DJ & ASSOCIATES TAX SERVICE LLC

Taxes Made Simple

Let DJ & Associates assist you with:

Filing Federal Forms (1040, 1040-SR, 1040-X; Schedules A, B, C, D, E, EIC)
Filing State Tax Forms
E-filing capabilities – Your Federal and State tax return is electronically transmitted. Within 2 weeks, they will deposit your refund into your account at your financial institution, or your tax refund can be sent as a check, this check may take up to 6 weeks to be delivered by mail.
Filing Amended Tax Returns – If, after filing a current or previous tax return, you discover or receive tax documents that may increase your tax refund or help decrease or eliminate tax amounts owed, you will need to amend (modify/make corrections) that tax return for a nominal fee.
Filing Extensions – this extension is valid until October 15th.

Personal Tax Checklist

Tax filing can be simple, as long as you have the right documents and know what to deduct. Use this checklist to get you started.
Personal Information and Income

FOR YOU, YOUR SPOUSE AND YOUR DEPENDENTS

Full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver’s license and last years’ tax return.

PERSONAL INCOME STATEMENTS

W-2 (for you and your spouse) and all 1099 forms (if self-employed)

UNEMPLOYMENT INCOME OR STATE/LOCAL REFUNDS

Form 1099-G

INVESTMENT

1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B and Schedule K-1

PENSION/IRS/ANNUITY

Form 1099-R

SOCIAL SECURITY/RRB INCOME

SSA-1099 and RRB-1099

Remember the standard deduction goes up each year. Depending on your deductions you may still itemize.
Common Deductions.

EDUCATION EXPENSES

Tuition statements, itemized receipts of qualified educational expenses (Form 1098-T) and student loan statements (Form 1098-E)

HOMEOWNERS EXPENSES

Mortgage Interest Statement (Form 1098) property tax payment receipts and energy efficient upgrade receipts

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

Detailed list of donations, receipts for contributions

SELF-EMPLOYMENT EXPENSES

Records of business/home office expenses, assets, pension plan contributions, health insurance payments

CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE EXPENSES

Name, address and tax ID or Social Security number

IRA CONTRIBUTIONS

Form 5498

Frequently Asked Questions?

Whether you’re a current client or if you are curious about what DJ & Associates can do for you, we’re here to answer any question.

FAQ’s

Who will be preparing my taxes?

There is only one person authorized to transmit tax files and that is Mr. Donald Jones. He has over 35 years of experience in preparing federal and state taxes; he completes 15 hours of continued education in tax law modification and ethics as well as sessions on tax changes each tax year; he recertifies for the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP); he volunteers with AARP Tax-Aide Program yearly; he is a member of the State of Maryland Department of Labor and Licensing and Regulation States Board of Individual Tax Preparers; he is a member of the Division of Corporation Florida Department of State (Sunbiz).

I receive Social Security Benefits, is this taxable?

If the only source of income you have is Social Security Benefits, you do not have to file, but to just be sure contact us for more details. However, if you are currently receiving Social Security and working and will receive a W-2 or a 1099 Form or receive Pension or Annuities payments, a portion of the Social Security Benefits can be taxable.

Do you offer E-File services?

Yes, we offer E-File service for Federal and all State filings. Generally, e-filing is safer and faster than filing a paper return.

Can I file a paper return?

Yes, however Form 8948 (Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically) must be submitted with the paper return. This will require your preparer to have to interview you for your reasoning behind the request. Filing a paper return will take several months to be processed and a refund issued.

How long does it take to receive my refund?

If you filed via “E-FILE” for direct deposit, Federal Refunds take 10-15 business days. State Refunds take 7-10 business days.

If you filed via “Paper Return” for direct deposit, Federal Refunds take 30-45 business days. State Refunds take 21-30 business days.

**Be advised that with just a few clicks you can check on the status of your federal refund on-line at: www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund. You will need your Social Security or ITIN, filing status and the exact refund amount, to use this tool. Most States offer the same service by searching on-line: where’s my refund and your state.

Why is my refund less than I expected?

If you have an outstanding debt with the IRS or any other federal or state agency, the refund could be applied to the outstanding debt. You will receive a letter from the IRS or the state explaining this reduction.

Can I fax, e-mail, text or mail my tax documents to you for processing?

Yes, you can. Our fax number is (904)328-6980; you can e-mail: taxpreparer@comcast.net; you can text (202)409-4296 or you can mail to our address:
12830 Dunns View Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32218-9020. If you are e-mailing or texting, please review the pics prior to sending them. If you are not able to read the numbers in the attachments, then we won’t be able to read them either. If you are mailing documents, please send copies. We suggest that if you are mailing originals, please have your package tracked.

Can I file an extension if I am not prepared to file my return by April 15th?

Yes, you can. An extension of time to file your return does not grant you any extension of time to pay your taxes. You should estimate and pay any owed taxes by your regular deadline to help avoid penalties. You must file your extension request no later than the regular deadline date of your return. You can file a tax extension either electronically or by mailing a paper form. Tax extensions are generally six months in length.

Is there a penalty for filing my taxes after the deadline?

Yes, but only if you have an amount due. Not only will you pay a late penalty but also interest. However, if you are due a refund, there is no penalty, but the return must be filed within three (3) years of the year the refund was to be issued. The IRS will not issue a refund after 3 years.

What are some of the documents I need to provide in order for you to complete by tax return?

W2’s (Income Statement), W2-G (Gambling or Lottery Winnings), Health Exchange/Obama Care (1095-A), Mortgage Interest and Real Estate Tax (1098), Student Loan Interest (1098-E), Out of Pocket Higher Education Expenses (1098-T), Interest Statements (1099-INT), Dividend Statements (1099-DIV), Stock Sales (1099-B), Cancellation of Debt (1099-C), State Income Tax Refund (1099-G), Unemployment Income (1099-G), Miscellaneous Income (1099-MISC), IRA or 401 Distribution (1099-R), Social Security or Railroad Retirement (SSA-1099 or RRB-1099), Self-employment Income and Expenses(1099 NEC), IRA & Roth IRA Contributions (5498), Charitable Contributions, Child and Daycare Expenses, Energy Saving Improvements, Jury Duty pay, Election Worker pay.

Red Flags that could spur an IRS Tax audit.

ROUND NUMBERS – when claiming tax breaks, it is important to use accurate numbers rather than estimates on your return. Example: if you are a sole proprietor with $5,000 for advertising, $3000 for legal expenses and $2000 for equipment, the IRS knows that you are just winging it.

MISSING INCOME – this is a key issue that could trigger an IRS audit. Your tax return must match the income reported by companies and financial institutions or you may get an automated notice from the IRS. It is easy to skip or miss a 1099-NEC for contract work or 1099-B for investment earnings, but you should wait to file until you have all your documentation in hand.

EXCESSIVE TAX BREAKS COMPARED TO INCOME – Attempting to claim credits or deductions that seem to high when compared to your income. When your tax breaks don’t align with what’s expected for your income level, this usually sends up a flag. Example: If your income is $90,000 and you donated $60,000 in charitable deductions.

RUNNING A BUSINESS – Schedule C is a great place for tax deductions for self-employed people. IRS agents know that these Schedule C businesses can report substantial losses that offset in whole or in part other income reported on their return. Example: Those small businesses that claim milage should keep detailed mileage logs and calendar entries for every road trip. Sloppy record keeping makes it easy for a revenue agent to disallow your deduction.

What if I don’t receive my statement from my mortgage company?

Your mortgage company should send you Form 1098 which reports the mortgage interest you paid and, in some cases, real estate taxes paid. If you don’t receive it you should call and get it over the phone or on-line from their website.

Are funeral costs tax deductible?

Funeral costs are not tax deductible.

My spouse passes away in the year that I am filing my taxes. What is my filing status?

Your filing status is Married Filing Joint.

My child attends a private school. Are those tuition fees considered qualified expenses that I can claim on Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses?

No, tuition for private school is not a qualifying expense for the child and dependent care credit because expenses to attend private school are not expenses for the child‘s care.

Is unemployment compensation taxable income?

All unemployment compensation is taxable income and must be claimed on your tax return.

Can I file my tax return using my final pay stub for the year?

No. Employers are required by law to provide a Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) to each employee who received $600 or more in compensation during the year. The form is required to be postmarked no later than January 31st each year. If you do not receive Form W-2 by February 14th, you should contact the IRS for assistance. The IRS will contact your employer regarding your missing W-2 and mail you a copy of Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement) with instructions so that your taxes can be completed in a timely manner. You can complete form 4852 using the figures stated on your final pay stub for the year in lieu of a form W-2.

Can I deduct expenses paid for repairing my home?

Home repairs cannot be deducted from your taxes. However, if you use a portion of your home as a principal place of business, some repairs can be deducted, only if your business made a profit.