Resource: Tax Guides & Tips

As a CPA with a background in tax return preparation, I was forced to come to terms with the reality that an explanation of what I did for a living would most likely be met with a grimace, a scrunched forehead, and the predictable response of “Really? I’m sorry.”  As improbable as it may seem, I did indeed choose the profession on my own volition.

However, it does bring to light a glaring fact: People hate taxes and they hate preparing their tax return even more.  Even if a refund is at the end of the IRS rainbow, the average person will wait until the last minute to file or they will have a geek like me take care of everything. 

So what causes this pervasive tax-prepa-phobia?  Easy answer: The legalese-laden Internal Revenue Code, tax forms, and tax publications.  Even some of the form instructions need their own set of instructions!  Don’t get me wrong, I recognize the IRC has helped maintain a demand for CPAs and tax preparers, but what about those individuals who don’t have the financial means or inclination to pay someone $150+ per hour to help plan or prepare their taxes?

Since most people fit into this group and choose to prepare their own taxes, we have brought together some Guides & Tips on our Resources page that should help in this annual endeavor, including links to IRS Forms and Instructions, MSN Tax Center, and IRS Taxpayer Advocate Services.  We hope to offer periodic help through our posts, but we will also regularly update our tax guides & tips resources as we find them.

If you have any suggestions or questions, please pass them along below or shoot me an email!

- Matt

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