I just saved myself from paying a fine of $2000 to the city of Los Angeles.

I realized that I was a true artist the day that I decided to become a Freelancer, besides being a creative person myself, the thought of working in the same place with the same people for a number of years became a big stressor for me. Picturing a life where I am sitting in the same office cubicle for the next 20 years and working 9 to 5, it is something out of a horror movie.  That life is not for me.  I am adventurous, and curious; I am free spirited and I love new experiences.  Experiences make you grown and learn; they are essence of life that is worth living. So I made up my mind about changing my life and I made a decision: I decided to become my own boss; I became a FREELANCER.

       Being my own boss( 6 tips in being your own boss) has allowed me to fulfill my potential as a professional as well as a creative artist.  It has provided me with the professional growth by forcing me to become more proactive and diligent in the pursuit of my professional goals. I definitely have to say that being a freelancer has a lot of benefits such as: having your own hours, your own space, you are FREE from all the office bullshit, and most importantly you are your own boss. How great is that? 

     But remember,  “With great power there comes great responsibility” if you are not properly advised, your life of independence can turn  into a nightmare, especially when it comes to taxes. Even if you feel the need to do your own taxes you can still benefit from a one-time consultation. Tax laws are constantly changing from time to time and are quite difficult to understand. It is necessary to involve the services of a tax consultant in the preparation of files and make your business and personal taxes.

      Are you unemployed? Check how you can benefit from a Tax consultant

This can be of great help to avoid any mistakes in your accounting period that you could get in trouble with the tax authorities.   Like for instance, I just saved myself from paying a fine of $2000 to the city of Los Angeles. For real!

      The basterds had already sent me to collections with penalties of 40%.  According to them, I had been evading taxes for the last four years, since I work in the “Film Industry”, they had estimated my annual income in the range of $ 240,000’s  (Yeah, I wish!!!).  I had this battle over the phone that lasted for 4 months. It was a fruitless battle between collection agency and me. Finally, through a friend I got the tax help and advice that I needed. Anyhow, all this crap was unnecessary and could have been avoided, had I been properly advised in the first place.

     Believe me as a freelancer your life is often everything but simple. Juggling invoices, rough schedules, clients, overload of work etc., it is a total different world when you are flying solo.  That’s why I suggest you to have a guide, a professional guide to avoid any potential tax problems.  In the world of freelancers, whether you are an writer, editor, animator, compositor, designer, actor or simply your own boss: it is always necessary to have a trained professional tax preparer that will manage your taxes and leaving you confident and assured that you will not face the IRS alone. Especially when you received an unexpected IRS Audit Letter. It could scary and perhaps you may go into PANIC mode. All that terminology, deadlines and paperwork. You just want to shit in your pants.

    But as I write this I perhaps tend to generalize, not all certified tax preparers are created equal. Even though the IRS expects reputable tax prepares you may find  that like in any other professions, that is not always the case and that amongst taxes preparers there also exists a wide range of bad tax practitioners (Examples of Abusive Return Preparers). Remember, no matter what your tax preparer says or does, you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of your tax returns. The IRS will hold you, and only you, accountable.  And just before you decide on a Tax preparer:

·      Make sure to check credentials

·      Always verify the IRS website ( check for any disciplinary actions towards your potential tax preparer)

·      Recommendations ( Word of mouth from friends, colleagues or family members can be a good resource)

·      Check for References

  The idea of you hiring a tax preparer or tax consultant is too make your life easier. Make sure to follow these tips as your find yourself darting to your perfect world of freedom.

 
"this blog does not intent to provide with any legal, financial or tax advice, please consult to a lawyer or tax specialist"

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For more information on Taxes please contact:
OREM TAXATION LLC
www.bookkeepingcertified.com 
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