Tax time 2012 is rapidly approaching and you know what that means… getting together all your receipts, sorting them into piles, then give up and go do something that you want to do. Then before you know it the tax return lodgement deadline is here and you do one of three things:

1)      Waste many hours trying to do it yourself

2)      Go to a shopping centre ‘bulk tax return preparer’ with no qualifications

3)      Don’t do anything and stick head in sand

All three options are bad. Options 1 and 2 result in errors, genuine deductions being missed, and a greatly increased chance of a tax office audit. Option 3 will eventually see you fined by the tax office.

The only wise option is to contact Tate at Boston Accounting. Tate personally undertakes the preparation of each and every tax return, none are delegated to junior/inexperienced/unqualified staff.

Now if you do choose to see one of the big brand name tax return preparer companies, ask the person who is doing your return “What are your qualifications?” and listen to what they tell you. If they are not ‘degree qualified’ with appropriate ‘post graduate certifications’ and are not a ‘professionally recognised accountant’ according to the Corporations Law, then run the other way, preferably straight to a phone and call Boston Accounting. Also if they wear a name tag with the words ‘Tax Consultant’ written on it be very cautious as this normally indicates an unqualified bulk tax return preparer.

So what’s bad about a ‘bulk tax return preparer’ I hear you ask. Well they might be nice people but their job is to get through as many tax returns as possible to please their corporate employers. They definitely won’t be spending the time to do the right thing by you! And that increases your chances of being selected for an audit as well as reduces your tax refund amount!

Call Boston Accounting today.