The tax laws are complex and they change every year. It leaves one uneasy at the start of each new year knowing they will soon have to see what changes affect them and how to plan accordingly. Follow these easy tips to make your tax filing experience easier.   

Start early (like this week). Any unpleasant chore becomes more difficult if it's left until the last minute. Get out last year's return and look it over. Your prior return or a tax organizer can be a real timesaver, and a money saver as well, since it jogs your memory concerning income and deductions you might otherwise overlook.

Summarize deductions. Go through your checkbook, credit card statements, and receipts for cash purchases looking for possible deductions. Add up the totals for medical expenses, union dues, mortgage interest, real estate taxes, charitable donations, work-related expenses, personal property taxes, and any other items that you think may be tax deductible.

Gather all tax documents you receive.  Typical forms include:

• Form W-2 Statement of wages
• Form 1099-R Distributions from pensions, annuities, retirement or profit sharing, IRAs, insurance contracts, etc.
• Form 1099 Interest, dividends, royalties, etc.
• Form 1099-G State & local income tax refunds
• Form 1099-B and Brokerage Statements Sales of securities
• K-1s income and deduction from partnerships, S corporations, trusts
• Form 1095 Proof of health insurance

Correct discrepancies before you file. The IRS matches the documents it receives from various sources with the information you report on your tax return - for example, the interest income as reported on Form 1099. If you receive information returns that are inaccurate, contact the issuer to get a corrected form. If you cannot get a correction, plan on attaching an explanatory note to your tax return.

Don't forget tax-exempt income. Don't forget to keep records concerning your tax-exempt income. The amount must be reported on your tax return, even though it is not taxable income to you.

Get required numbers. Your return requires that you give social security numbers for any dependents you claim.

Review children's filing requirements. As you gather information on your income and expenses, don't forget to review the same information for your children. Your children may have filing requirements.

Schedule your tax appointment early. Afterward, you may need time to chase down missing records or resolve other problems before the April filing deadline.

Identify your tax payments. In order to have your tax payments properly identified and credited to you, put complete information on every check you send to the IRS. Include your name, address, social security number or business ID number, type of tax being paid, and the tax year involved. Don't combine two or more payments on one check; always send a separate check for each tax payment.

Keep good records. Assume that your return could be selected for an audit. Keep bank statements, cancelled checks, and records supporting income and deductions for seven years from the date your return is filed (including any filing extensions).

To stay informed throughout the year on important tax updates, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter here.  Please contact us at Lichtenstein, Briefman and Sabella PLLC if you’d like assistance with your 2019 tax filing.

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Lichtenstein, Briefman and Sabella PLLC
Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors
2501 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 366-3737