Four tips for working with your accountant this tax season

                Tax season 2018 is here which means it’s time to start getting all your 2017 tax information together. If you haven’t yet received your tax documents such as your 1099 or W2, you most likely will soon. It’s also time to start planning for your meeting with your tax-preparer. Here are some tips you can use which will help your accountant prepare your tax return accurately and hopefully, get you a bigger refund.

1)      Don’t wait until one day before April 15^th or (October 15^th if you are on extension) to meet your accountant. As soon as you’ve received all your tax documents, you should make an appointment to see your accountant as early as possible. The more time you give your accountant to prepare your return, the more accurate it will be. Waiting until the last minute could cause your accountant to rush and make mistakes, which will in turn, increase the chances of an IRS audit.

2)      When meeting your accountant, try to schedule your meeting as early in the morning as possible. During tax season, accountants are working 10-12 hour days. The later in the day you meet your accountant, the more tired he/she will be. You want your accountant to be fresh when talking to you about your taxes.

3)      Every accountant should give you an organizer or questionnaire. Filling out the organizer is a great way for your accountant to get a complete understanding of your tax situation for the past year.

4)      When filling out the organizer or writing any other relevant notes, make the best effort to type in your information. If not, print clearly. Do not write in cursive. Mistakes can happen if your accountant cannot read your handwriting.

Following these steps will make your accountant’s job much easier which in turn, will help your accountant prepare your return accurately and hopefully, get you a bigger refund.