| New Credentials and New Offerings! |
| 2025 was a big year! In February, I completed the Master of Accounting degree at UNC Chapel Hill. Through the summer, I completed a three-exam series to be designated as an IRS Enrolled Agent. Contrary to how it sounds, that doesn’t mean I work for the IRS! It is a credential offered by the IRS that allows me unlimited practice rights to represent clients (just like a CPA or attorney) when they receive notices, audits, or have other matters. It means I can be a better advocate for you with the IRS! When you have your preparation done this year, you will be given the opportunity to sign forms allowing me access to your IRS account information past and present. This allows me to see payments made to your account (really useful for those who make estimated payments), see transcripts of documents filed on your behalf, and any penalties, account balances, etc. This will allow me to provide more complete service to all my clients. I will also be offering an IRS account monitoring product. This offering detects IRS flags to your account, audits, notices, etc. What’s better? We can detect this 3-6 months in advance of your receiving a notice! This offering will also provide discounts and prepaid resolution services. Be advised this is not insurance, and it is not third party service. With the help of software, your accounts and information will be monitored and analyzed by me, personally, monthly! I have also entered into a partnership with a financial planning and wealth advisement firm. This is going to be a great thing for clients who need big-picture planning and advising services. I’m very excited! You’ll get more information on this as the filing season begins! |
| Documents and Record Keeping |
Holding an IRS credential opens me and my office to more scrutiny when it comes to due diligence, processes, and record-keeping. This is especially true for refundable credits like the Earned Income Credit, education credits, Child Tax Credits, etc. I may ask you for documentation for certain things – don’t be offended, it doesn’t mean we don’t trust you! I am just making sure my records are up-to-date and that you (and I!) are protected in the event of an examination. Common things we may ask for (and you can prepare for): Identification Custody agreements or Divorce decrees Death certificates and Letters Testamentary Receipts from child care providers (with EIN) Mileage logs for business Purchase details for assets used in a business Birth certificates/dates of birth for dependents For your security, do not send documents containing sensitive or identifying information via regular email or text. We will not accept it that way and will ask you to resend it securely! This is for your protection and ours to prevent a data breach from sending sensitive and identifying information via unsecured means. The client portal is easy to use and a very secure way to send documents and messages. My office phone system is app-based, so when you text it, it does not go to a cell phone. Often the images are too small and hard to read. We’ll let you know what documents we can accept by email or text, but there are very few! |
| Signing Tax Returns |
| In past years, it has sometimes been allowed in our office for spouses to sign returns for each other, or for parents to sign for children, etc. This has been a practice that has made me uncomfortable for some time. Beginning this year, I am ending this practice. Those whose names are on the tax returns are the ones who must sign for it to be filed. This means both spouses, any children, parents, etc., must sign the return. Don’t worry, though! We are going to offer several ways for you to do this: – Those who need to sign can come by the office to sign for the return either at pickup or at their convenience. – We can give you the forms to take home, have signed, and mail back to the office (returns will be filed when forms received). – We can send the forms via Client Portal to be signed. We’ll need an email address to do this. Another great reason to activate your client portal account! If you, your spouse, parent, child, etc., are disabled and unable to come inside the office – we’ll be happy to come out to them! |
Public Office Hours:
January 12–January 30: By appointment
Beginning February 2:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
9 AM to 6 PM
Wednesdays
9 AM to 5 PM
Saturdays
By appointment
(and subject to additional charge)
500 S. Church Street, Suite 102
(in Old Salem, at the corner of Church and Bank Streets)
Parking is available directly in front of the building,
there are 2 reserved spaces in the adjoining parking lot,
or any street parking as available.