Monday, December 27, 2010

Tax Help - When You Need it Most

Maybe you think that only big businesses and the super wealthy have need for a Fort Lauderdale Accounting Firm. You might be surprised to find out that everyday people, like you and me, regularly use the services of a Florida accounting firm to help keep their finances on track. So many of us pay insurance on our homes and cars, without a second thought, but give very little thought to insuring our finances. Hiring a Florida accounting firm to assist you with the management of your finances and filing of your taxes, is like taking out a thorough insurance policy on your money.

There are so many tax laws and potential ways to lose money in investments, that going the road alone can result in more losses than you should have to endure. You could be eligible for some tax credits that would significantly lower your income tax bills, or even ensure a return this year. Don't let these types of financial opportunities pass you by. Get the insight and guidance of an experienced Fort Lauderdale Accounting Firm to help you understand the tax laws and apply them favorably to your unique financial situation.

You don't have to dread tax time when it rolls around, or have fears about how your money is being handled. When you hire a Florida accounting firm, you will have the power of a team of professionals working for your best financial interests. Don't leave money sitting on the table. Insure your financial future with the right kind of professional help that you can only get from the best accounting firms. Your money is too important to trust to anyone except the best.
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Monday, December 20, 2010

Green Tax Returns?

Have you thought about going green on your tax returns? Sure you could print your returns on recycled paper, or go completely digital with your returns, but there's another way to use "Green Power" to your benefit - Green tax credits. The federal government is on the lookout to give serious tax credits to businesses that incorporate ecologically friendly practices into their daily operations. As is the case with any kind of tax preparation, working with a Fort Lauderdale CPA, who understands the various tax laws intimately, is your best bet if you're curious about these newer tax laws.

Who qualifies for Green Tax Credits?

You might be surprised when you consult with a Fort Lauderdale CPA, to find out that you don't have to be a huge corporation or take huge steps to qualify for some of these credits. In an effort to encourage environmentally friendly living, the government has made a wide range of activities eligible for these types of tax credits. For example, if you've added solar panels to help reduce your company's ecological "foot print" and reduce energy bills, you may be eligible to take advantage of some of these newer green tax credits.

There's a wide range of environmentally friendly activities that could positively impact your company when tax time rolls around. Not only does your company help the environment by being a responsible steward of renewable resources, you can also benefit with lower tax payments or other potential breaks on your business taxes. Green is the color of the future. You can help your company to pay less "green" when taxes come due, by doing your part to be a more environmentally friendly company.

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Friday, December 17, 2010

How Should You Deal with the IRS?

You probably know that dealing with the Internal Revenue Service is not something that should be taken lightly. The best advice that anyone can give you about audits or other potential run ins with the IRS, is a Fort Lauderdale Accountant. It takes a professional, someone who has been trained to deal with serious financial issues, to give you the kind of sound advice and help you need to deal with these kinds of issues.

You have a lot riding on the outcome of your dealings with the IRS. A Florida accountant, who has successfully helped others manage their IRS difficulties is your best bet as a front line defense against potential penalties that can arise any time you deal with the IRS.

Of course, we'd all love to have our interactions with the Internal Revenue Service isolated to simply mailing in our tax returns every year, but it doesn't always work out that way for many of us. Unless you're a professional accountant yourself, you probably don't have an intimate knowledge of all the various Florida tax laws, or understand how they might apply to your unique scenario. When you hire a Fort Lauderdale Accountant, you should look for the demonstrated history of successfully helping others in scenarios similar to your own.

Logo of Internal Revenue Service, USAImage via WikipediaGet the professional help you need. You wouldn't trust your health to anyone except a physician, so don't trust the health of your financial future, to anyone other than a professional Florida Accountant. Dealing with the IRS is never a pleasant situation, but you can improve your chances of a favorable outcome, when you have a professional accountant working for you.

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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Get the Financial Edge with the best Florida CPA Firm


When it comes to professionals, who know their industry well, you always see names followed by a series of letters. Some of these titles can be a little bit confusing, and most of us never take the time to learn what those initials really stand for anyway. There is a set of initials related to the best financial professionals that you should commit to memory - CPA. This acronym is short for Certified Professional Accountant. These are the top dogs when it comes to getting the best financial advice. A Florida CPA can help to guide individuals and businesses in all of their most important financial undertakings.

What can an Orlando CPA assist you with?
Finances cover a broad spectrum of things. From your personal income tax returns to high level sales tax audits, and everything in between. If it's got to do with your money, the government is very interested. To keep your money safe and avoid having to give too much of it to the government, you need the assistance of a professional Orlando CPA. They know how the tax laws work, and they can assist you in keeping your finances safe and sound.

Even if you are pretty well versed in financial matters, it doesn't hurt to have the help of a professional as a second pair of eyes to look at your financial records. Oversights account for lots of serious problems on the part of well meaning people. To avoid these kinds of situations, hiring a CPA is the perfect solution. You'll have the best of the best going over your records with a fine tooth comb to check for any mistakes and looking out for any potential benefits you might have missed.

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Friday, December 10, 2010

Tax Help for Business Owners

If you're a business owner, you're number one job is to stay profitable. That means making sales. As a hard working business owner, you obviously love it when the sales are rolling in. At the end of the day, it's all about being successful and making sales. That may be true, but at the end of the quarter, it's all about Florida Sales and Use Tax. The IRS keeps a sharp eye on businesses and that means that you have to stay on top of your sales and make sure that all of your financial records are in order. Of course, you need records for when you file your business taxes, but you also need them in case of an audit.

Seal of the United States Internal Revenue Ser...Image via WikipediaUnder Florida Sales and Use Tax laws, the government can perform an audit to make sure that your company is paying the right amount of sales tax for any revenue that is collected. You probably go to great lengths to keep your tax information straight, but even the best laid tax plans can come under intense scrutiny during an audit. At times like these you need the professional know how and services of the best Orlando Accounting Firm.

A professional accounting firm can help you to protect your business and they make sure that any audits against your company are performed properly. As the client of a professional Orlando Accounting Firm, your best interest is kept as a top priority at all times. No one is saying that the IRS is out to get you, but without the assurance of professional accounting services, you never know what could happen. Do your business a favor and hire a top notch accounting firm to help with all of your sales tax needs.


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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Smart Tips for Saving Money on Property Taxes


We put a lot of thought into our homes or any type of property that we own. After all, property comes at a premium and we want to do all that we can to take care of our investments. However, many people overlook the importance of having professional accounting help with their Florida property taxes. So much energy and time goes into standard income tax work every year, that it's not unusual for property tax concerns to slip our minds entirely. Why go to the trouble of investing in property if you're not going to find ways to save even more money on your Florida property taxes every year.

That's where the experience of an Orlando accountant can come in handy. When you hire an accountant to take care of your tax concerns, including your property taxes, you have someone on your side who understands the complexity of property tax laws. Without this kind of in depth understanding, it's nearly impossible to save money or find deductions when property taxes come due. An Orlando accountant is a dedicated resource who makes it their business to make smart tax decisions that will benefit you.

Florida property tax law can be a tough thing to understand and deal with, if you don't have knowledgeable professionals on your side. If you're not mechanically inclined, you take your car to a professional mechanic. Chances are, your property investments are substantially larger than your automobile investments. Be sure to give this important facet of your financial health the attention it deserves by working with a professional Orlando accountant, who understand the tax laws and know how to make smart property tax decisions on your behalf.

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Thursday, December 2, 2010

The Most Stressful Time of the Year

Every year, like clockwork, a magical day rolls around - Tax day. Okay, so maybe it isn't so much magical as it is painful. Many of us struggle with tax preparation year in and year out. While there are lots of options you can take when the time for tax preparation rolls around, getting the assistance and guidance of an accounting firm, fully versed in Florida tax preparation, is the way to go.

Unless you're an accountant, you probably don't have an in depth knowledge of the Florida tax laws. And who can blame you? It's not your job to stay on top of these laws and regulations, so why put yourself through the hassle of a stressful Orlando tax preparation, when there are professionals available to guide you every step of the way.

It seems like new tax laws are created every day. Trying to keep up with them all and figure out how they can benefit or penalize you is enough to keep anyone busy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Instead of concentrating on your taxes until your face turns blue, it's a smart decision to enlist the help of qualified, certified Florida tax preparation accountants. They make it their business to have an intimate knowledge of all the current tax laws, and they know how to prepare your taxes in the way that will benefit you the most.

Orlando tax preparation ultimately leads up to that day that few of us look forward to - tax day. You don't have to approach this day with fear and loathing, when you have the help of the best tax preparation experts on your side.
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Friday, November 26, 2010

Taking Care of Business - Financial Professionals Are Here to Help You

Whether you run a large company or a small start up, you know the value of a dollar. It takes smart financial decisions to run any kind of business these days. If you feel a bit overwhelmed with the prospect of keeping the books for your company, you can get the expert help you need from a Florida Accounting Firm. These organizations are staffed with accountants who specialize in helping businesses and individuals make smart financial decisions.

How Can an Orlando Accounting Firm Help Your Business?
There are tax laws that can benefit your company, but you have to know the details to find out which ones your business is eligible for. Since running a business is a full time job (and then some), you probably don't have the time, energy or resources to take a course in accounting to learn all of the intricacies of Florida's tax laws. Working with a top Florida accounting firm gives you the freedom to run your business without having to worry about all of the tax laws. Florida accountants can help you to find the right credits and position your company to be in a place to take advantage of them.

There's a lot for you to do to keep your company growing. Staying on top of the finances can be a real energy draining activity. Working with the best Orlando accounting firm is one way that you can set your company up to get the best financial advice and services. When your finances are in the hands of the pros, you have a lot less to worry about when it comes to running your business.

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Friday, November 19, 2010

Environmentally Friendly Money Savers

You're probably aware that there are lots of tax credits available, but may not be sure how you can get in on some of this money saving. A Orlando CPA with a thorough understanding of tax laws and financial principles can help you to learn about tax credits that you may be eligible for. Green tax credits are a way that you can save money on the taxes you pay by taking steps to lessen your environmental footprint. You get the benefit of taking positive action for the environment and the added bonus of saving money. What else could you ask for?

Who's Eligible for these Tax Credits?
Of course, simply recycling an aluminum can every once in a while is not going to put you in position to take advantage of these tax credits. You need to take certain actions and have the help of an experienced Florida CPA, if you want to learn and take action on these green tax credits.

Here are some of the things you can do that may make you eligible for some environmentally friendly money savers.

- Investing in a car that uses alternative sources of fuel. If you have a hydrogen powered car, you may be eligible for this tax credit.

- Using solar power alternatives. If you have solar panels that you use to run household appliances, you can be compensated by this tax credit.

Only an experienced Florida accountant can give you all the details about your eligibility for these valuable money saving tax credits. You don't have to live a fully "green" lifestyle; simply taking a few steps and having professional help on your side can set you up to get the most from these valuable tax credits.

Contact your local Orlando CPA to learn how you can save with Green Tax Credits.
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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

3 Ways a Florida Accountant Can Help with Your Finances

It's a common misconception that everyday people don't need the services of an accountant. After all, aren't accountants professionals with finances who can only really benefit the wealthy? Of course, this isn't true. In fact, nearly everyone can use some professional help with their finances. So often, the bottom line gets overlooked and people wonder why their money situation is a mess. With the guidance of a Florida accountant, it's easier to stay on track and save money for the future.

Here are just a few ways that hiring an accountant can make a difference for your finances.

Expert Tax Help
When tax time rolls around the country breathes a collective sigh of frustration. Lots of people, intimidated by the idea of preparing their own taxes, turn to software programs or amateur help. An accountant knows the tax laws inside and out. These financial pros can help you to save money and avoid being penalized by the IRS.

Saving for the Future
Putting your money into the right investments can be a great way to prepare for the future. However, you can't effectively invest unless your financial house is in order. If in Orlando area, an Orlando accountant can help you to find the places in your budget where you can save money for future investments, and advise you on how the different investment laws work.

Reduce Stress
People everywhere are stressed about money issues. When you trust a Florida accountant with your finances, you are getting guidance and help that most people aren't privy to. Knowing that this area of your life is in balance, is a huge stress reliever.
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An accountant can be the best investment you make for your financial health.
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Florida Property Taxes Computation and Important Dates

Property tax, which is sometimes referred to as real estate tax, is a bill that arrives in your mailbox every year. Whether you are in Florida or in New York, each state requires every homeowner to pay property or real estate taxes to the government. This is also true for almost everywhere in the world where you can own your own home.

According to Florida law, the county property appraiser is to determine the assessed value of each property on the basis of its market value on January first of each year. But a lot of people would like to know how these taxes are computed. What is the formula used by the property appraiser in determining Florida Property Taxes?

In the website of the Florida Department of Revenue, the formula used for determining property taxes is:

“Just Value” (market value) less “Assessment Limitations” (e.g. Save Our Homes) is equal to the “Assessed Value.” The “Assessed

Value” less “Applicable Exemptions” (e.g. Homestead) equals the “Taxable Value.” The “Taxable Value” multiplied to the “Millage

Rate” is equal to the “Total Tax Liability” or the Total Property Tax, in this case, the total Florida Property Taxes.

January 1 is the date of assessment. From January 1 to April 1, owners of eligible tangible personal property must complete and file a return with the property appraiser. From January 1 to March, property owners eligible for homestead, widow, widower and disability exemptions or agricultural classification must submit a completed application to the property appraiser.

April 1 is the deadline for filing tangible personal property tax return (Form DR-405A) with no penalties applied. During August, the property appraiser mails the Notice of Proposed Property Tax (Truth in Millage). In September, property owners choosing to appeal their values with the value adjustment board must file a petition (DR-486) with the clerk of the court within 25 days of the Notice of Proposed Taxes (see our Forms page).

During September/ October, property owners may provide input on taxing authorities’ public hearings to adopt a tentative budget and millage rate. On October/ November, taxing authorities hold a hearing to adopt a final budget and millage rate. Finally, during November, tax bills are sent by the tax collector to each property owner. By the end of the year, everyone in Florida must pay their property taxes.
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Common Filling Errors of Florida Sales and Use Tax

If you are to sell a product or offer a service in the state of Florida, the first thing you have to do is to register as a sales dealer. This shows your acknowledgement to represent the state as an agent to collect Florida sales and use tax on each and every taxable transaction. What a lot of people forget however is the fact that this is also a USE tax. Basically what this means is that you owe the government money for any and all tangible equipment, such as computers, that you bring into the state untaxed. This also includes items bought off the internet and shipped over to you. Below are the top ten filling errors that you should avoid when it comes to this issue.

1. None filling of zero return – even if you have no returns, you still have to file it.
2. Filling in late – if you are able to file on time or earlier, then you can get up to $30 allowance.
3. Forgetting to file on each collection period – this will cost you money
4. Wrong computation of numbers
5. Forgetting to compute for penalties
6. Not completing the front and back of the form
7. Do not include gross sales with collected taxes
8. Incorrect calculation or computation of collection allowance
9. Placing transactions on the wrong lines
10. Forgetting to compute penalties and interests as well

When it comes to Florida sales and use tax, these are some of the most common mistakes. This can be avoided by simply keeping your head clear and paying complete attention to what you are doing when completing this task. On the other hand, you can also hire an expert to do it for you as well so that you can attend to other matters regarding your business.
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Monday, November 1, 2010

Convenience of a Florida CPA

Let’s face it, paying taxes is not the most favorite chores for any person. Wherever you live, understanding the laws and paying the money you owe the government can be troublesome and time consuming. Not to mention the fact that it can bring about major headaches for you. Sometimes these things can get very complicated especially if you haven’t lived there for a long time. Each state has its own tax laws. The laws in Florida are different compared to wherever you may have come from. So it doesn’t matter if you have been doing all your taxing chores by yourself in the past, if you have recently moved into the state then a Florida CPA can help
you with your obligation.
The old Florida Capitol Building with the new ...Image via Wikipedia
Businessmen in the State of Florida will especially appreciate these professionals. As a business owner, you would have a lot of important matters to attend to and not just this task. If you have a professional on board that you know you can trust, then you can leave all your filling to him or her and concentrate on the other aspects of your business.

Now, why should you go for a Florida CPA rather than a regular accountant? Well, the main reason is that a CPA generally knows a lot more than a regular accountant. This is because the former has all the necessary licenses and has passed the exams set forth by the state. In other words, you can be sure that a Certified Public Accountant knows what he or she is doing. Because of this, they can do other tasks that the latter is not allowed to do so such as auditing and other tax work. You can get everything that you need from someone trained and passed with regards to tax laws than a person who has no professional license.

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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Ways to Earn Green Tax Credits

In order to promote environmental awareness and motivate people to actively move towards a greener and more sustainable way of living, the government has issued laws that give green tax credits to people and establishments that meet certain green standards. In fact, here are some specific ways for you to earn some green tax credits.

Biomass Stoves
Instead of the usual stoves that use liquid petroleum, you can use biomass stoves. These stoves burn biomass fuels such as agricultural crops, wood wastes, and fibers in order to heat up your home or your water system. These stoves and their installation can earn you green tax credits of up to $1,500.

Insulation
Securing your home with adequate insulation slows down the escape of hot air during winter, and prevents the escape of cold air during summer. By buying and installing insulation materials for your home, you can reduce the need for air-conditioning units and heaters, thereby decreasing carbon footprint. This is the reason why government offers green tax credits of up to 30% of the total cost of insulation materials that you will use. Although installation is not covered, 30% can be quite a big amount depending on how much insulation materials you buy.
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Geothermal Heat Pumps
Unlike ordinary heat pumps that regulate the temperature inside your house by heating or cooling the air, geothermal heat pumps utilize the ground. This makes these pumps a lot more energy efficient than ordinary heat pumps. As a means to motivate people into switching to geothermal heat pumps, green tax credits of up to 30% is given people for buying and installing these devices.

Solar energy systems
Another method that can get you 30% of green tax credits is the purchasing and installation of solar energy systems such as solar panels and solar water heaters. Not only do these devices allow you to save up on tax, but they also considerably reduce electricity expenses.
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Friday, October 22, 2010

The Advantage of Hiring a Florida Accounting Firm

Filing income taxes is probably one of the most difficult tasks that a business owner will have to face. The process is a mind numbing barrage of preparing documentation, forms, computations and other related tasks that only an accountant might fully understand. Florida business owners will need to hire the services of a Florida accounting firm in order to correctly handle the books,
computations and filing of income tax. Remember that businesses fall into different categories and tax laws might vary according to the type of business you own. Make sure to pick the right category so you can avoid problems later on.

Proper assistance from tax professionals or accountants are required by law in order to correctly assess the books of accounts and determine the right amount of tax you have to pay. Remember that availing of the services of an accounting firm is not limited to large multinational companies either. Any business will benefit from the services of a certified tax professional. However, the business owner will need to consider a few facts before availing of such a service. It would be best to hire an accountant that is duly authorized by the federal government to prepare tax returns and forms. An accounting firm with an impressive list of satisfied clients is a good indication of quality service. There are other alternatives in the market that provide cheaper accounting services. But when it comes to handling taxes and the law, it is best that the processes involved be left to professionals with years of experience in the accounting industry.

Business owners should consider the services of a qualified Florida accounting firm to provide accurate tax returns and full compliance with all the tax laws in Florida. Never settle for anything less when it comes to your business. This will ensure an accurate and complete tax return each and every time.
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Monday, October 18, 2010

Reasons Why You Need a Florida Accountant

Business owners will not only have to focus on employee performance, advertising and sales but with tax computations as well. Filing your income tax is, of course, required by law and every business owner will need to comply with such laws. When in the state of Florida, it would be best to hire the services of a Florida accountant to properly handle all of your books of accounts and maintain an error free ledger.

Every business will have to comply with the various tax requirements of the IRS. It is important to know that laws and policies will vary according to the type of business you own. Home owners will also have to contend with paying real property tax each year and only a certified accountant can help you decipher the mind blowing numbers indicated on the bill. An accounting firm in Florida will work well for all types of individuals and businesses as well. Tax preparation is a tedious process and requires a properly trained individual with knowledge regarding the various tax rules and accounting policies that are in practice today. The complexity of such a preparation may distract the individual or business owner from running the business well. Policies such as Green Tax Credits and Florida Sales and Use Tax preparations should be considered as well. Remember that not all businesses fall within the same type of tax category.

Seal of the Internal Revenue ServiceImage via WikipediaThe reasons for hiring a Florida accountant will go beyond the factors stated above. Consider the idea of having peace of mind regarding the maintenance of your books of account, computation of your balance sheet, income statement and equity earnings as well. It is best to have an error free tax statement to avoid any hassles with the IRS in the future. This will also help you focus on the
more important aspects of running your business.
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Friday, October 15, 2010

Settling Your Florida Tax Preparation Concerns Through An Agent

Until very recently, compiling and paying your tax dues was fairly simple. The United States of America and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the Treasury Department developed a complicated taxing system that may prove to be daunting for the average American. To further complicate things, tax policies vary from state to state and this is usually the reason why blunders in tax settlement occur, more so for those who find the need to be constantly in transient resident status all over the United States. For Florida Tax Preparation, the problem is no different. Luckily, tax payers have the option of seeking outside help in settling their tax
dues.
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When talking about tax preparation in Florida, it should be noted that the tax policies that will be observed when dealing with all legal issues in the procedure will have to jive with that of the State of Florida. Residents here usually need to deal with Florida Property Taxes, which also usually get accounted for when doing their tax preparations.

What most tax payers do is that they hire attorneys, certified public accountants, or even non-accountants who are licensed to manage tax concerns and Florida Tax Preparation. It is not only in Florida that regular civilians get issued tax settlement licenses but also in other states all over America. The reason behind this is that although people can simply use tax preparation software, the credibility needed in doing tax preparation in Florida does not only require the ability to account for the numerical and financial aspect of the documents but also the legal knowhow behind such a complicated system.

Given the many legal requirements involved in tax preparation, it is necessary that all tax dues to be settled by a tax payer have been considered and properly met.
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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Why A CPA is the Answer You Need for Complicated Tax Returns

Many people enlist the use of a professional to help with their tax preparation needs. There are two general types of tax preparation professionals available. The ones that went to school and have rigorously studied the field of personal finance and accounting, and the ones that work in storefront tax preparation services. Which one you choose really depends on your needs.

If your tax return is complicated, or you have a number of assets, your best option for tax preparations is enlisting the help of a Florida CPA. A certified public accountant spent years in school learning the ins and outs of tax law. They have the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure that you find all of the deductions you are eligible for. CPA’s do cost a bit more than if you went the local branch of the chain tax preparation specialists, but they also have significantly more training and experience in the field. Working with a CPA will ensure that your taxes are filed correctly, and your finances combed through thoroughly so that your tax liability is as minimal as possible. Often times the savings you see in your tax bill by working with a CPA more than makes up the additional cost of hiring a true professional, and more importantly, in the event that you are audited you know exactly where to go and who to speak with for assistance.

If you are in the market for a Florida CPA, visit us at ThinkCFCG.com and find out how a CPA can give you the specialized help you need with your tax preparation needs.
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Friday, October 8, 2010

What Do I owe? Don’t Let Sales and Use Taxes Get You Down


The Florida sales and use tax laws can be confusing to new business owners.Depending on how you operate your business you may be responsible for sales taxes, use taxes, a combination of the two, or neither. Now, before you get too excited about that last choice, know that very few businesses do not have to pay any kind of state sales or use taxes. What happens if you fail to plan for paying the sales and use taxes you owe? A huge mess is what can happen. If you fail to pay the taxes you are responsible for, at some point you are going to get a very large bill from the state of Florida instructing to pay up or face the consequences. That bill could cripple your business,

By enlisting the help of an accountant prior to opening your doors for business, you will know exactly what taxes your business will be responsible for. Planning is the biggest part of the battle. If you take the time to learn what your tax responsibilities are now, you can save yourself headaches later.

Additionally, if you choose to use the services of an accountant for your business tax and payroll purposes, you will never have to worry about the taxman knocking on your door with a big bill. Your accountant will make sure that all of your tax liabilities are taken care as the year moves along. Different businesses are required to pay their sales and use taxes at different intervals, instead of preparing your tax returns four times, or even twelve times a year, enlisting the use of an account and letting them handle your tax filing needs can save you uncountable hours of frustration and worry.

If you would like to learn more about how an accountant can help you navigate the Florida sales and use tax laws, visit ThinkCFCG.com
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Save Money and Energy with Green Tax Credits


If you have been considering making your home more energy efficient, now is the time to take charge. The American Recovery and Reinvestment act is still offering up to $1,500 in tax credits for qualified energy purchases. Green tax credits can be used to help make your home more energy efficient while saving you on some of the costs. The credits put into law in 2009 were a way to help American home and business owners convert their homes and buildings into more energy efficient dwellings. Additionally, the extra spending would help give the struggling economy a shot in the arm.

So, what can you do as a homeowner to improve you homes energy efficiency and take advantage of these tax credits? The most popular purchase has probably been new exterior windows. New windows are one of the best ways to reduce your heating and cooling bills. Other purchases eligible for the tax credits include green insulation systems, exterior doors, qualified metal roofs, air conditioning, and heating sources. All of the systems listed must be qualified under the program. Your contractor or place of purchase will be able to inform you which of the items fall into the approved category. The tax credit allows you to save up to 30% on all qualified purchases. However, there is a $1,500 cap on the tax credit.

If you have wanted to join the millions of Americans striving for more energy efficient homes, the new green tax credits are a way you can get there, and save a few bucks in the process.
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Friday, October 1, 2010

Reduce Overhead by Using an Accounting Firm

When selecting a Florida accounting firm it is often best to go with a firm that can take care of all of your needs. Some firms specialize in only tax, others in payroll, and still others in various other forms of accounting. In order to get the best value and make things easier on yourself, selecting a firm that can handle all of your accounting needs is often the best option.

If you run a business you likely have multiple accounting needs. You need a firm that can handle payroll and business taxes. An accounting firm that also offers budgeting and business planning can be desirable. The success of your business depends on keeping good books. Simple errors in bookkeeping can lead to disasters when the taxman or potential investors come to look at your financial records. Letting a proven and dependable accounting firm handle the financial record keeping of your business will ensure that small bookkeeping errors never spell disaster.

Another benefit of hiring a firm to handle things such as payroll is that you can drastically cut overhead from your business. It is simply cheaper to hire a firm to handle the payroll than it is to pay a staff of employees plus their benefit packages. If one of your goals this year was to reduce overhead, letting a Florida accounting firm handle your record keeping is a great place to start.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of letting a Florida accounting firm handle your banking and bookkeeping needs, visit us at Thinkcfcg.com for more information.
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Stop Struggling with Those Tax Forms and Let a Professional Do the Heavy Lifting

Taxes confuse millions of Americans every year. The tax code is complicated, frustrating, and often times it feels like you need a degree that no one has even heard of to decipher what the language means. If you are tired of being overwhelmed every April by the archaic tax laws, you may be well served to seek the help of a Florida tax preparation professional.

The biggest benefit of letting a professional handle your tax preparation needs is that they actually know what they are doing. A professional knows the laws, knows where to look for deductions, and makes sure that you are liable for the least amount of taxes you can be. The money you spend for the use of a tax accountant will be more than made up for by the savings they find for you on your tax returns.

The other big reason to use a tax accounting firm to handle next year’s tax returns is the time it can save you. Instead of spending hour after frustrating hour trying to decipher the cryptograph that the tax forms are, why not let someone that works with them on a daily basis handle that. Letting a tax professional prepare your taxes means you only need to go meet with them, answer a few questions, and they do the rest. A professional will be able to make sure that you use all of the deductions you are eligible for and help you maximize your tax costs.

If you would like to find our more ways that a Florida tax preparation accountant can assist you with your tax filing needs, visit us at Thinkcfcg.com.
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Monday, September 27, 2010

Florida - One of Best Values in Nation for Property Taxes

If you are thinking of relocating to Florida, one of the first questions you are likely to have concerns the property taxes. Having a home is important to all of us, and in the uncertain economic climate we currently find ourselves in, how much we have to pay for that home is more important than ever. Luckily, Florida property taxes are some of the most reasonable in the country.

The median price for a home in Florida is $189,500. In many states that would put your taxes at $2,000 a year or more. However, with the Florida property tax rate sitting at 0.79% of your home’s value, if you owned the average Florida home, your taxes would amount to less than $1,500 annually. For many people, the property taxes on a home can be the difference between comfort and struggling. Florida’s tax rate currently comes in as the 28th highest in the nFlorida population density map based on Census...Image via Wikipediaation, meaning that you pay less per dollar of your home’s value in Florida than you do in over the half the states in America.

On top of the already low property tax rate, if your Florida home is your primary residence you can also claim a homestead exemption to lower your property tax obligations even further. In many cases, the homestead exemption can cut your property tax liability to half, or less, of the stated tax rate.
To learn more about Florida property taxes visit us at Thinkcfcg.com for find out more about the options available to you.
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A Good Accountant Is More than Just a Number Cruncher

One of the most important things that your Florida accountant will do for you is prepare and file your tax returns. You know how big of deal this can be. Nobody wants to get audited, but sometimes it is just time for your number to be called. When that day arrives and you get the notice from the IRS in the mail that you are going to be audited, you need to be able to be confident that nothing will come of the audit. If you took the time to find a reputable and trustworthy accountant you will have nothing to worry about.

Finding an accountant that is knowledgeable about tax laws is important. Your accountant’s job involves more than just being good with numbers. They need to be able to limit your tax liability as much as possible without leaving your vulnerable to penalties. Tax laws are complicated, and hiring an accountant that is not familiar with them can be a big mistake. Even if your accountant has the best of intentions, if they are unfamiliar with the laws and regulations, they may be leaving deductions on the table. Even worse, they may be telling you that you can deduct some things even if you cannot. Leaving money on the table is bad, but taking money that should not have been yours in the first place will cause big headaches for you should you ever be audited.

Take the time to sit down and interview your potential Florida accountant. Make sure that they are knowledgeable about current tax laws and regulations. Find out what the results of audits performed on their work has been, and there are likely to have been at least a few audits, and make sure that you are comfortable with the choice you select.
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Friday, September 17, 2010

Solar Panels, Wind Turbines and Insulation…Bring you back the Green

Did you know about the Green tax credits? Yes, they exist and you can start to keep record and get a tax break at year end! Plan ahead and soften the tax burden. If you are unsure on how to begin, get an opinion from a CPA (certified public accountant) who has directly related experience in tax planning for businesses and individuals. These professionals are kept abreast of the leading and current tax cuts to benefit the community. In taking advantage of what the federal government has put out there, each company is opened up to obtain a hiring credit for loosening the unemployment load, green taxes for being proactive about kindness to the environment.

The federal tax credits can get you and your company a whopping $2400 to $5000 just for the federal hiring benefits. Imagine the savings can double for being kind to the environment and making some “green” changes to your office. What type of green changes can you make? The first thing is insulation and windows. In the winter, heat escapes and in the summer, air conditioning does. So, replace those old windows, touch up the caulk and insulate that attic! Next, install energy saving appliances. They exist for every item you have including the light bulbs! As far as the businesses, try out solar panels…they are expensive in the beginning, but the tax credits pay for them and the following year, it is direct money back in your pocket! Going green is the new black, so become one of the shining stars obtaining the Green Tax Credits.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

What does a Certified Public Accountant do for a Business?

A Florida CPA (Certified Public Accountant) can assist you with many financial aspects on both an individual basis or for a business. An accountant’s responsibility is to ensure a business and personal finances are kept in good record and paying taxes on schedule. The accountant does not have a simple job. Generally speaking, the accountant provides a vital function to businesses and the layperson alike as a wide array of public management, government issues and internal auditing is looked after.

To become a certified public accountant, one must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting services. During this time, the professional learns auditing, consulting services and tax preparation. These skills are directly applied to tax situations, advertising and over all budgeting of a business. Some accountants break down their specialties even further by dealing in employee benefits or data processing. Or, in today’s market, they want to make a go of it on their own by opening up their own firms.

If the accountant is part of a larger firm, positions such as the management accountant take stage. These people are part of an upper management, executive level that deals with budgeting of the firm, performance reviews of staff, asset management and cost productivity. The team and individuals are strategic in planning their products of focus and prepare all financial information for the client’s creditors, regulatory offices and tax personnel. There are so many avenues you can take in searching for a CPA to handle all of your financial details. Take a close look at what each firm or individually owned office specializes in handling and then choose your Florida CPA.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

What is a Sales and Use Tax?


Florida sales and use tax can cover so many areas of business. I was tired of the every day monotony of working a daily job and decided to make a leap. I was on the hunt for a home to remodel and resell. Some of us call it “flipping”. The real estate market was a buyers market and prices were red hot. In searching on the web, I had come across a large property with a small 3 bedroom home that needed some work and it was under my price range so I went for it.

I was only required to pay less than $500 per month for my mortgage and so I took the remainder of my down payment and started work on the place. It was in a small town and the local lumber company was just 3 miles away with the county clerk’s office just 5 miles away to take care of the tax deeds. So, I set out to visit the appraiser’s office to ask some questions. I found out that the properties in the area were having amazing deals and that I needed to grab up some additional land.

In continuing my quest for ending the 9-5 daily work schedule, I thought that writing tax deeds was the way to go. I couldn’t figure it out on my own and maybe there was a company that would hire me to work from home so that I can arrange my own hours and not be stuck in an office. This avenue I took in sales worked very well for me and it can for others. If you are not able to do this, or do not have the desire, yet want to own property, contact a Florida sales and use tax team that can assist you.