Need a person to help with your taxes? It is not likely that the person you know who is an accountant or majored in accounting wants the job. There are several areas of expertise in this career field, and they don't all do taxes.
Perhaps the most annoying thing accountants experience is the presumption that they all do taxes. Sure tax experts are needed professionals, and the area of accounting expertise involved and deserves respect, but assuming all with the title are tax experts is like thinking that all Air Force personnel fly planes.
Those who specialize in forensics are key in investigating fraud, embezzlement, contract disputes, and money laundering. Cases like this will need legal counsel as well, but accountants in this field are trained to comb the books and records of the suspecting business to find clues that illegal things are taking place.
There are also those who keep track of inventory for businesses. This is certainly a big and important job for cooperations like big chain department stores or any businesses that keep inventory and stock. A bookkeeper is basically an entry level accountant, and this professional, though he may have a bit of tax knowledge, he in fact does not do taxes. Some in this career field work solely in payroll or in accruals and adjustments while others are budget experts.
There are many areas of expertise. They may be better at math, unafraid of numbers, and willing to do their own taxes, but they do not do yours.Another well known term in the field of accounting is the abbreviation CPA. This stands for certified public accountant, and you guessed it, not all are CPAs either. The CPA is an exam that those in the field take to augment their credentials, but just passing the test does not a CPA make. The term is earned by a combination of testing, on the job training (OJT), and professional hours logged and maintained. In addition to their regular jobs, professionals who add these letters to their monikers can also attest validity of financial information and audit financial statements for the declaration of accuracy.
Some who use these letters, though they imply working for the public, may work internally in organizations in a kind of CEO (chief executive officer) or CFO (chief financial officer). This is called the private sector. Much like lawyers are not abreast to each and every type of law but may be able to direct you to the professional that you need for your situation, you can ask someone who is an accountant for advice, but that may not be his or her expertise, and unless it his life’s work, he most certainly does not want to do your taxes.
By: Andrew Stratton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Keep your business on track by hiring a reputable philadelphia accountant who provides solid service and consulting. Read more information about one professional here: http://www.holtzmantax.net.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Rising Property Taxes
During the current market many homeowners property value has gone way down. While there property value has dropped significantly there property taxes have stayed the same, or in some cases they have actually increased. Even if property owners pay their mortgage on time every month they are still at risk of losing their home if they fail to pay their property taxes.
Many homeowners have been taken by surprise when the value of their home suddenly seemed to hit freefall. However, it would certainly seem as though there should be one advantage to dropping home prices. Many homeowners assumed that when the value of their homes fell, their property taxes would as well. This has not been the case in many areas though.
In some cases; homeowners have been shocked to discover that not only have their property tax bills not decreased, but they have actually increased. This has been quite a surprise for homeowners as they struggle to understand why they are paying more in taxes on homes that are not worth as much as they were just a year ago.
The reason for this relates to the complex manner in which property taxes are calculated in many areas. One of the biggest problems, especially in Nevada, is the fact that property tax increases were capped during the housing boom. During this time home values skyrocketed rapidly. Today, the values of homes in these same areas are falling; however, the decreases have not actually been enough to compensate for the increases of just a few years ago. Consequently, the values of homes would need to decrease sharply over a short period of time in order for property tax bills to decrease. While declining property values have certainly been a problem, they simply have not decreased enough in many areas to provide any relief from property tax bills.
As the rate of defaulted loans and foreclosures continue to soar in many locations, numerous counties have discovered that the rate of unpaid properties taxes is also on the rise. The metro Detroit area, in particular, is experiencing a record high rate of unpaid property taxes. Detroit is currently considered to be one of the worst housing markets in the United States based on the decline of housing prices and increase of foreclosures. The lack of jobs and weak economy in the greater Detroit area are considered to be the primary factors contributing to the housing crash in the area.
Even if property owners are paying their monthly mortgage payments on time they could still be at risk for losing their properties through foreclosure if they fail to pay their property taxes for three years in a row. In such situations, the county would then take control of the home and auction it off to pay the balance of taxes owed. Counties in the Detroit area are currently struggling to recoup hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid property taxes. The issue has had significant repercussions on counties in the greater Detroit area.
Property owners who find they are behind on the property taxes can take some steps to stave off foreclosure. The first step is to begin making payments on their taxes. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking they are doomed if they cannot pay off all of the taxes owed and thus pay nothing at all. Keep in mind that making any payment, even if you cannot pay all of the taxes, is better than paying nothing at all. If you are not able to pay all of the taxes; at least try to pay off your oldest taxes first. Remember that taxes which remain unpaid for three years consecutively place you at risk for foreclosure. Pay off the oldest taxes first to combat this risk.
You might also check with your county to determine whether you may be eligible for an extension for property taxes which are unpaid. In some situations, the county treasurer may be able to grant you an exemption for your taxes if you are able to demonstrate extreme hardship. It is best to do this as early as possible; however, as there are commonly deadlines for the exemption applications.
In addition, check with your mortgage company or bank to find out whether they offer any type of program or loan that can provide you with the money needed to cover your taxes. It is never in the best interest of the bank to have the county take over the property, so they are often willing to work with the homeowner to avoid having this happen. Keep in mind; however, that when you do this will you will be taking on an increased debt burden.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heather Seitz is a national real estate investor, trainer and publisher and has worked with top advisors worldwide. To get current and accurate real estate investment tips and advice, visit http://www.RealEstateRant.net and find out how you can get $852.90 in FREE real estate investing information delivered to your front door.
Many homeowners have been taken by surprise when the value of their home suddenly seemed to hit freefall. However, it would certainly seem as though there should be one advantage to dropping home prices. Many homeowners assumed that when the value of their homes fell, their property taxes would as well. This has not been the case in many areas though.
In some cases; homeowners have been shocked to discover that not only have their property tax bills not decreased, but they have actually increased. This has been quite a surprise for homeowners as they struggle to understand why they are paying more in taxes on homes that are not worth as much as they were just a year ago.
The reason for this relates to the complex manner in which property taxes are calculated in many areas. One of the biggest problems, especially in Nevada, is the fact that property tax increases were capped during the housing boom. During this time home values skyrocketed rapidly. Today, the values of homes in these same areas are falling; however, the decreases have not actually been enough to compensate for the increases of just a few years ago. Consequently, the values of homes would need to decrease sharply over a short period of time in order for property tax bills to decrease. While declining property values have certainly been a problem, they simply have not decreased enough in many areas to provide any relief from property tax bills.
As the rate of defaulted loans and foreclosures continue to soar in many locations, numerous counties have discovered that the rate of unpaid properties taxes is also on the rise. The metro Detroit area, in particular, is experiencing a record high rate of unpaid property taxes. Detroit is currently considered to be one of the worst housing markets in the United States based on the decline of housing prices and increase of foreclosures. The lack of jobs and weak economy in the greater Detroit area are considered to be the primary factors contributing to the housing crash in the area.
Even if property owners are paying their monthly mortgage payments on time they could still be at risk for losing their properties through foreclosure if they fail to pay their property taxes for three years in a row. In such situations, the county would then take control of the home and auction it off to pay the balance of taxes owed. Counties in the Detroit area are currently struggling to recoup hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid property taxes. The issue has had significant repercussions on counties in the greater Detroit area.
Property owners who find they are behind on the property taxes can take some steps to stave off foreclosure. The first step is to begin making payments on their taxes. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking they are doomed if they cannot pay off all of the taxes owed and thus pay nothing at all. Keep in mind that making any payment, even if you cannot pay all of the taxes, is better than paying nothing at all. If you are not able to pay all of the taxes; at least try to pay off your oldest taxes first. Remember that taxes which remain unpaid for three years consecutively place you at risk for foreclosure. Pay off the oldest taxes first to combat this risk.
You might also check with your county to determine whether you may be eligible for an extension for property taxes which are unpaid. In some situations, the county treasurer may be able to grant you an exemption for your taxes if you are able to demonstrate extreme hardship. It is best to do this as early as possible; however, as there are commonly deadlines for the exemption applications.
In addition, check with your mortgage company or bank to find out whether they offer any type of program or loan that can provide you with the money needed to cover your taxes. It is never in the best interest of the bank to have the county take over the property, so they are often willing to work with the homeowner to avoid having this happen. Keep in mind; however, that when you do this will you will be taking on an increased debt burden.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heather Seitz is a national real estate investor, trainer and publisher and has worked with top advisors worldwide. To get current and accurate real estate investment tips and advice, visit http://www.RealEstateRant.net and find out how you can get $852.90 in FREE real estate investing information delivered to your front door.
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