answers to the nine questions below to newerataxaccounting@gmail.com – and with your permission, we’ll contact you to set up an appointment.


You see, I’m doing something a little different here this week.
As you know, I love to write about current events, personal finance issues and information that matters to YOU with my Weekly Note (we try to keep the tax information concise and as pertinent as possible — knowing that most of our clients prefer we handle that all for them), as we did, for example, last week with the information about the looming higher ed bubble.

Well, with two months (less!) remaining in 2011, there may be a few moves we can make that can help your tax hit before we’re forced into “reaction mode” — which is the only mode out of which after-the-fact tax work can be done. So, if at all possible, I’d like to change that paradigm for you by having you answer a few short questions for me…

So, without further ado — some questions for you:

1) Have you had a significant change in your wage income this year?

2) Have you taken capital gains or losses this year? Are you planning to?

3) Did you start or sell a business this year?

BONUS QUESTION: Do you know anyone who did, that would like input on their tax situation?

4) Did you purchase real estate?

5) Did you make your full contributions to retirement accounts?

6) Have you considered a Roth IRA?

7) Did you withdraw from retirement accounts, and for what purpose?

**8) Have you sent your family and friends our way — and, if not, is there something which we can help you with to make this easier?

9) Are there any other issues you think we should know about?
Now — the answers to these questions form the “tip of the iceberg”, and they will help us to know which direction to take as we work with you over the next two months to prepare for year-end. With your permission, we’ll contact you back, as appropriate, and set up a time to discuss them further with you, whether by phone or other method.

We’re really looking forward to serving you WELL this year — and greatly appreciate your helping us do that!

To You and Your Family’s Peace of Mind!

Questions Which Might Affect Your 2011 Tax Bill