8 Signs You Should Seek Professional Tax Help

Let's face it: taxes can be complicated. True, some people have straightforward tax situations and can save a few dollars by filing their taxes themselves, but in many more cases, seeking help from a tax professional will be the better option. If it just so happens that you enjoy and are experienced with doing your own taxes, then we salute you, but if not, then here are eight signs that it might be wise to seek professional tax help.


8 Signs You Should Seek Professional Tax Help

1. You're Not Sure Where to Begin

Maybe it's your first time ever filing your taxes, or perhaps you decided to tackle your own return this year but just weren't sure how to do it. You are not alone. Taxes can be daunting, and even in simple tax situations, there can be an overwhelming amount of clerical work involved. Tax professionals are well versed in navigating the forms and paperwork, so if you just aren't sure where to begin or are confused by the process, then it might be best to seek some help. 

 

One benefit of working with a tax professional is that they may be able to find added credits or incentives for you that you were unaware of. Often, such initiatives require filling out additional forms, which can sometimes be confusing or complicated. An expert will be able to handle all of this for you, which in and of itself is a really helpful and practical service.

 

2. Your Tax Situation Has Changed

It could be the case that you usually file your own taxes, but this year, something has changed, and now your tax situation is more convoluted than it was in years previous. Maybe your marital status has changed, or you now have investment income; you might have self-employment income to declare this year, and that could be new to you. If your tax profile has changed this year, then benefitting from a tax professional's expertise may be prudent.   

 

The amount of money that you owe in taxes or the maximum refund you can get are both directly affected by your tax profile. Remember, having a professional handle your return can only ever benefit you, and getting help from somebody who knows the ins-and-outs of the tax system usually means that you will end up with more money in your pocket at the end of the day.

 

3. You're Filing Business Taxes

Any time you're dealing with business taxes, it is critical that you have a tax professional or a team of professionals assist you with preparing the return. There is a lot more to filing business taxes than there is to filing a simple personal tax return, and the dollar figures at stake in the event of a miscalculation can be substantial indeed. Without a doubt, if you are filing a business tax return, you should most definitely seek help from an experienced tax professional. 

 

In addition to making sure that your return is accurate, which is an absolute must, a tax professional will also be able to help you minimize your balance owing come tax time which in some instances can be the difference between a good or bad year.

 

4. You're Being Audited

Being audited is the worst-case tax scenario for most people. Not because they are necessarily in any trouble but because of the sheer volume of paperwork and time involved with the process. Tax audits are complicated, and having a tax professional by your side throughout the process is invaluable. 


If you are being audited or are concerned that you may be, then contacting a tax professional ASAP is going to be the best thing you can do for yourself. If you receive a tax notice, a good tax professional will also help you understand penalties, arrange collections, and sort out any other issues that may come up during the audit. Audits are stressful, and having a professional help you with it can be the difference between a good night's sleep and none at all.  

 

5. You're Filing for Multiple Years

If you haven't filed for a number of years and are now planning to file all of your back taxes at once, then it may be a good idea to let an expert handle the task for you. Filing your taxes for one year can be time-consuming, complex, and stressful, but when you file for several or many years, those issues become multiplied exponentially. Literally anything else you do will be more enjoyable than manually filling out years worth of back-dated tax returns. 

 

As long as you have the documents required for the previous years, a tax professional will undoubtedly be able to efficiently and accurately complete as many returns as you need to file. In cases like this, people are very often surprised by how affordable the service of a tax professional can be.

 

6. There's New Tax Legislation

Tax laws, legislations, and policies change all the time. Year in and year out, there are always changes being made to the tax code, and keeping up-to-date is, of course, important because failing to recognize when the rules have changed can result in misfiled returns which can end up costing you big. If you hear on the news that there has been a change made to the tax legislation and you don't know how it will affect you, then it's best not to take any chances. 

 

You might just be surprised by how much money you are actually able to save or get back from your taxes when you have an expert who is up-to-date on the latest tax policies representing you. As a general rule of thumb, it's always best to trust a professional when in doubt.

 

7. You Just Don't Have the Time

It could very well be the case that you just don't have the time to prepare your return by yourself this year. Taxes can eat up a large portion of your time, especially when any of the other factors mentioned above come into play as well. Whether you are just a bit too busy with work, have family obligations, or are otherwise preoccupied for whatever reason, just know that getting tax help from a professional is an efficient available solution. 

 

Life is short and for many people making good memories with family and friends is a better use of their time than analyzing, calculating, and filling out lengthy tax returns.  

 

8. You Are New to the Country

If you have recently arrived in the country or are filing your taxes here for the first time, then the process can be even more challenging to navigate by yourself. There is a lot to know about filing your taxes and having an expert handle your return could very well be your best bet. The good news is that by having an expert guide you throughout the process, you will be able to rest assured knowing that your return was filed correctly.

 

If one or more of the above situations applies to you this year, then you're in luck because our firm of tax professionals is here to help. Contact Tax Alliance today to discuss your situation and learn more about how we can help you specifically.


More Blogs

Navigating Tax Implications of Major Life Events: Marriage, Divorce, Parenthood, and More

This blog series offers a comprehensive guide to understanding how significant life changes can impact your tax situation. From the joys of marriage and parenthood to the complexities of divorce, we'll explore tax filing statuses, potential benefits, and strategic tax planning to help you make informed financial decisions during these pivotal times. Join us as we break down the essentials and provide valuable insights to optimize your tax outcomes across life's major milestones.
Read More...

Maximizing Tax Benefits for Small Business Owners: Tips for Success

This guide offers a wealth of information on common tax deductions and credits that can benefit small business owners, from home office and vehicle expenses to retirement contributions and health insurance premiums. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these tips will help you navigate the complexities of small business taxation and enhance your financial success.
Read More...

Financial Spring Cleaning: Tips for Organizing Your Finances After Tax Season

In this blog, we'll delve into the importance of reviewing your tax documents and financial statements, calculating your net worth, and identifying key areas for improvement. Join us as we explore effective strategies for budgeting, managing debts, and maximizing your savings and investments. Whether you're fine-tuning your financial plan or starting fresh, this series will provide the insights and tools you need to achieve financial clarity and success.
Read More...

Missed the Tax Deadline? Here's What to Do Next

It's a scenario that's all too familiar: April 15 creeps up, and suddenly, you realize you haven't filed your taxes. You're not alone.
Read More...

Navigating Tax Extensions: Tips for Filing After the Deadline

A tax extension is a formal request made to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for additional time to file your tax return beyond the original deadline.
Read More...

Post-Deadline Tax Tips: How to Plan for Next Year's Taxes Starting Now

Tax season may have just concluded, but that doesn't mean it's time to put your tax planning on hold until next year.
Read More...

Understanding Late Filing Penalties: What You Need to Know

Late-filing penalties are charges imposed by tax authorities when taxpayers fail to submit their tax returns by the designated deadline.
Read More...

Tax Relief Options: Exploring Payment Plans and Offer in Compromise

Tax season can be a stressful time for many individuals and businesses, especially if you're facing a significant tax bill that you're unable to pay in full.
Read More...

Understanding Tax Extensions: What You Need to Know Before April 15th

In certain situations, taxpayers may find themselves unable to complete their tax returns by the April 15th deadline.
Read More...

Tax FAQs: Answers to Common Questions as the Deadline Approaches

Learn more about commonly asked questions in our blog before this years filing deadline.
Read More...

Last-Minute Tax Tips: How to Maximize Your Deductions Before the Deadline

As taxpayers scramble to gather their documents and prepare their returns, there's still time to maximize deductions and potentially lower your tax bill. 
Read More...

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Your Taxes: Tips from Tax Professionals

Whether you're a seasoned taxpayer or navigating the process for the first time, avoiding common mistakes is paramount. Learn more in our latest blog.
Read More...

Tax Deadline Countdown: Steps to Take in the Final Days Before April 15th

By taking proactive steps, such as reading our article, you can avoid the stress and hassle of last-minute scrambling and ensure that your tax filing experience is as smooth as possible.
Read More...

Unlocking Hidden Deductions: What You Need to Know for a Tax-Savvy 2024

While the process of filing taxes can seem daunting, there's good news: there are numerous deductions available that can help you lower your tax bill and keep more money in your pocket.
Read More...

Top 10 Common Tax Filing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Whether you're filing your taxes independently or seeking assistance from a professional tax preparer, being aware of these mistakes and taking proactive measures to prevent them can help you navigate through tax season with confidence and peace of mind.
Read More...

Preparing for a Stress-Free Tax Season: A Step-by-Step Guide

With proactive preparation and a structured approach, tax season doesn't have to be a source of anxiety.
Read More...

Navigating Tax Changes: Your Comprehensive Guide to the 2024 Tax Season

From January 1st to April 15th, individuals and businesses will gather their financial documents, crunch numbers, and submit their tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or relevant tax authorities.
Read More...

DIY vs. Professional Tax Preparation: Making the Right Choice for You

The decision to pursue DIY or professional tax preparation should be based on your personal circumstances, priorities, and preferences.
Read More...

Former Los Angeles Politician José Huizar Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Corruption and Tax Evasion

L.A. News: Former Los Angeles City Councilmember José Luis Huizar has been sentenced to 156 months in federal prison for orchestrating a corruption scheme during his tenure in City Hall and for tax evasion.
Read More...

How much is California property tax?

Beyond funding local services, property taxes are a key element of California's tax structure. Understanding the intricacies of property tax assessments empowers homeowners to actively participate in supporting their communities while managing their own financial responsibilities.
Read More...

What is the property tax rate in Santa Ana, CA?

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Santa Ana, CA, is known for its vibrant community, diverse culture, and unique charm. If you're a resident or considering making Santa Ana your home, it's essential to grasp the intricacies of property tax rates specific to this locale.
Read More...

Which city in California has the highest property taxes?

Property taxes play a pivotal role in California's financial landscape, serving as a primary source of revenue for local governments.
Read More...

Can I claim tax relief in Santa Ana?

ax relief is a set of provisions or measures implemented by government authorities to alleviate the tax burden on certain individuals or groups.
Read More...

How much tax relief can I claim in Santa Ana?

Claiming tax relief is not merely about seeking monetary advantages; it's a strategic approach to bolstering personal and familial finances.
Read More...

Nervous About Tax Season? Work With Experienced Tax Consultants!

When you trust a Tax Alliance professional to handle your taxes, they'll conduct any necessary communication with the IRS. In addition, they have advanced automation technology that enables them to contact the IRS as quickly as if they shared an office. You know how critical this feature is if you've ever found yourself on hold while calling the IRS. When dealing with your finances, you want to promptly handle any questions or issues without waiting for the next available representative.
Read More...

Do You Need Tax Relief?

Due to job loss, the increasing cost of living, and issues related to the Coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans currently have trouble paying their taxes. While the IRS is strict and believes that almost everyone should pay the full amount, there are various forms of tax relief available to citizens. By working with a good tax consultant, you can find out whether you qualify for the forgiveness program and if so, which option is the most suitable.
Read More...

7 Things to Know About Payroll Taxes

As soon as you notice that you can't pay, you should take action. The IRS has designed a comprehensive forgiveness program, which can lighten your tax burden or allow you to spread out your payments over several years. Let's have a closer look at what payroll tax is and what you can do if you can't pay your debt.
Read More...

7 Signs You Need Help Dealing With Your Back Taxes

In the past year, millions of Americans haven't filed or paid their taxes on time. While some have simply forgotten the deadline, others are struggling to pay due to a lack of funds or a bad business year. Fortunately, there are specialists who can provide tax help to anyone who is facing an IRS audit, is at risk of a lien, believes their taxes are unfair, or who doesn't have the money to pay their back taxes.
Read More...

8 Tax Relief Options That Actually Work

Being saddled with major tax burdens is no fun, and as we've all learned, there is absolutely no way to avoid taxes. There are, however, ways to reduce tax liability so the final bill isn't so overwhelming. Some of these apply to general tax filing and how taxpayer liability is calculated, while others apply to situations in which back taxes are owed. Here we look at a number of effective tax relief options that apply to both scenarios.
Read More...

When Should You Consider Using Tax Resolution Services?

The best time to hire a tax professional to handle your back taxes is at the first sign of trouble. By law, the IRS must provide you with written notice that you are in default, and they must give you time to appeal or contest the amount owed. Hiring a professional at this point will allow them to look over your taxes and assess whether or not the tax bill is accurate.
Read More...

8 Reasons to Work With a Consultant for Tax Resolution

If you haven't filed tax returns for many years, you may be worried about legal repercussions. A tax consultant will alleviate your worry by investigating your situation and helping you determine what steps you should take. This could involve seeking past employment information to enable filing tax returns for the years in question, but this isn't necessarily always the case.
Read More...

Are Your Wages Being Garnished? Start the Tax Resolution Process Today

Are Your Wages Being Garnished? Start the Tax Resolution Process Today
Read More...

How Do IRS Tax Liens Work?

A tax lien is a legal claim the government has to your property. They will place it on your home, bank account, or other assets when you have failed to pay off the tax you owe for an extended period of time. You will receive such a lien after the IRS has determined what you owe them and sent you a bill for it. If you don't come up with the amount in a timely manner or you refuse to pay, the government is legally allowed to garnish your wages or your property.
Read More...

How Can You Avoid or Stop an IRS Bank Levy?

Tax debt is a very common problem in America at the moment, and it's trickier than many other kinds of financial issues. You can't simply have it written off during a bankruptcy because many types of tax debt are considered essential, just like alimony and child support. One of the ways the IRS can collect the outstanding amount is an IRS bank levy. Fortunately, tax resolution services can help you to stop such a process and regain control.
Read More...

How Do You Qualify for an "Offer in Compromise"?

In general, the IRS expects taxpayers to come up with the full amount they owe, and they believe that most people are able to pay this. Nevertheless, they recognize that there are certain special circumstances that should be taken into consideration. If you genuinely can't pay your debt without having to struggle financially, the IRS may offer a compromise and allow you to pay less than the original amount.
Read More...

How Does IRS Tax Resolution Work?

With something like wage garnishments hanging in the balance, owing the IRS money can be a huge deal and a difficult financial burden to bear. However, IRS tax resolution is actually easier than many people believe. When you work with seasoned tax experts, you can resolve your tax debt easily.
Read More...

How Far Back Can the IRS Audit You?

Dealing with the IRS because you made a mistake on your tax return or you haven't paid your taxes is a stressful process, and it's almost always best to hire tax resolution professionals to help you out. If you are worried about how you filed your taxes this year, you might be wondering about the auditing process. How far back can the IRS audit you? Fortunately, there is a time limit, and in most cases, an audit happens in the same year you filed your return.
Read More...

How Does a Tax Audit Work?

It can be very stressful when the IRS lets you know that you are being audited. Although this doesn't always mean that there is an issue, there's a good chance that you owe the IRS and will have to pay penalties and back taxes. The best way to stay on top of the situation is to get in touch with a great tax resolution company that can help you to resolve the situation. Let's have a look at what happens when you get audited.
Read More...

How Long Does an IRS Audit Take?

Every year, a proportion of the population is chosen for IRS tax auditing. If you've received a notification that you have to undergo such an audit, you might be worried about the process and how it will affect your life in the next months. But how long does an IRS audit take, and what can you expect from the process? In today's article, we will go over the different factors that affect your audit and its duration.
Read More...

What Is the Penalty for Late Taxes?

Late taxes are always bad news, whether it's late to file or late to pay. If you don't file by the tax filing deadline, you might be looking at a penalty. This penalty is usually higher than the penalty you can get from not paying your taxes on time, so even if you aren't able to pay your owed taxes by the due date, you should absolutely still file on time.
Read More...

Biden Administration intends to enhance IRS enforcement against high earners and corporations

A significant focus on tax compliance and follow-up enforcement actions might be on the horizon. We previously reported that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Cyber Crimes Unit had indicated its determination to enhance enforcement activity connecting to income from cryptocurrencies. Those efforts are proceeding. However, if the Biden Administration has its way, cryptocurrency enforcement will simply be the tip of the iceberg when it pertains to enhanced tax enforcement.
Read More...

Biden Proposes Doubling IRS Workforce As Part of Plan to Snag Tax Cheats

President Joe Biden is proposing to double the size of the IRS, by hiring virtually 87,000 new workers over the following 10 years, as part of a sweeping strategy to chase down tax cheats. The hiring spree, part of a bid to enhance IRS funding by $80 billion, would be phased in to offer the department time to adjust, the Treasury Department said in a report Thursday.
Read More...

Payroll Taxes: What They Are, How They Work, and Why Your Business Needs Them

Everyone needs to pay taxes, including businesses and larger corporations. For most businesses, payroll taxes are the primary means of paying taxes to the government for the money earned through the business. But when a business is struggling financially, one of the first things to lose track of can often be taxes for the payroll. Fortunately, getting help from tax experts can help you recover and get your business back on track.
Read More...

What Happens If You Have Unfiled Tax Returns?

Maybe you didn't realize you needed to file a return. Maybe you did and just forgot, and now you're out of time. You've just received a letter from the IRS informing you that you've failed to pay your taxes for the last year, and now they're coming after you. However you ended up in this situation, there's no point trying to hide from it. However, all is not lost! Read on to find out how you can resolve your unfiled tax returns and quickly get your taxes back on track.
Read More...

What Happens During Wage Garnishment?

What happens when you owe money you can't pay? There are several ways it can go, depending on what the creditor decides, but one possibility is wage garnishment. Garnishment of wages means that a court (or governmental agency) orders the debtor's employer to send part of the debtor's paycheck directly to the creditor for the purpose of paying off your debt.
Read More...

How to Get Tax Help and Avoid IRS Tax Liens

If you've been unable to pay all your taxes in the past few years, you could be facing a tax lien, which essentially gives the IRS the right to your assets, including any real estate you own. However, there is professional tax help available to avoid IRS tax liens.
Read More...

How Can You Tell When You Owe Back Taxes?

Most Americans try to stay in the good graces of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by paying their taxes on time, but even the most diligent of payers can fall behind on their taxes once in a while. Knowing how to tell when you owe back taxes can help you stay on top of your IRS account and take advantage of programs available to assist in paying off tax debt.
Read More...

8 Signs You Should Seek Professional Tax Help

Let's face it: taxes can be complicated. True, some people have straightforward tax situations and can save a few dollars by filing their taxes themselves, but in many more cases, seeking help from a tax professional will be the better option. If it just so happens that you enjoy and are experienced with doing your own taxes, then we salute you, but if not, then here are eight signs that it might be wise to seek professional tax help.
Read More...

How to Choose the Right Tax Resolution Services

When you're dealing with tax debt, you probably know you could use some help dealing with the IRS. However, you might not know where to turn to get the help you need. Following these tips on how to choose the right tax resolution services will...
Read More...

Do You Qualify for Tax Resolution? The Answer May Surprise You!

Not being able to pay your tax debt can be scary, especially since you've probably heard about the heavy-handed tactics the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can use to collect back taxes. The best thing you can do if you've fallen behind in paying your taxes...
Read More...

Efficiency through Automation!

Because of advancements in our technology, we are able to communicate with the IRS electronically, its as if we are in the same office! Faster service and more cost effective!

Our Money Back Guarantee!

If you are not happy with our tax services within the initial 21 days, we will give you a 100% refund of services rendered, no questions asked!

Price Match Guarantee

You find it, we will match it! Tax Alliance will match and beat (by 10%) any competitive offer. Contact our office today and receive a free no obligation tax consultation.

Call Us
Tax Alliance Logo

Get tax relief today!

Contact us for your free tax assessment consultation
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
🕒 Mon - Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
✉️ info@taxalliance.com
📞 1.800.987.3051
🏢 2002 E. McFadden Avenue, Suite 110, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Vector image of Tax Alliance hero giving a thumbs up
Current Call Wait Time: Under 5 Seconds
Average Form Response Time: 5 Minutes

Efficiency through Automation!

Because of advancements in our technology, we are able to communicate with the IRS electronically, its as if we are in the same office! Faster service and more cost effective!

Our Money Back Guarantee!

If you are not happy with our tax services within the initial 21 days, we will give you a 100% refund of services rendered, no questions asked! We help our clients nationwide!

Price Match Guarantee

You find it, we will match it! Tax Alliance will match and beat (by 10%) any competitive offer. Contact our office today and receive a free no obligation tax consultation.

Call Us