Tax Tip for Writers: Software can lie to you

February 4th, 2013 → 1:57 pm @

 

Tax software can lie to you

“The IRS stopped the home office deduction,” an author told me.

I knew that wasn’t true and learned that her tax software did not include a deduction for her home office, probably because of an incorrect reply she gave during the software interview process.

Tax software  is a great tool, and of course, I use it myself (I’m a CPA!), but the software is only as good as the user.

Garbage In, Garbage Out.

If something seems incorrect about your tax preparation software, contact the software provider, or better yet, consult a professional tax preparer. A CPA who can help you understand your business as well as your taxes is best.

If your CPA finds an error, he or she can help you to amend your tax return up to three years from the due date.

 

Carol Topp, CPA

 

Want me to look over your DIY tax return? I offer a tax review service at writers conferences and workshops. You can arrange for me to be a speaker at your writers conference by contacting me here.


Tags: , ,

Comments are closed.