KWL LLP dba Accountability

Frequently Asked Questions

So — why shouldn’t I do my own taxes?
The tax code is complicated, and getting more so all the time. It’s difficult to keep up with all the changes and nuances. As tax professionals, we deal with these things all day, every day. We know what to look for, and how to apply the rules to your situation.   We receive new training regularly — so you don’t have to.

But as long as I don’t get audited, I’m OK, right? 
When you do your own taxes, you don’t know what could be hurting you. And you don’t know the rules that could be helping you.   You could be leaving money on the table, or creating problems for the long term.

I have a friend who can do my taxes, and he doesn’t charge much. Why shouldn’t I use him? 
The danger is, you don’t know what he doesn’t know.  In this case, what you don’t know definitely can hurt you.   Plus, if he gets it wrong, you might feel reluctant to go back and ask for changes.  After all, he’s your friend, and he didn’t charge you much.  Sometimes you really do get what you pay for.

How do I know you aren’t going to miss something? 
We encourage those who have doubts to get a second opinion. Find out what other professionals say — and why.

What about do-it-yourself programs like Turbotax? 
There’s no substitute for having a live human with years of experience looking at the numbers. That’s what we offer. We regularly save money for our clients — after they’ve tried it on their own.

That brings up another issue: Can you correct my past mistakes?
Bring us your old returns. Often we can file an amendment and save you money.   We’ve done it for plenty of clients.

What about those big tax preparation companies that advertise on TV?
Some companies hire people with slim credentials, give them a quick training course, and voila! They’re preparing your taxes. Better to stick with solid, seasoned professionals you have an ongoing relationship with.

But aren’t they less expensive?
Clients often come to us from other well-known companies. When we compare what they’ve paid with what we’re charging — we’re usually less expensive.

I notice a lot of your clients come back every year. What’s the benefit?
First, you can have the same preparer every year. We’ll get to know you, make notes about your situation, and remember the important things to ask.   That’s how we save our clients money — and why they come back year after year. We’re in it for the long term.

What’s the most important thing people should do to save on their tax bill? 
Remember to keep good records throughout the year. It’s inconvenient, but in the long term, it means money in your pocket.