“Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for fewer problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenges, wish for more wisdom.”
– Earl Shoaf
Congratulations to the Saints–the Super Bowl was a lot of fun to watch (for a change!), and I think almost everyone is happy for New Orleans (except, perhaps, Indianapolis). Oh, and in case you’re wondering, “Who Dat” is the Saint’s rallying cry–I didn’t have a sudden grammar breakdown (because I KNOW I would hear from a few of you, if I didn’t make that clear!).
And, the ads didn’t completely disappoint either. My favorite was Betty White clamoring for the football in a huddle (Snickers)–which was yours?
So…moving in to your world a bit closer, I wanted to first ask you: Do you have any questions about getting your taxes prepared which I can answer? A big part of why I post these weekly blogs is to ensure that YOU have a “lifeline” when it comes to getting your taxes handled properly.
So please do feel free to drop me a note with any questions–and your thoughts on my blogs are welcome, as well.
You’ve probably figured out that I’m not your “normal” tax professional. “Normal” is a bit more like what most *other* families have to deal with, and I address it in this week’s Strategy Note…
“Real World” Personal Strategy
Mistakes Made During Tax Season (Part 4)
Choosing a Tax Professional Who Doesn’t Relate to YOU
Most people don’t realize this, but many tax professionals live in a whole different world.
It’s a world with its own language, and it can be mind-numbing for the normal tax professional. “Schedule C”, “Offer In Compromise”, “Comparable Contributions”…blah, blah, blah. And when you sit down to talk with these guys, that’s all that comes out of their mouth! Which is why I mostly try to avoid other tax professionals.
Many CPA’s have a ton of experience in complicated accounting practices, doing very complex audit work and usually doing a really great job helping some large business or very high net worth rich guy with diverse investments and tax havens. But, for most tax returns that are filed each year … nah.
Look, does this sound like your tax return? I didn’t think so. You are not alone. The majority of regular middle income folks don’t want to wade into the swamp of all the stuff that other CPA’s and tax professionals deal with. They just want it done right, get the most money back from Uncle Sam, and they want it done fast.
Am I saying all these guys don’t know what they’re doing? Absolutely not. There are some Certified Public Accountants who take the time to keep up with the latest tax laws and are still able to speak the language of the client. But, in most cases you are better off finding a tax preparer who is good at doing what *you* need done. And in this case, if the tax professional prepares a lot of middle income tax returns already, that’s even better.
Think of it this way: Would you use a sledge hammer to hang a picture frame? (I didn’t think so.)
Remember: Go with a tax professional with TAX preparing experience, not just auditing or accounting or something else that doesn’t relate to you!
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I hope all this helps. To your family’s financial and emotional peace…