From Carol McAtee’s CPA firm in St. Petersburg, FL– IRS statistics show that an increasing number of taxpayers are using software programs to prepare and file their own returns. However, the cost savings may not be worth it. Given the complexity of the tax laws, especially when starting a new business, it is easy for taxpayers to overlook or mishandle the numerous tax deductions or required tax filings. As tax professionals, McAtee and Associates can ensure that taxpayers neither pay too much nor too little, and also help avoid mistakes or misfiling that can lead to penalties.
Additionally, there have been a number of recent court cases where taxpayers have tried to avoid penalties by claiming the tax software used caused the underpayment of tax. However, the courts have denied relief to these taxpayers, stating that the tax programs are only as good as the information put into them by the taxpayer. In not one case has a taxpayer won with this argument.
Hiring a tax professional can pay for itself, with just the addition of often-overlooked deductions and the avoidance of even small penalty amounts. As tax professionals, McAtee & Associates can help both individual and business taxpayers with all their tax matters.
ANY TAX ADVICE IN THIS COMMUNICATION IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, BY A CLIENT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF (i) AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON ANY TAXPAYER OR (ii) PROMOTING, MARKETING OR RECOMMENDING TO ANOTHER PARTY ANY MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN.
