For better or worse, the 2023 tax season is officially here.
That means it’s time to understand your filing status, start gathering all necessary forms and documents, maximize your retirement and HSA contributions, and adjust your tax withholdings to ensure you pay the proper amount as move into the 2024 tax year.
Depending on the complexity of your returns, it is encouraged to partner with certified tax return preparers. At Evolution Tax & Legal, we specialize in: individual tax prep, US expat tax services, business tax prep, and international business tax planning. Our founder, Alton Moore, is a dually licensed CPA and international tax attorney, allowing our firm to cover the full scope of tax compliance, tax planning, and accounting under one roof. This not only helps you avoid outsourcing fees, but more importantly, gives you one individual and company to help advise you throughout the process.
In this short article, we’ll cover important tax deadlines, our tax prep process, and frequently asked questions.
2023 Tax Filing Deadlines
The tax filing deadlines, not considering extensions, are:
- Individuals, Trust and Estates (Forms 1040, 1041): Monday, April 15, 2024
- C Corporation (Form 1120): Monday, April 15, 2024
- Partnership (Form 1065): Friday, March 15, 2024
- S Corporation (Form 1120-S) : Friday, March 15, 2024
To file your taxes by the above deadlines, you will need to complete steps 1-4 below no later than one month ahead of the applicable filing deadline. If those steps are not completed one month in advance, our team cannot guarantee your filing by the applicable deadline due to high client demand. As a result, your return(s) will be placed on a 6-month filing extension.
We handle our tax filings on a first-in, first-out basis. As such, we highly encourage clients to complete steps 1-4 sooner rather than later, once you have all the applicable forms and info from employers, etc.
Our Process for 2023 Tax Prep
If this is your first year working with Evolution Tax & Legal as your tax preparer of choice, you will need to complete the below steps:
- Connect with our dedicated tax team: Schedule your complimentary 15-minute tax consultation.
- Sign an engagement letter: As dually certified tax attorneys and CPAs, we are required to have all clients sign an engagement letter, formally hiring our team as your tax preparer of choice. Some clients may be required to pay an initial retainer to begin work. These details will be discussed in your free consultation.
- Complete our tax questionnaire: This questionnaire will help our team understand the complexities within your individual and company taxes. It also helps to make you aware of any deductions you may not be taking advantage of.
- Upload documents to our secure client portal: upload your completed questionnaire and other requested documents to our secure client portal. This portal protects your private information and allows you easy access to all company-provided tax and legal documents.
- Review, approve, and execute signature pages: Our team will prepare a draft version of your 2023 tax documents for review. Once approved, you will sign your tax return signature page and Evolution Tax & Legal will file your taxes on your behalf.
Already an Evolution Tax & Legal Client?
We’re so happy to serve you again for your 2023 tax planning and preparation. As a returning tax client, we still need to kick-off the prep process with an engagement letter. Simply respond to any of the “Tax Reminder” emails you may have received from Evolution Tax & Legal informing us of your decision to re-hire our team as your preferred tax preparer. Or, email whomever you worked with last year to re-engage, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Filing for 2023 tax year
Q. What happens if I don't file my taxes by the applicable deadline?
A. If you miss the deadline, you or your tax preparer will need to file Form 4868 to receive an automatic 6-month filing extension. This is not an extension on payment, however. You must make an accurate estimate of your tax and send any necessary payment with your Form 4868 (this form and payment can be filed and paid electronically). Interest and penalties are assessed (charged) from the original due date of your return. Find more info here.
Q. What is the recommended way to pay the IRS or California government?
A. The best way to pay the IRS is via Direct Pay with a bank account. By using their secure service, you reduce any risk of payment from lost checks to unnecessary processing fees. You can also easily keep track of your payments by signing up for email notifications about your tax payment.
For California State Taxes, it is also recommended to pay them online via their Direct Pay program with the Franchise Tax Board.