Editor’s note: This post is brought to you by INB’s tax services in conjunction with Dave Ramsey, a personal money-management expert and extremely popular national radio personality. INB Senior Vice President Chris Parks, CPA, is the Dave Ramsey-endorsed local provider for tax services in Springfield. Schedule an appointment today with Chris by calling 217-679-1676.

It’s hard to believe we’re already into February, which means that April is right around the corner.

Just remember: no matter how long you wait, you still have to file your taxes!

What are the benefits of using a tax professional versus doing them yourself? Often, your taxes can go from simple to complicated in the blink of an eye. Even if your taxes aren’t complicated, it’s usually helpful to get the advice of a professional.

Here’s what you need to know…

• Tax code can be difficult to understand
• The more complicated your taxes get, the higher likelihood of making a costly mistake.
• Tax professionals stay up-to-date on the changes to tax laws every single year and can advise you year-round on best practices for smart tax decisions.
• It’s particularly recommended to use a tax expert if you:
  • Own a business.
  • Have multiple sources of income.
  • Plan to itemize your deductions.

You can save a lot of time and money

While saving money is always nice, when hiring experts—like tax pros, doctors and mechanics— it just makes sense to spend more cash to get the job done right.

Paying an extra $100-300 on the front end may be well worth it in the long run if your tax expert is thorough, accurate and ends up saving you a lot of money (not to mention, allowing you to play with your kids instead of filling out forms all weekend).

Sometimes it just takes one deduction or tax credit you may have missed to make up for the costs associated with having a professional prepare your return!

Tax professionals give you peace of mind

Tax pros help walk you through each facet of your personal and professional situation, including all of the new tax reform law changes. They are able to answer your questions and help you resolve any issues.

When you find a diligent tax expert, you can rest assured that you’re not only in compliance with state and federal laws, but also that you are maximizing the benefits from each policy.

So what should you bring to your appointment with a tax professional? 

Financial expert Dave Ramsey provides tax preparation checklists for personal filers and small-business owners. The more organized you are, the smoother your experience will be. 

When hiring a tax pro, it’s important to make sure you’re working with someone you trust. Give us a call at 217-679-1676 to set up an appointment with INB’s Dave Ramsey-endorsed tax expert Chris Parks.