Income Tax Preparation

Should anyone be looking for a new tax preparer, I am certified and bonded to prepare income tax returns. Income Tax Preparation Registered with IRS and CTEC Bonded 19 years experience... Federal and CA State $70 short form preparation $100 long form preparation (itemized deductions such as mortgage interest, charitable contributions, medical expenses, etc.) $180 small business (1099) or rental properties Prices include efiling fee If you need a state return prepared for a state other than California there will be an additional charge. *** I can also prepare late, prior years and amended tax returns. *** Due to COVID and us having a very young baby in our home I will not be scheduling sit down appointments this year. I am offering a few contact free options. One option is paperwork can be dropped off at my Natomas home and completed documents picked up once the return is ready. Another option is tax forms can be emailed or texted to me and completed return either emailed to you or printed return can be picked up from my porch. I accept Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, cash or check for payment. If you would like more information then please contact me. (916) 715-6749

Are you an independent contractor or an employee? As the pandemic continues, many long-time employees are now picking up jobs as contractors. In the meantime, states like California are trying to force the definition of employees upon companies. Getting it wrong could cost you plenty in the way of Social Security, Medicare taxes, and other employment related taxes. Here is what you need to know. The basics... As a contractor. If you are the worker and you are not considered an employee you must; pay self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare related taxes) make estimated federal and state tax payments handle your own benefits, insurance, and bookkeeping As an employer. You must ensure your employee versus independent contractor determination is correct. Getting this wrong in the eyes of the IRS can lead to; payment and penalties related to Social Security and Medicare taxes payment of possible overtime including penalties for a contractor reclassified as an employee legal obligation to pay for benefits Determining the answer: things to consider Usually in determining whether you are an independent contractor or an employee, state and federal authorities look at the business relationship between the employer and you, the worker. The IRS focuses on the degree of control exercised by the business over the work done and they will assess your level of independence. Here are some tips. The more the employer has the right to control your work, when the work is done, how the work is done, and where the work is done, the more likely you are an employee. The more the financial relationship is controlled by the employer the more likely the relationship will be seen as an employee and not an independent contractor. To clarify this, an independent contractor should have a contract, have multiple customers, invoice the company for work done, and handle financial matters in a business-like manner. The more business-like the arrangement the more likely you have an independent contractor relationship. Don't forget your obligations With so many workers now in the contractor ranks, it is important to stay on top of your tax filing obligations. With 15.3 percent of your income due for FICA (Social Security and Medicare), forgetting to pay this can quickly become a financial nightmare. While there are no hard set rules, the more reasonable your basis for classification and the more consistently it is applied, the more likely an independent contractor classification will not be challenged. But beware, states are trying to constantly move contractors into the ranks of employees, all of which can cause havoc as companies and workers try to understand the changes these initiatives create.