VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison

Because I'm guessing a new income tax preparer in my area will not have previous experience with a voice-over client, might it be helpful to show this person my income tax return from last year?
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Bruce · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2021 1:59 pm Post subject:

I presume you mean should you show them your tax return before you hire them not after? Your previous tax return(s) are absolutely required for preparation of your new returns.

You probably don't need to show a prospective accountant your returns but you should be able to describe the types of deductions you take and whether you're union or not. That will help them give you good answers to your questions.

Have you not been able to get a recommendation from a local VO or actor? Tax preparation for all freelance type work is fairly similar as to what's deductible, and what's not, home office deductions, and questions like should you amortize big things like computers or take the deduction all at once. Most accountants can handle your needs, but getting one that is familiar with the irregular income of freelancers and some of the (slightly) unusual deductions we may try and the emotions that might come with our work would be helpful.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Mike Harrison · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2021 6:55 pm Post subject:

Yes, Bruce. That's exactly my intent: to show my tax return to a prospective preparer, along with my best explanation as to what I do, so he can understand my needs. I've not had trouble finding a tax preparer before; it's that I'd been with this one firm for 20 years and had forgotten that seeing the previous year's return was necessary. Good.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

melissa eX · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2021 7:27 pm Post subject:

See if you can find an EA Mike. An EA is an Enrolled Agent. They're tax specialists and have to pass IRS certification, or had to have worked for the IRS - and they have to continually certify - so they're up on all of the changes. Many CPA's don't have the deep tax specific knowledge EA's do.

Why are you changing agencies? And will you work with someone remotely? Or come into the city?

Moe Egan · Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2021 7:32 am Post subject:

Thanks for that suggestion Ex- my accountant is retiring after this tax season, I dread looking for someone new.
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Moe Egan
i want to be the voice in your head.
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Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2021 7:46 am Post subject:

My needs are what I can only guess are minimal, when compared to other solopreneurs, even fellow VOs. I don't own my home or any other property, I have usually few and minor expenses, and I'm satisfied that my previous tax preparers took advantage of any tax laws they could on my behalf.

I want a new tax preparer because the guy who'd been doing my taxes for 18 years has retired from the company, and I was not happy with his replacement's responsiveness. Nor did it sit well with me when the company owner initially committed to helping me navigate financing a booth via the SBA... and then stopped responding.

I prefer to work remotely whenever possible, but I want to find someone local so, if an office visit is necessary, it's not an all-day affair.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.