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The most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions, and other items. By doing so, they have your best interest in mind and are trying to help you avoid penalties, interest, or additional taxes that could result from later IRS contacts.
Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients; you can use the following tips to choose a preparer who will offer the best service for their tax preparation needs.
Find out what the service fees are before the return is prepared. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your refund or who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
Only use a tax professional that signs your tax return and provides you with a copy for your records.
Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
Choose a tax preparer that will be around to answer questions after the return has been filed.
Ask questions. Do you know anyone who has used the tax professional? Were they satisfied with the service they received?
Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the state’s board of accountancy for CPAs or the state’s bar association for attorneys. Find out if the preparer belongs to a professional organization that requires its members to pursue continuing education and also holds them accountable to a code of ethics.
Determine if the preparer’s credentials meet your needs. Does your state have licensing or registration requirements for paid preparers? is he or she an enrolled agent, certified public accountant or attorney? If so, the preparer can represent taxpayers before the IRS on all matters – including audits, collections, and appeals. Other return preparers can represent taxpayers only in audits regarding a return signed as a preparer.
Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions.
You can report suspected tax fraud and abusive tax preparers to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888. Download Form 3949-A from www.irs.gov or order by mail at 800-829-3676.
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The Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce is selling only 200 raffle tickets at $100 each, for a chance to spend a week in the Mi Casa Villa.
The six-bedroom, five-bath home is complete with a gourmet kitchen, billiard parlor, tennis court, swimming pool and great views of the ocean. The villa easily sleeps 12 people, and can accommodate up to 16.
The drawing for the trip includes airfare for two.
Ever heard the expression “think outside the box”? Here is one way to “think outside the box” for a chance to win the trip: Ask four couples to contribute $20 each to match your $20 and you can purchase a ticket for a chance to win.
There are no blackout dates for this home, so if you have a family reunion coming up, a special birthday or anniversary or just want to have a great time with friends, call the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, 263-5092, to purchase a ticket to paradise.
You may also purchase tickets at the chamber office, 875 Lakeport Blvd, Lakeport. Master Card, Visa, checks or cash are cheerfully accepted.
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“Any changes to the tax system should be undertaken primarily with the health of the economy in mind. Care should be given to considering what aspects of the tax system are actually ‘broken,’ before prescribing remedies,” said Kyla Christoffersen, CalChamber policy advocate on taxation and legal issues.
Gov. Schwarzenegger's October 2008 Executive Order S-12-08 created the bipartisan Commission on the 21st Century Economy to “re-examine and modernize California's out-of-date revenue laws that contribute to feast-or-famine state budget cycles.”
Applying the principles outlined in Schwarzenegger's Executive Order S-12-08, the commission was directed to “suggest changes to state and local revenues that will result in a revenue stream that is more stable and reflective of the California economy.”
The order does not mention whether the recommendations should be revenue neutral, although CalChamber believes the commission should err on the side of revenue neutrality, given the requirement that the changes promote economic prosperity and competitiveness.
Protecting California jobs and competitiveness
CalChamber believes that sound fiscal policy will result in material improvements to California’s economy and encourage a swift and strong rebound from the current slowdown. On the other hand, the wrong policies will only make matters worse. Ultimately, the solution to California’s budget crisis will only come from robust economic growth and job creation.
As the commission considers changes to the state’s tax structure, the CalChamber believes the top priority must be a long-term plan for restoring and growing the state’s economy, said Christoffersen.
“The state’s fiscal health cannot be restored without a strong economy,” she said. “Any change to the tax structure should balance the need to maintain necessary government programs and the need to stimulate economic growth.
“Fostering economic health for California relies upon a tax structure that does not target specific industries, services, or income and investment with higher taxes. If taxes are raised in these three areas, it will kill jobs and future investment in high quality jobs for Californians. If taxes must be raised, they should be broad-based, temporary and nondiscriminatory, and above all minimize adverse impacts on economic competitiveness and equity,” said Christoffersen.
The commission will report its findings to the Governor and legislature on or before April 15, 2009.
The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in California. Membership represents one-quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry within the state. Visit the chamber online at www.calchamber.com.
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Normally held in late January, the chamber has moved the retreat to the last week in February due to the schedules of some of its board members, said chamber Chief Executive Officer Melissa Fulton.
The 2008 retreat was held at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake. This day-and-a-half-long retreat gives the chamber the opportunity for very long, detailed discussions on the issues facing the organization as they work to support our business members.
A program of work will be developed for 2009 and beyond based upon the work done at the meetings.
Contrary to the normal perception of retreats, member of the volunteer board of directors pay their own expenses for chamber retreats. Past presidents are invited to attend to take advantage of their experience and ideas for building a stronger business environment.
Although the lodge is in Lake County, they still encourage as many as possible to take advantage of the lodging accommodations which creates a win-win for everyone.
Two surveys are being conducted prior to the retreat, one for those participating in the meetings and one for the members of the chamber.
Fulton states that insights from these surveys will provide tools for the work to be accomplished.
“The economy is impacting everyone and we need the members' input on how they see the chamber working to assist them to survive,” Fulton added.
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