The 2016 has come to an end. There will be various businessmen or professionals who have faced problems while filing their tax returns this year. This is the time to understand what works and what creates confusion while preparing tax returns. Planning well in advance will help in avoiding the tax penalties and undue distress while filing the tax returns for the tax season.
Below mentioned are some tips which will help in making the tax preparation process simpler for the tax season:
Identify The Changes In Taxation Policy
There is always a chance of certain changes being made by the government with regards to the taxation regulations every year. So before chalking out a tax preparation plan for the upcoming year, you have to carefully study the new taxation guidelines passed by the government.
Keep The Taxation Related Documents In A Proper Order
While filing the tax returns, you will require various documents like accounts receivable, accounts payable etc. So you should start collecting those documents from the beginning and keep them together at a place so that at the time of filing the tax returns, they can be used easily and there are no undue complications.
Request Forms
In case a business owner has to apply for forms related to loans or education then he should apply for them in advance. There is always a chance of the institutions taking time in allocating the forms. This would help in avoiding unnecessary last minute hiccups.
Run Calculations
In order to avail the various deductions and credits, you can use the high tax rates for the coming tax season. This task can be performed by the tax preparer or by the concerned person himself.
Carefully Determine The Deductions
In order to reduce tax liability, all the possible deductions should be utilized. Reimbursed employee expenses related to travel, rental property, insurance, education etc, are the most common deductions available to business owners. All the possible deductions should be carefully utilized.
Invest In Funds
Another popular way of reducing taxes is allocating the money in investment or retirement funds. As many finances should be allocated to these funds, as much as possible.
Hiring Outsourcing Services
Hiring outsourcing tax preparation services is another option which can be looked at. The outsourcing firms are well known for performing the tax preparation functions in a professional manner while keeping the time constraints in mind. They will also ensure that all the possible deductions are availed. This will also help in taking the mind off the tax preparation process and concentrating on more significant tasks.
Read Also: What software do accountants use?