Dutton Legal Group LLC

Were you pen pals with the IRS last year? Specifically – did they send you any audit or exam letters? Start rounding those up now – you’ll need them for filing in April. It’s too soon to start pulling paperwork together, you say? Starting now can actually get you faster refunds, and make delays less likely. Plus, you get the bonus of peace of mind going into tax season. Overwhelmed by the paperwork roundup? We can help – DM us or give the office a call.

Making personal or business resolutions is easy, but actually STICKING TO them is the hard part. And right about now is when the new year's motivation starts to wear off. Just a quick check-in: Did you make a financial resolution this year? Comment YES or NO ... we're curious how high finances are on people's lists this year.

Have you been asking yourself, “How am I going to be able to pay my taxes this year?” If you’re anxious because of past IRS trouble, we’re here for you. You have options. You might be able to… 😌Arrange a payment plan 😌Obtain an offer in compromise 😌Delay collection temporarily Note: These are situational and depend on the IRS's approval. But they’re possibilities. Let’s figure out your options — DM us if you want to talk about it.

Do-it-yourself tax software can be a convenient way to file your taxes, but it's important to be aware of its limitations. Software programs rely on you to input all the necessary information accurately. But it's so easy to overlook things. A simple oversight, like forgetting a taxable bonus from a bank account, can trigger an audit or lead to penalties. There is an element here of “you get what you pay for.” While tax preparation software seems like the “cheaper” option, in reality it may cost you far more in penalties (and missed opportunities). 👉 Plus, tax software can't help you fix your tax problems. But we can.

AI scams are increasing, and it's predicted to get worse this year. ▶ What to do? "Be wary of unexpected texts, emails, and calls that create urgency or pressure, especially those claiming to be from trusted organizations." ...among other things https://lnkd.in/gWuh235C

Some of us are guilty of avoiding uncomfortable phone conversations (don't worry, we're not pointing any fingers). Calm your fears with this: IRS representatives are expected to be courteous and respectful. EVEN IF you owe hefty tax debt. No matter your situation, you can expect to be treated with dignity.

Because we want you to stay ahead of the personal information thieves, today we're offering up an identity protection best practice that we're pretty sure you've heard before but should REALLY take seriously: 🔒 PROTECT YOUR PASSWORDS. 🔒 The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Some password tips: - Use at least 10 characters; 12 is ideal for most home users. - Mix letters, numbers, and special characters. - Try to be unpredictable – don’t use your name, birthdate, or common words. - Don’t use the same password for many accounts. - Don’t share passwords on the phone, in texts, or by email. - Keep your passwords in a secure place out of plain sight. And if this seems like a lot to do and keep track of on your own, there are literally dozens of password security providers out there now (LastPass, Dashlane, LogMeOnce, Bitwarden, 1Password, etc.). Pick one and start using it today.

"My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there." - Charles Kettering Time to look to 365 days of future possibility and opportunity. Happy New Year!

When you think about accidentally making a mistake on your taxes, do you picture the IRS maliciously coming to take your house or car? Believe it or not, the IRS doesn’t have its eyes set on your property. Property seizure only happens as a last resort. And with a trustworthy tax pro (like us) in your corner, you can fix things long before it ever gets to that point.

As your friend in the tax business, we would hate to see you suffer the consequences of honest mistakes. Because believe us – the consequences can be BRUTAL. Just how brutal, you ask? They can range from a slap on the wrist in the form of a small payment, to criminal investigation and imprisonment (and everything in between). The take away here is: You MUST take your tax responsibilities seriously. And, find someone you trust to help you with those responsibilities. We're happy to be that someone... and we're just a DM away.