Fall Update
As we transition from Summer to Fall, we are just wrapping up Tax Season 2019 with the passing of October 15th extended tax deadline. With the passing of this deadline, comes a little rest… but then we start getting ready for Tax Season 2020. As in the past, we will be mailing out some information in November on scheduling your tax appointment, so be on the look-out for this to arrive by the first week of December. In the meantime, we wanted to provide everyone with this quick update about some changes occurring at the office.
Office Redecorating
We are redecorating at the office this year! Along with a new coat of paint, we replaced some of the furniture due to age and safety. We have also done some minor landscaping outside to make parking a little easier. Although it may look a little different when you come to see us, we still hope you get the same feeling of doing taxes and having a little fun or at least a little candy. Gary always told us that if we are not having fun, that we might need to do something different (or eat some candy).
Recent Tax Updates
Tom and I are enrolled in classes in the next few months to make sure that we are completely current with any changes in 2020 to help you minimize your liability. Most of these classes are hosted by the Washington State Society of CPA’s. For those of you who were not aware, as CPA’s we are required by law to complete 40 hours of education each year. As CPA’s this requirement is enforced by the Washington State Board of Accountancy (ps – you can check the status of our license anytime online by visiting their site at www.acb.wa.gov)
We are also working on a periodic newsletter, like this email, to keep you aware of changes and topics that may impact you and your finances. This will be a free update for all of our clients, and we will be sending out this newsletter electronically to minimize our impact on the environment and your mailbox. If you prefer not to receive these emails, you can always unsubscribe using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email.
Bookkeeping
We are happy to say that our Bookkeeping services have really taken off this year. We have now two full-time bookkeepers and one part-time bookkeeper to help our clients stay current with:
- Quarterly, Monthly and Annual Excise tax returns
- QuickBooks assistance
- Fixed asset updates
- Account reconciliations.
Our bookkeepers also work closely with the CPAs in our office to help clients with Federal and State tax audits. So far this year, we have saved our clients nearly $1,000,000 in over-assessed tax adjustments through the audit and appeals process. That is real money that our clients got to keep!
Payroll
Our Payroll services are also growing. We have taken on in excess of 30 new payroll clients since 2018 to help keep clients current with their Federal and State payroll tax requirements. As many of you are aware, the State imposed a tax on employees/employers for their paid medical leave beginning in 2019. This was anything but a smooth process as the State delayed the filing process twice due to computer issues. But thanks to the work of our payroll office, we kept our clients current and filed accurately. It does look like the State has now worked out the bugs and we look forward to a smoother process to close the year. In 2020, employees can start using the Paid Family and Medical Leave system. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Website
No real big changes here, but just a reminder that our website is designed to be a tool for you. You can access your tax returns online anytime and our tax update will also be posted there. Our website is also the best place to schedule your tax appointments.
Making Taxes Painless Since 1981
Most importantly, a special thanks to you… our client! We honor your trust in having us take care of your needs and will strive to achieve everything you desire in a qualified tax preparation service. As always, we are grateful for your business and enjoy working with you.
Thank you!
Juston, Gina, and Jenny
