Filing taxes is no easy task; it can be boring and most of the time hard to understand. Many small or medium business owners are unable to understand the legalities therefore it is important for them to hire a tax consultant to handle the filing of their taxes. It is advisable to hire a tax consultant instead of filing on your own.
Filing taxes on your own can have many benefits if you know how to do it. For one, filing on your own is generally a cheaper option. It is also faster because you don't have to wait for someone else to file the taxes for you.
Sometimes it can be a simple process if you have all of the necessary documents right from the beginning.
However, this process can be deceiving when dealing with a small business. You might not be saving as much as you could be if you were to hire a tax consultant.
Hiring a tax consultant is oftentimes better than trying to file on your own simply because their software is generally better and more advanced.
They can understand even the smallest changes in the system that helps them to offer you suggestions for savings that you cannot do it on your own.
Workings with humans are beneficial while filing taxes as they can understand your real-life situations. They will also give you a suggestion that will help you to make a better personal scenario.
A Tax consultant tends to make tax filing easy for small business as they are there for your help and queries every time. They are experts in the tax world just as you are an expert in your business.
If you present them with a difficult situation, they will be able to manoeuvre around the system much quicker because they were trained to do so. Hiring a tax consultant will grant you peace of mind knowing that your small business's taxes were filed correctly and legally.
You should always ask questions to the consultant you are hiring as it will make you trust them. There is no good or bad question and there are never too many questions. Your business is your life and a tax consultant will understand that.
Let's confess one thing that when it comes to tax filing, most of us don't have any idea of what we are doing. According to stats, almost 11 per cent of the small businesses don't know how they are filing tax every year.
There is a chance that you are not confused about the taxation process but if you are from the majority then you might be worried about the upcoming tax season.
If you are also the one who don't know how to file your taxes then you should look for hiring a tax consultant as it has many benefits but before understanding the benefits you should know what does a tax consultant does.
Yes, a tax consultant, an accountant, and a financial advisor handle your finances but all of them have a different role. An accountant and financial advisers can become certified tax consultants but, filing tax is not the only focus.
On the other hand, consultants are specially trained in taxation law. They have all the information about state and federal regulations that every business and individuals must obey while filing tax.
After hiring a consultant, they will give you advice on every topic regarding tax on the phone or in person. Other features they cover are:
How to lower your tax legally?
Analyzing taxes based on investment
Preparing and analyzing tax returns
Judging correct deductions, settlements for your situation
Not every small business requires a consultant to fill taxes but having a professional by your side during a complex situation is an absolute luxury.
Following are the reasons that you need a professional tax consultant. If any of the points apply to you then you should go for a tax consultant as they can help you in filing tax return correctly.
There is a mistake in the previous return
If you are finding mistakes in any of your tax returns in the last three or four years then it is high time for you to hire a tax consultant. It's worth it to hire a professional if you've already made a mistake.
This way you will be able to minimize the damage that was caused earlier and there is nothing more satisfying than to sleep knowing that your return was handled properly.
Change of your marital status
If you've gotten married or divorced in the last year, your tax filing will be affected. Every couple should consider a tax consultant to know whether it is better to file tax jointly or separately. Every couple's situation is different, so it's helpful to get a professional's opinion on what will be most beneficial.
For divorced couples, it is also advisable to consult a tax consultant so they can understand if filing jointly or separately is better. It is the job of a consultant to ensure that the taxes have been paid, received and reported properly.
You've inherited wealth
There are chances that you have a lot of inherited wealth and if you have then it is better to consult a professional before filing the taxes. You might end up under or overpaying of taxes on your legacy especially when it comes in the form of shares, property or cash.
The job of a consultant is to make sure that you understand all the details and keep as much as of your inherited wealth.
You started a business
As a small business or startup owner, it is normal to make mistakes until you finally decide to hire a tax professional.
One thing that you should keep in mind that the way you are filing taxes in your initial years will considerably impact your future tax filing. It doesn't matter that you are a sole proprietor or a partner, it is vital to start your business on the right foot.
Now that you have decided to hire a tax consultant, it's time for you to understand how to hire a trustworthy tax consultant that is capable of handling everything and more.
Start with a Background Check
The first step to hiring not only tax consultant but anyone for your small business is to verify their background and ensure that they had worked for genuine businesses.
Verify Their Credentials
Ensure that the consultant which you are hiring is verified by government of India. Also, check references for your potential consultant. If no one gives you the reference then you should not consider that consultant and some consultants provide fake references so it is preferable to speak to these references over the phone to ensure they're legitimate.
Ask Them Questions
There might be less time while interviewing the consultant so it is your responsibility to ask every question that comes in your mind. While you are taking interview make sure that you are asking questions that will help you make the right decision like:
What kind of clients do you typically work with (families, business owners, etc.)?
When and how can I reach you?
Can I still contact you after the April deadline?
What are your fees and how are they calculated?
Do you offer any additional services?
What information do I need to provide?
What do you do if my return is audited?
Do you help with electronic filing?
These questions will help you to narrow down the options and select the right person to handle your specific financial situation
Take Your Time
When you talk about finances, it is always advisable to take things slow while hiring. Don't just choose the first person who shows up on Google and then hope for the best. Be a bit choosy, get different quotes, ask more questions, and always look for recommendations from trusted sources.
Do you need to hire a tax consultant? If yes then keep the above-mentioned points in your mind to ensure that you have hired the right tax consultant for your small business.
If you are not sure where to start looking for a good tax consultant then the first thing you should do is to ask your friends and family members whom you trust.
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