Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge to prepare a tax return?
Rates vary based upon the complexity and type of return. Customary rates for income tax return preparation range from $400 to $2,500. Please call to schedule a complementary one hour consultation where we will discuss your needs and we will provide you with a quote for the services you need.

TAX QUESTIONS

What is the IRS Standard mileage rate for automobile usage?
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2011, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) is:
• 51 cents per mile for business miles driven
• 19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

Do I have to pay quarterly estimated tax payments and if so, when?
In order to avoid a penalty for underpayment of tax, the IRS requires that you pay either 100% of your prior year tax (110% for individuals with income over $150,000) or 90% of your current year tax through income tax withholding on your wages, pension distributions or investment income or through estimated tax payments. Estimated tax payments for 2010 should be paid in 4 equal installments of 25% of the annual payment as follows:

Payment 1 due April 18, 2011
Payment 2 due June 15, 2011
Payment 3 due September 15, 2011
Payment 4 due January 17, 2012.

The state of California requires the payments to be thirty percent of the required annual payment for the 1st required installment, forty percent of the required annual payment for the 2nd required installment, no installment is due for the 3rd required installment, and thirty percent of the required annual payment for the 4th required installment.

Payments do not have to be made according to the percentages above if income is not earned equally throughout the year. If you would like assistance in determining what and when to pay your taxes, please contact me.

Can I pay my taxes using a credit card?
Yes, you can. However, the IRS uses a service provider to process the payment and they charge a fee of between 2% and 4% of the amount of payment. Follow this link to the IRS website for information on the different service providers. http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=101316,00.html

How much is the annual gift tax exclusion?
In 2011, a person can give up to $13,000 to another individual without it being considered a taxable gift that may require the filing of a gift tax return or the payment of gift tax.

How much can I contribute to my 401(k) or other deferred compensation plan in 2011?
The limit is $16,500 for elective deferrals that you can contribute to your traditional or safe harbor 401(k) plan. If you are age 50 or older your deferral amount increases by $5,500.

Keep in mind that we are here to take care of your tax needs on a one to one basis. Give us a call, 707.422.2002, and come in to discuss your needs.