Professional tax preparation helps a client get all of the tax deductions he/she can legally deduct. With the tax laws changing constantly, this is important in not only maximizing deductions, but minimizing chances of taking deductions that are no longer allowed by the IRS. Tax preparers are more familiar with the latest tax guidelines and rulings, plus they have the experience in doing many more tax forms for clients with similar tax situations.

Many people who choose to do their own taxes make mathematical errors that can cause problems with their refund, delay their refund, or cause them to possibly overpay their taxes. According to the IRS, most tax return mistakes are the result of MATH errors.

In the event that you get audited, a person who had filled out their own return will most likely have to hire a tax professional or CPA to “reconstruct” their return and also go with them to the audit... this expense will most surely cost a lot more than if the tax professional had prepared the original return in the first place! If my clients are audited, I go with them free of charge.

Peace of mind is another reason why more people are choosing to let a tax professional prepare their return. A once-a-year specialty service like tax preparation that requires a certain knowledge and discipline can best be performed by a person who is skilled and experienced in that line of work.

Also, you have the benefit of a 3rd party who can provide some advice, guidance or suggestions (when applicable) as to how you might minimize your tax liability in the future (not offered by all Tax Services).

I invite you to visit my competitor’s web sites... most are large corporations, usually staffed with part-time personnel, who will never be around long enough to establish an on-going business relationship of confidence and trust with you. Ask them what their fees will be upfront, and see if you get a direct, precise quotation or not.

If you are the type of person who shops for the best value and likes to have a doctor, lawyer, hairdresser, etc. that you know and trust then you will like my kind of service. I am a personable, down-to-earth type of individual who truly enjoys finding ways to help save you money on your taxes. I will not only prepare your current return but, when applicable, will offer you advice on what you should do in the future to improve your tax situation.

I have developed this personal business model as a way to streamline tax preparation and to reduce cost. I don’t have the overhead of a strip shopping center storefront office that is only seasonal and you don’t have to come to my office and waste your time waiting on me to serve you. Your taxes and your income are your "own" private business... not a matter for the general public in a crowded office full of cubicles.

You simply call or email me. I will come to YOU. We will meet at a mutually convenient place near your home or office at whatever time is best for you—including nights or weekends. I will confirm your fee so you know UP FRONT what your cost will be. Your prepared tax return will be delivered personally to you along with your original documentation usually within one to three days with your payment (cash or check) expected at that time. You should review and sign the return and mail it to the IRS (or you may elect to use my electronic filing option). That is all there is to it!

Normal preparation time will be 24-72 hours for basic individual returns after our initial meeting, assuming MTL has complete information. More complex individual returns and business returns may require more time. As the tax deadline approaches, the turnaround time may lengthen due to current backlog.

It is perfectly acceptable to file an extension with the IRS... there is no reason not to if you find it necessary to do so. However, you MUST pay your estimated tax due PRIOR to the regular tax deadline in order to AVOID any late penalties and interest. If you cannot pay the full amount you owe, pay as much as you possibly can with the extension form. If you own a business, sometimes filing an extension can be to your advantage if it allows you more time to search your records for additional deductions; however, you still need to pay as much as you can with the extension.

If you are due a refund—expect to wait up to 2-6 weeks if mailing your return. If you are near the April 15th deadline, you may encounter an even longer waiting period.

For the status of your refund, go to www.irs.gov and click on "Where’s My Refund?"; call the Refund Hotline at (800) 829–1954 for live support M-F, 7am to 10pm(after hours via automated attendant) or call 1-800-829-4477 for automated refund information(24 hrs a day—7 days a week). The IRS recommends that you wait to check on the status of your refund at least 7 days after you e-file. If you file a paper return, they suggest a 4 to 6 weeks waiting period for processing before checking on the status. Note: According to the IRS, refunds are sent out weekly on Fridays... if you check the status of your refund and are not given the date it will be issued, it is suggested that you wait until the following week before checking back.

Electronic filing is fine if you are expecting a refund. You can usually get your refund 3-6 weeks earlier than paper returns. However, there are usually additional fees for electronic filing and, if you happen to owe the IRS money, being in a hurry to pay might not be in your best interest. Memphis Tax Lady will electronically file for MTL clients if requested.

Deborah Fowles, in her 11/16/2007 article Taxpayer Rip-Off, wrote:“ If someone offered to take part of your paycheck each pay period, hold it for you until the end of the year then charge you a fee up to 2000%, you’d probably laugh them out of town. Yet, if you’ve ever taken a payday loan or tax refund loan, that’s exactly what you’ve done.” I cannot in good conscience support or defend this business practice. It goes against my basic instinct in that my role is to help you to “save money”... not exploit your refund! My advice is to file your taxes early if you expect to receive a sizable refund and then wait for your refund check. You may wish to consider the added expense of Electronic Filing to reduce your waiting period (electronic filing is usually 4-6 weeks versus up to 10-12 weeks for manual filing depending upon tax return volumes being processed by the IRS).