Make Life Less Taxing (Part One)
Well, here we go again. April 15 is right around the corner which means it’s time to get your 2009 income tax done. Hopefully you’ve been working on your documentation throughout the past year but if you’re like most people, you only begin when you have to begin – which means you’re probably scrambling today. So, between now and April 15, I want to present you with some information that just may help your planning as you prepare to accurately fill in the blanks on your 2009 tax forms.
First, I urge everyone to use the long form when filing your return. One of the key errors made by people who pay too much in their annual tax bill is that they ultimately decide that the amount of time spent each year preparing their tax returns is more important than saving money for themselves and their families. They may not be consciously doing so but that is exactly what is happening. Our American society always seems to believe that faster is always better and for many events, that’s true. But, that may not be true when it comes to your tax strategy. The IRS gives precise guidance to those who are considering using the “EZ” form and the IRS website gives strict guidance to those who are considering using this form (www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc352.html).
It’s very common for those using the “EZ” form to leave money “on the table,” whether directly or indirectly. When the IRS developed the short forms (1040A and 1040EZ), they did so as a method of making it easier for you to easily complete what most people consider a complicated task. Now I’m not a conspiracy theorist but I’m also not totally convinced that this was the real reason for creating these short forms. Rather I believe it was a masterful method of cutting back on the number of deductions that could be claimed each year against the government’s balance sheet.
I can’t deny that these forms are much easier to complete for those who fit the profile; but by doing so they end up paying the maximum amount of tax possible at particular income level. When an individual fills out the 1040 long form, they also open up all possible deductions that are available. The first time an individual fills out a long form, they usually quickly see the various deductions that they can’t take and this lesson will give them an opportunity to see where their tax planning might be lacking. One thing is for sure, you never pay more in taxes by using the long form. Once you become familiar with deductions that might be available to you, you will always pay less.
I would always recommend you take advantage of the knowledge of a tax professional, whenever possible. I’ll discuss that in my next article. But a professional will probably not miss the possible deductions that fit your personal situation. The IRS keeps track of the deductions that are most frequently overlooked by taxpayers and if you are a novice in developing an effective tax reduction strategy, then you’re probably completely unfamiliar with the numerous deductable opportunities that actually exist. A tax professional is constantly learning about the most current changes to the tax code and is, no doubt, up-to-date when it comes to the ever-changing tax laws.
By the way, the tax laws are still being developed for the 2009 reporting year because so many things have changed along with the new government in power in Washington DC. The stimulus package, the housing market, the Haitian disaster, and the rules of what is taxable and nontaxable as it pertains to unemployment benefits, have all contributed to creating questions in this year’s tax law. The estate-tax law is still out, and there have been reports that things have changed so much, so fast, that some of the forms needed aren’t even ready yet. This is going to be a very interesting tax season. Just make sure you’re prepared, learn all you can and make sure you are within the standards set forth by the tax code. Do it right the first time and meet all the deadlines on time but also make sure that you take advantage of every deduction you are qualified to take.
