Taking the sting out of tax prep: Sacramento couple launches 'The Real Buzz' podcast
Tax pros offer 4 simple steps to help tax preparation go smoother
Tax pros offer 4 simple steps to help tax preparation go smoother
Tax pros offer 4 simple steps to help tax preparation go smoother
A Sacramento-area couple wants to take the sting out of tax time, so they launched a podcast that's getting a lot of buzz for its down-to-earth approach to simplifying an often complicated subject.
Husband-and-wife team Eric and Melissa Broughton run Busy Bee Advisors, an accounting, bookkeeping and tax preparation service.
Their recently-launched podcast, "The Real Buzz," has it all: a bit of humor, doses of "real talk," and extensive knowledge of the tax code, all in an effort to better equip filers with what they need to know in advance of tax season and in the days leading up to the tax deadline.
“I’m a big fan of taking it a little bit at a time to get it all accomplished,” Melissa said. “When you're pushing your tax pro to get things done on a tight deadline, you're not going to get the best work from them.”
The Broughtons shared four simple strategies to help filers get their taxes done accurately and on time:
1. Gather all your stuff.
From W-2s to 1099s, receipts and records, make sure you have all your documents compiled in one location.
“If your tax person doesn't know about it, they can't help you with it,” Eric said.
2. Complete the “tax organizer" your preparer sends.
The tax pros said it’s a must to answer the list of questions — based on the current tax code — that'll help get your return prepared.
“We don't do it to irritate you or to waste your time,” Melissa said. "We do it, almost, to prod you to think about those things that maybe you forgot.”
3. Let your tax person know about any changes in your household.
The more information you provide to them, the better your tax situation is going to end up.
“Are you still married? Awesome. Did you have someone move back into the house? Let us know,” Eric said.
4. Use the tax code to your benefit.
According to the Broughtons, the tax code is there for you to use.
“You should not be afraid to use the same system that every CEO, that every politician is using,” Eric said. “It’s very true that [the tax code] is complicated, but that doesn't mean it can't work for you."
In recent weeks, the Internal Revenue Service and the state’s Franchise Tax Board have extended the tax deadline for many Californians following this season's damaging storms.
The extension means the personal income and business tax deadline is now Oct. 16, 2023, for those in storm-affected counties.
Despite having several extra months this year, Busy Bee Advisors said it's still a good idea to avoid waiting until the last minute to file.