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Summer time is tax pro time

July 27, 2011

Did you get an extension to file your return?

Or are you wondering what you can do this last half of the year to reduce your 2011 tax bill?

Maybe you've finally decided that it's time to turn your taxes over to a pro.

Seeking tax help Now's the perfect time to find the find a tax preparer who can help you with whatever tax situation you're facing. That's why it's this week's Weekly Tax Tip.

The crazy filing season is long gone. It's almost three months until the Oct. 17 extended tax filing deadline arrives. So most tax professionals have a bit more time now — as soon as they get back from one of the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums.

But don't begrudge a preparer for taking time to attend these tax-info-intensive three-day events. Such continuing education is exactly one of the things you need to look for in a tax preparer.

It means your potential new tax adviser is committed to knowing the latest tax laws, Internal Revenue Service regulations and tips on how to better serve clients.

The first step is to determine what type of return preparer you need. You've got lots of tax pro options, from franchise firms to attorneys.

Once you decide which tax pro is right for you, then you have to select the specific person and thoroughly check out that preparer.

Making the best choice will take some time. So get to it now. And once you've hired the perfect tax pro, you can enjoy the rest of your summer as well as next year's filing season.

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The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic. 

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TAX-SAVVY WAYS 
TO WRAP UP 2026

It’s over! With October’s extended filing deadline behind us, it is now time to focus on year-end moves to reduce your 2026 tax bill. 

You’ll find ways to do just that on the Tax Tips page (see the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of the blog), as well as the separate tax tip pages for each month, notably October through December. If you’re on the Tax Tips page, you’ll find a monthly list at the end of this column. If you’re on another blog page, you can head straight to the October tips; at the bottom of that tips page you’ll find links to all the other 11 months’ collections of tax advice.

Not to spoil what you’ll find in that tax advice, but it does cover such things as tax deductions for charitable donations, investment moves that could reduce tax due, and ways to max out your tax-favored retirement savings. 

Finally, as the year winds down, things get hectic. There are lots of other things to occupy our time, like the much more fun upcoming holidays. But don’t lose sight of taxes, since timing is key. To be of use, most tax moves must be made by the end of the tax year. That’s Thursday, Dec. 31, which also is the last business day of the year. 

So that you don’t miss that final tax year deadline, also keep an eye on the countdown clock below. It will keep you on top of just how much time is left to make important, tax-saving moves. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

Credits/Deductions
Disasters
Family
Filing and Paying Taxes
Politics/Laws
Refunds
State Taxes
Tax Brackets/Inflation
Tax Tips
Comments
  • ecole de film
    15 years ago Reply

    If you plan your tax before then you no need to worry about the tax. So always plan your tax before.

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