Filing Tips
Let’s face it, taxes can’t file themselves. Nor will you send the IRS the least amount possible unless you plan ahead. In that case, here are some tips that can help you find and file the forms you may have been avoiding.
     
1.
Get moving. The single, biggest mistake people make is waiting until the last minute. Ideally, tax planning is a year-round process. However, there are plenty of steps you can take in the last few months to minimize your liability to the IRS - and they all require immediate action.
 
2.
  
Gather your papers. Once the holidays are over and your W-2, 1098 & 1099 statements start pouring in, you'll have to gather everything together and store it in a safe place. Then, carefully go over everything with a fine-tooth comb as those numbers are not always right.
 
3.
  
Organize and categorize. The next step is to add all of the numbers you've gathered since the IRS won't do it for you. You'll need totals for income and deductions, medical expenses, charitable contributions, job expenses, interest paid, etc. Then, find all of the receipts and/or statements that support these numbers and place them all in an envelope.
 
4.
   Analyze this. Occasionally, your numbers will be incorrect. That's why it's important to carefully account for any and all income that you may have overlooked, including:
  - Tips and other cash income
- Social Security or unemployment income
- Prizes or gambling winnings
- Alimony payments received
- Jury duty payment
- Bank interest or dividends
    In addition, it's important to review any legitimate deductions that you may have overlooked, including:
    - Medical and dental expenses
- Charitable contributions
- Any expenses associated with work that aren't reimbursed
- Alimony payments, as awarded by the court
- Mortgage interest payments
- Property taxes

Tax Frequently Asked Questions
To help answer any questions you might have, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions below. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-801-4444 and we’ll be glad to answer them for you.
     
Q:
How do I get started?
A:
  
First you’ll want to use our office locator to find the Amscot Tax Service Center nearest you. And with more than 180 offices throughout the West Central Florida Area, finding one should be easy.

Then, stop by our office anytime. We have flexible hours and absolutely no appointment is necessary. Just be sure to bring your wage statements, Social Security cards, driver's license and a copy of last year's tax return.
 
Q:
  
How long does it take to get my money?
A:
  
When you file the standard way, your refund can typically take between 10-21 days to arrive. However, when you use Amscot, our Refund Anticipation Loan is by far the fastest way to get your tax money. Fact is nobody can get your tax money faster than Amscot. Nobody! And that's our promise!
 
Q:
  
Do I need to pay for your services at the time of filing?
A:
  
Not if you select a Refund Anticipation Loan or another bank product. We will gladly file your tax return and remove our tax preparation fees from your refund.
 
Q:
  
What is an authorized IRS e-file provider?
A:
  
An authorized IRS e-file provider is a tax firm that is accepted into the IRS
electronic filing program. Amscot Tax Service is authorized by the IRS to file your return electronically.
 
Q:
  
Why should I file electronically with Amscot?
A:
  
It's the fastest, most accurate way to file your taxes - and it will get your refund in half the usual time!
 
Q:
  
Does Amscot charge a fee to electronically file my return?
A:
  
When you call or stop by any of our Amscot Tax Service Centers, we will gladly explain our fees for tax preparation and e-filing during your free, no obligation tax consultation. You will see that our fees are extremely reasonable and are not based on any figures from your tax return.
     
Q:
What is an Earned Income Credit? How much is the standard deduction for this year? How do I determine my taxable income? What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
A:
These are common questions that many people want to understand while preparing their taxes. Come in to any of our Tax Service Centers for a FREE consultation and let us answer these questions for you!
 
Call us toll-free 1-800-801-4444.
 

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