April 18thIt’s “go time” around here. Our phones are buzzing, the email inboxes are overflowing, but we are focused like a laser beam on giving our clients the BEST service for their time (and wallet), and ensuring that nobody is paying Uncle Sam more than they should.

We’ve invested a lot into this time of year — in education, client management software (so that nothing falls through the cracks), and in staffing — all so that we serve you extremely well. Some tax professionals fly through these last few weeks in a caffeine-soaked haze, but in truth, we are more focused than we’ve ever been … and thrilled that we get to serve people like you.

We see the kinds of lives our clients lead, and we are privileged to play a small part in helping them do it all so well.

But yes — there are a few deadlines coming up, and I’d like to take this chance to remind you of them.

It’s not just taxes that come calling on April 18th this year (yes, you read that right — the tax deadline is a few days later than normal this year).

Now before I explain, if you’ve already had us complete your taxes, I do have a favor:

Would you leave us a review on Yelp or Google Maps for other potential clients to see? We have found that these sources can be so helpful for people evaluating their options, and we would love to have as much information there as possible. Thank you!

 

Now, onto those deadlines…

Aurelia Weems’ List of What Else Is Due On April 18th

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Yes, personal federal income taxes are due on Tuesday, April 18th 2017.

But that’s not all.

I truly hope this is not overwhelming, and some of this might not apply to you. Regardless, it’s good to know, and some of this knowledge could save you a bunch.

State tax returns are also due. The exceptions are:

  • States with no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming
  • Hawaii is due 4/20
  • Delaware is due 4/30
  • Iowa, Virginia are due 5/1
  • Louisiana is due 5/15

So, if your state is listed there, we are already on top of things accordingly for you.

Estimated tax payments for the first quarter of 2017 are due. For some clients, not only do you have to pay the federal and state bill, but you need to get started on 2017 estimated taxes. We’ve included this information for clients, and can help you make the proper payments as needed.

Last day to make an IRA contribution to affect your 2016 taxes. This might be a simple way to reduce your tax burden at the last minute. Let’s make sure we have clarity together before you do something hasty on this front, though.

Last day to claim unclaimed funds from 2013 unfiled tax returns. There are (literally) almost one BILLION dollars in unclaimed refund money available from the IRS from 2013 returns. Here’s the catch: You must claim it by April 18th, 2017. (Source: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/irs-1-billion-unclaimed-refunds.aspx)

How do you do that? Have us take a look at your return, and file an amendment if we find something which needs changing, updating, etc. There are all kinds of reasons why this might be — suffice it to say, “nothing ventured, nothing gained”.

Or, alternatively, there are people who simply didn’t FILE a return, but just trusted that the taxes withheld from paychecks were correct. Oops — that’s where the IRS gets the billions figure, because there are so many unclaimed refunds due to unfiled returns.

Either way, we can help (and routinely do). Call us.

 

Warmly,

Aurelia Weems
(936) 273-1188
Aurelia E Weems, CPA