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It should come as no surprise that there are a lot of people with tax questions. The way that the tax code is written, it is a wonder that anyone can thoroughly understand it all. Accountants, and tax preparers, will endure several years of college, and constant learning, to be able to decipher some of the tax codes.
It would be one thing if the codes were a standard set that applied to everyone. However, it is constantly changing with some deductions not available one year from the next, different income levels that can attain certain savings, dependants and how they are factored into the return, and different forms to use for each level of filing and income.
How can anyone make any sense out of all this? Where do you go if you have tax questions for your own tax preparation?
1. IRS Website
If you have a tax question, you can probably find it at the IRS website. There are several different areas where you can look at to get the answer you are looking for. Many sections have a dedicated FAQ that has been put together because many people have the same questions you have. When you have a tax question, the IRS website will be a good place to find out the answers.
2. Certified Tax Preparer
Many places like H&R Block will set up times to talk with you about any tax questions you may have. They will try to explain to you what your options are, which forms you need, what deductions you can take, and how to fill out each form so you get the best return. Some of the questions you might ask would be;
3. Buy a Tax Book
You can try to learn on your own and purchase a new tax book each year. If you are good at research and can organize your reading, you can find answers to your questions with a yearly tax book. You can usually find these at the local library, or through a bookstore.
4. Income Tax Forms
When you get your forms in the mail, or through the post office, or library they will be located in a new workbook that will explain some of the process. Some of your tax questions may be contained within that workbook. Read it carefully before starting to work on your own income taxes. In the end, if you still have questions, you should take your tax returns to a certified professional where they can help you get the best return.
It would be one thing if the codes were a standard set that applied to everyone. However, it is constantly changing with some deductions not available one year from the next, different income levels that can attain certain savings, dependants and how they are factored into the return, and different forms to use for each level of filing and income.
How can anyone make any sense out of all this? Where do you go if you have tax questions for your own tax preparation?
1. IRS Website
If you have a tax question, you can probably find it at the IRS website. There are several different areas where you can look at to get the answer you are looking for. Many sections have a dedicated FAQ that has been put together because many people have the same questions you have. When you have a tax question, the IRS website will be a good place to find out the answers.
2. Certified Tax Preparer
Many places like H&R Block will set up times to talk with you about any tax questions you may have. They will try to explain to you what your options are, which forms you need, what deductions you can take, and how to fill out each form so you get the best return. Some of the questions you might ask would be;
- What is a split refund?
- What is the age limit for dependants?
- What changes have been made in the tax laws this past year?
- What form do I need for deductions?
- How much does a student have to make before they file?
3. Buy a Tax Book
You can try to learn on your own and purchase a new tax book each year. If you are good at research and can organize your reading, you can find answers to your questions with a yearly tax book. You can usually find these at the local library, or through a bookstore.
4. Income Tax Forms
When you get your forms in the mail, or through the post office, or library they will be located in a new workbook that will explain some of the process. Some of your tax questions may be contained within that workbook. Read it carefully before starting to work on your own income taxes. In the end, if you still have questions, you should take your tax returns to a certified professional where they can help you get the best return.
