If you’ve only got a single employer and generally take the standard deduction, filing your own taxes can be fairly quick and painless. However, for millions of small business owners, freelancers, and others who itemize, tax season is a marathon of frustration, confusion, and stress, with countless hours spent hunting for receipts and filling out forms. Having a certified public accountant handle it for you can eliminate a lot of the pressure, along with many mistakes that could cost you in the long run.

3 Reasons to Have an Expert Handle Your Taxes

1. Maximizing Deductions

When you file your own taxes, you can never really be sure you’re getting every deduction you qualify for, which means you could wind up paying more than you have to. A tax preparation professional will go through your financial records, drawing on their extensive knowledge of the code to minimize your tax exposure as much as possible.

2. Avoiding Audits

IRS audits are stressful and time consuming, but a good certified public accountant can help prevent them by avoiding certain red flags that tend to get the government’s attention. If you are selected for an audit, they can also represent you to the IRS, guiding you through the process and smoothing out issues on your behalf.

3. Planning Your Taxes

While preparing this year’s taxes, your CPA can also help you develop a strategy to lower your future tax bill, too. Just the timing of certain financial moves can have a major impact on your tax exposure, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in a single year. With a plan in place and an experienced professional by your side, next year’s filings should be even easier.

Whether you’re a business owner or an investor with complicated assets, Michael C. Davis CPA CGMA in Stow, OH, can make filing your taxes a breeze. With over 36 years of experience handling a wide range of financial matters, they take the stress out of tax season. To request more information and make an appointment with a certified public accountant, visit their website, or call (330) 376-1099.