If you needed more time to get your tax return ready this year, you might have filed for an extension before the April 15^th filing deadline. If so, Hal Surratt CPA, a tax preparation specialist serving clients throughout the High Point, NC, area, would like to remind you that the October 17^th filing deadline is less than a month away.

If you haven't already filed your returns, the experts recommend getting everything in order now, including:

• Wage & Earning Statements: Missing documentation on wages and earnings from investments and employers is one of the most common reasons why taxpayers file for an extension. If you haven't kept these together as they came in, the process will be much smoother if you collect them before you begin preparing your taxes.
• Receipts & Loss Statements: Although you've filed an extension, remember that you can only claim deductions for expenditures made in 2015, not this year. Collect all of your receipts for deductible expenses and charitable donations, including any that arrived after you filed for your deadline. If you suffered any capital losses on investment property last year, locate supporting documentation so you can deduct that amount, as well.
• A Tax Preparation Professional: Rushing to get your tax returns completed on time often leads to mistakes and missed opportunities, which may trigger audits and further issues with the IRS. When the extension deadline looms, having a dedicated tax preparation professional handle your returns will ensure that they're filed on time, correctly, and that you take advantage of every deduction and tax credit you qualify for.

Hal Surratt CPA has provided expert tax preparation assistance for over 14 years, giving all of his clients the benefit of practical advice and efficient, accurate services. Call the office today at (336) 861-4024 to make an appointment, or just visit their website to learn more about their services and expertise.