Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE @taxpreptech Twitter profile

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

8 months

Experts reveal five ways to slash your tax bill via @MailOnline

Experts reveal five ways to slash your tax bill

Tax season may fast be approaching but experts insist there is still time for workers to shave down the size of their bill.

www.dailymail.co.uk

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

9 months

For an accountant, my Excel skills are pretty basic. I did just use ChatGPT to build a VBA Macro that can parse out all necessary 1099-B data from a transcript into rows on a new sheet and I'm feeling pretty good about myself right now.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

My really tired of seeing the W2 employees come in with a consulting LLC with only travel and meal expenses. This is not legitimate and I’m tired of arguing about it.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

A week ago I emailed the firm that I do work for after 4/15, letting them I was deeply sorry but would be unable to fulfill my obligations because my dad has just died. Received no response, multiple people on cc. I'm fine and don't really care, but maybe do better?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

Lots of friends are telling me their accountant is ghosting them this season and want to know why. I tell them to look in the mirror. They think they are the customer but it’s actually the accountant who went shopping for someone else.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

We need to stop using the term "tax season" for good. It is a relic of the past and it gives the wrong impression that we are only busy two months of the year, when the reality is it is always someone's tax season.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

If your plan is to deliver your tax documents by end of day, what you are really saying is you expect your tax pro to work this entire weekend to provide you what you need prioritizing you ahead of all other things because you couldn't get your act together. Do you hear yourself?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

That “spreadsheet” you provide your tax pro is not always as helpful as you think it is

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

I’m really tired of being the Roth IRA police.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

I’ve been reluctant to share but I left my Dad for the last time. Over the last month I’ve watched him go as I balanced my work with multiple bi-coastal trips during the busiest time of my professional career. In the end we are just people doing our best. I will miss him dearly.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

7 months

I’m concerned about my unlicensed practice as therapist for my clients

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

Client fired the amazing bookkeeper we referred them to before end of year because they raised rates. Now realizing their huge mistake with unfinished books and 1099s to issue wants me to intervene. All my other clients love this bookkeeper. Remember who needs who more!

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

An estimate from a plumber will make you rethink your 1040 pricing quickly #TaxTwitter

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

2 months

Client: I wish my tax pro was more responsive. Also Client: Here’s that information you’ve been requesting since January for that filing that is due tomorrow.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

Nothing in this world is more fragile than a QuickBooks Online banking connection

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

@atrupar Every tax professional, both right and left, will tell you that the IRS is severely underfunded and the people that suffer from this are law abiding taxpayers who require a responsive agency. Tax cheats are the only ones who benefit from a dysfunctional service.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

Why do people only decide their books are wrong when they hear their tax balance due?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

Why do we need to have a call if you haven’t done any of the things from the email?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

Can I finish my dinner before they change the tax code again?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

7 months

Thinking of adding a clause to my engagement letter that charges an additional fee for responding to each TikTok video a client sends

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

M: It’s hard to estimate without documents but you should make an estimated payment of $50k C: (Panicked) Sending docs now M: You owe $49,996

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

The fact clients are taken back when my response to their “emergency extension” email is an invoice and an engagement agreement means we’ve all been too accommodating for too long IMO

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

Everyone picks on the IRS because they're the big one, but some of these city and state tax forms are so confusing and convoluted, I don't know how any citizen could complete them without professional help.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

If you’re reminding the person you hired to manage your tax matters that Monday is 4/15, do you have any confidence in their abilities or is this just your way of helping?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

My document request intimidated a client so much they decided they needed a “smaller more personal group” and I’m a one man operation.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

I don’t think most S Corps or Partners know the due date is 3/15

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

10 months

I think 7 reminders to sign the 8879 is enough reminders

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

Of course those returns you left for the weekend have an IP PIN, why wouldn't they?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

That 8879 is not going to sign itself.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

You can make the tax payment or I can make the tax payment, but I don't wish to host a class on making tax payments.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

After some of the records and reconstructions I've had to review recently, I'm seriously considering only offering accounting services where we do everything. A piece meal approach to recordkeeping makes me extremely uncomfortable from a due diligence and liability perspective.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

I’m being too reactive and allowing my inbox to dictate how my day goes. I want to reclaim my independence but I feel like if I don’t keep putting out the mini fires then I’ll fall too far behind. I guess admitting you have a problem is the first step. #TaxTwitter

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

Wow. I just fell asleep in the middle of the afternoon. I’m pretty sure I’ve been running on fumes the last few days.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

The majority of this year’s process challenges all come back to the fact that no one reads anything I send them. No matter the changes and improvements I make to my system, they’re pretty meaningless if I’m only having a conversation with myself

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

Are we gonna get an answer on bonus depreciation before filing starts?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

If you are bothered by the cost of entity returns, don't keep forming multiple new entities each year

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

@MarginCFO Never met a small business owner with the competence to perform their own bookkeeping. It is always wrong 100% of the time.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

2 months

I’m ready to resign from serving my rental’s HOA and providing free accounting services. It’s a thankless job and everyone is allowing their bias and self interest to inform their understanding of the bylaws.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

For all the complaints I hear from people about their accountant ghosting them, no one is ghosted more than an accountant.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

8 months

FinCen has updated the BOI FAQ to say that reporting companies that need help meeting their reporting obligations can consult with professional service providers such as lawyers or accountants. It will be hard to argue this is not an accounting service covered by insurance.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

7 months

If you are a tax client who is having a last minute emergency, I assure you this is of your own making.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

Client left when I told them I wouldn't hold a review appointment for their zero taxable income simple return. I regret being so dismissive but they weren't the right fit and I couldn't prioritize them. I do good work, but I'm not great with everyone, but I'm trying to do better.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

Client just uploaded about 20 W9s and wants to issue late 1099s. I almost want to tell them that ship has sailed.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

7 months

It's not even just clients at this point. The sheer number of emails I'm receiving that could easily wait until late next week is staggering. We all need to collectively practice more restraint in our communications. I plan to work on delaying my responses in 2024 as well.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

@baldridgecpa Well he always had a hard time keeping track of finances whether it was at the Pentagon or in the Rumsfeld house.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

To all the young people out there who think checks are old fashioned, when you provide incorrect routing and account numbers you're going to wish you had ordered yourself some checks.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

I don't just need you to agree to my fee, I need you to agree to my way of working. The fee is meaningless if you can't agree to the latter.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

A review of my Dad's credit card statements revealed he would sneak off to McDonald's or Wendy's each week by himself for a soft serve. I miss that guy.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

I don’t think there is anything the IRS doesn’t want you to know,

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

If your parent's 401k plan is managed through @Paychex and something happens to them, I wish you luck getting anyone to call you back. I've been calling and emailing the account specialist for over a month. A normal person would have given up by now.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

10 months

A Intuit ProSeries salesman calling on 9/15 should probably read the room

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

To the @Intuit rep who just called me, I've never felt more unseen by any company ever.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

When the professional you hired is asking questions, remember they are only performing their due diligience, which is the reason you hired them in the first place.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

I had a huge argument with my mom because I didn’t like the way she wrote to an attorney working for her. The guy did nothing wrong and she was rude and all I could think is if a client spoke to me like that I’d fire them or raise their fee. Working in service will change you.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

I don’t know how to respond to “but my friend told me something different”

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

Just got IRS to accept our expenses in a Sch C audit of a client who really needed some good news. It feels good to be able to deliver and makes all of the stress and back and forth seem like worth it. I think I needed some good news too.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

7 months

Email from tax only client who would like to discuss ERC on the last workday of the year. Nice.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

2 months

Prospect asked my age on a call today, which doesn’t often come up. Uncertain on how he would react, I told him I was 40. He was relieved because everyone he had spoken with was 65 plus. This led us to discuss the accounting shortage.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

They call it de minimis for a reason, but sure let's have a call about it on March 11th.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

After tax season I freelance for a firm that puts everyone on extension and does its work through October. Using someone else’s procedure (that they love) really underscores the positive changes I made to my own procedures this season. #TaxTwitter

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

7 months

@cordes_tax I’m more shocked there’s tax pro looking for more clients

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

Why the cost of your return goes up each year explained

Grumpy CPA

@taxlady04

6 months

🟢1955 US Tax Code: 929 pages 🟡2014 US Tax Code: 2,652 pages 🔴2024 US Tax Code: 7,065 pages 🟢1955 filing deadline: 4/15 🟡2014 filing deadline: 4/15 🔴2024 filing deadline: 4/15 #changetaxday #TaxTwitter

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

9 months

I don’t think a client has ever sent all pages of a notice without having to be asked

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

It's insane to me the number of $1M+ businesses that need to be explained the value of reconciled and accurate financials. Many of them think I'm just being a stickler when in many cases I don't even have the space for additional bookkeeping business.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

7 months

Reviewing the return of a new client who magically had the same about of deductions as he had gross receipts. $0 net income, what are the odds.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

Q: Looking for tax preparers or other tax professionals to share how DIY filers can get a professional to review their forms before submitting to the IRS. Is this a service tax preparers provide? A: This is not a service, if you use a professional it is no longer DIY! Hire a pro

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

Just passed all four sections of the CFE exam @TheACFE

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

C: Why do you need all this information? Q: Name and address

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

If you start looking for a new tax pro in March, you're not my person

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

I was just reviewing a list of the clients who haven't returned and they were all pretty difficult to begin with. Remember to never take it personally and it's probably not you that was the issue.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

I love bookkeepers. I support them, refer to them, learn from them, and rely on them. But I sign the return and will prepare it in the manner I deem appropriate. I won’t accept something incorrect just because it is expedient and I won’t spend time arguing about it.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

2 months

Post-filing deadline feels just as busy sometimes but with less money coming in the door each week.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

8 months

Despite sharing the relevant information about BOI and the penalties, most clients have responded with a shrug. No one seems to fear compliance and the penalties more than the accountant.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

10 months

Don't you just love when you provide a thoughtful and detailed response to a client's lengthy panic email only to receive radio silence...happens all the time and just goes to show you there are rarely any tax emergencies

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

“Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated” - The Accounting profession

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

Back home celebrating the man who taught me everything

Obituary information for Samuel Irving Hellman

View Samuel Irving Hellman's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

www.brockettfuneralhome.com

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

Quite a large number of my lengthy replies to “quick questions” (which are not quick to write) never even receive a “thanks” reply

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

By the time I’m done with this client I’m sure I will earn less than minimum wage. Lessons learned.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

@andreacpa0 Move the deadlines a month but only tell those with a PTIN.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

@ryandpulicecpa Why are there so many people looking for a tax pro working long hours and weekends? Are those really the qualities you want in the person handling your tax matters?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

I’ve had a few long term clients become slow to respond, slow to pay, and a bit more unhappy with fees. It’s unfortunate because I know my level of value and service is only moving in an upward direction.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

Is there some entrepreneur handbook that says make sure the last person you tell about your new business is your accountant?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

People don’t appreciate that the level of care and due diligence to file a form for someone else is far greater than that of filing the same form for yourself.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

Be careful out there. Definitely seeing a few “prospective” clients who send strangely worded inquiries and include strange links. Respond with your procedure, validate, and use your portal only. #TaxTwitter

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

Is it possible to give everyone a PITA fee?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

One thing AI cannot do is identify a personal expense on your business income statement that shouldn't be there, because the assumption will be that if it's on the statement, it IS a business expense. This is something only experience working with taxpayers can teach you.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

We are at the point in tax season where s corps without books or payroll “need some help” with business taxes

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

Why are the people in a rush to get their stuff done the slowest to respond?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

When I see clients beginning to run their own reasonable comp and paying contractors properly, I truly am proud at how far they've come. I want to give people the tools to take control of their taxes and many of my clients prove to me that it is truly possible #TaxTwitter

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

If given the choice between a rushed but timely filed 3/15 or 4/15 return or an return extended with all the taxes paid and prepared accurately and completely, which do you pick? Is it really a hard choice?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

When you move from a monthly client to a tax only client, you are making a decision to become a non-priority and ensuring your records will never be accurate again. Consider yourself warned.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

5 months

Is the IRS going to make me file all the extensions and then automatically extend everyone on 3/14? What are we doing here? Want to be remotely helpful?

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

Felt good to drop the discovery session link to a prospect fishing for information. More importantly, it's the actual stated purpose of the discovery session. I have a long way to go, but no more being bullied into running my practice any other way but my own.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

Calling the IRS is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get #TaxTwitter #IRS

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

6 months

Just had a bookkeeper say to me, "How come my accountant never explained that's how you do self-employed health insurance. Maybe I should do that for my S Corp"

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

7 months

My business has had a great year and I attribute it to listening to other professionals (YOU!) Fees are more inline where they need to be (still can improve) and engagements were clearly outlined better than before. Thank you to everyone for showing me the way! Grateful for you!

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

@LoganGrafTax My wife and I experienced a stillbirth two years ago. The tragedy was only made worse when she developed sepsis and almost died herself. It is a terribly difficult experience that few speak openly about. Wishing you the time and space for healing.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

3 months

Prospect booked a discovery session. Spent the call convincing them to hire a good bookkeeper and withdraw their S election. Explained why they aren't currently a good fit. They thanked me for my explanation and transparency. Hard to argue they didn't receive value from the call.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

10 months

One of the main reasons we never get to the planning phase with our clients is because we spend all our time working on compliance. It’s hard to think about making plans when your own house isn’t in order. First things first.

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

1 year

I have zero patience to argue with you about the tax return where you owe $400 in income tax and $2500 in SE tax

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Zachary Hellman, EA, CFE

@taxpreptech

4 months

@cordes_tax My favorite line in all my letters "the exercise of your due diligence is solely a matter of your responsibility and judgment."

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