Jimmy Kimmel said ?I'm not going to pay taxes. When they say I'm going to prison, I'll say ?No?, prisons cost taxpayers a lot of money. You keep what it would have cost to incarcerate me, and we'll call it even.'?

 

We wish it were that simple. Alright, buckle up, because we're about to make taxes as fun as a rollercoaster ride. Or at least, we're going to try.

I mean, let's be real, taxes are about as exciting as watching paint dry. But hey, that's why you've got us here at Coach Accountant to liven things up a bit. Just a heads up, we're a little wacky and get a little too excited about crunching numbers.

 

Alrighty folks, it's coming up to tax season and that means it's time to get your sh*t together. It's always a good idea to get a head start on your individual or business taxes, so you can avoid any last-minute scrambling.

 

Trust me, you and your accountant will appreciate the extra time to gather all the necessary records.

 

Lucky for you, I've got some helpful tax preparation tips that will make the upcoming tax season a breeze for you, your business and your accountant. Let's dive in!

 

Next up, take a deep breath and let's get those piles of paperwork organised! It's better to deal with it now than to have a meltdown later.

 

First things first, let's talk about organization. I know, I know, it's about as thrilling as watching grass grow. But trust me, keeping your documents organized will save you from a headache-inducing scavenger hunt come tax time. And who doesn't love a good scavenger hunt?

 

Well, maybe not when it involves paperwork, but you get the point. So, get yourself a fancy-schmancy filing system, or just shove everything in a shoebox labelled "tax stuff." Whatever floats your boat, just make sure it's organized.

 

If this feels like a mountain or two, call us we would love to fast track your backlog taxes.

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Categorise your tax documents like they're your childhood stickers - with love and attention to detail.

We all remember our childhood days when we would categorize our stickers with love and attention to detail. The sparkly ones went in one pile, the animal ones in another, and the scratch-and-sniff ones in a special spot of their own.

 

Well, folks, it's time to channel that same level of organization and excitement when it comes to tax documents. Who knew that adulting could be just as thrilling as collecting stickers?!

 

And hey, if you're feeling extra paranoid, make some copies too. Better safe than sorry, right?

 

After all, it never hurts to have a backup plan. Who knows, those copies might come in handy when you need to bribe SARS with a scratch-and-sniff sticker. Just kidding, we don't condone bribery. But seriously, let's avoid any unpleasant surprises this tax season and get those documents organized.

 

Remember, tax season doesn't have to be a nightmare. With a little bit of effort, you can have everything in order and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

 

So, grab a cup of coffee (or a bottle of wine, we don't judge) and let's get to work!

 

You can't just deduct willy-nilly, so don't be afraid to ask your accountant what's eligible. And don't skimp on the details when it comes to explaining those expenses, okay?

 

Don't procrastinate like you're back at school - get on it now! Deductions are cool because they lower your taxable income, but credits are even cooler because they straight up decrease the amount of tax you gotta pay.

 

Let's kick some SARS butt and keep that money in our pockets! Just make sure you hang onto those receipts, peeps.

 

Pro tip: itemize everything like your life depends on it. Or, if you're feeling fancy, just outsource the whole shebang to us here at Coach Accountant and sit back with a hot chocolate/margarita until it's all sorted out.

 

Ah, tax season. The most wonderful time of the year...if you're an accountant. We thrive on the chaos, the long hours, and the endless supply of caffeine, it's like a rollercoaster ride with no seatbelt. But let's not forget, we can't do it alone.

 

We need our clients to step up and do their part. And by that, I mean please don't wait until the last day or two to bring us your shoebox full of receipts and expect a miracle. We may be good, but we're not magicians.

And let's talk about those clients who think they're being clever by hiding income or claiming questionable deductions. Look, we're not here to judge your life choices, but we do have to follow the law.

 

And trust me, SARS are not going to be amused by your attempt to write off your dog's grooming expenses as a "business expense". So, please, save us all some time and just be honest. We promise not to judge...too much.

 

So if you need some help, call us now if you would like to avoid the last minute hair-pulling, caffeine-fuelled all-nighter! Trust me, it's not a pretty sight and it feels worse than it looks.

 

Tax season is like the broccoli of the year - we all know it's good for us, but nobody likes it.

 

But don't be fooled, procrastination is not your friend. Let's face it, we've all been guilty of procrastinating at some point. Whether it's putting off doing the laundry until you have nothing left to wear except your high school gym shirt or waiting until the last minute to study for a final exam, we've all been there.

 

But when it comes to taxes, procrastination is a whole different ballgame. You don't want to be that person frantically searching for receipts at the last minute like a kid looking for Easter eggs. Trust me, it's not a good look.

 

So, be a smarty-pants and start prepping in advance. That way, if you do forget something, you can gracefully fix the situation without breaking a sweat.

 

You'll be able to brag to all your friends about how responsible and organized you are. And who doesn't like a little bit of bragging rights?

 

So, do yourself a favour and start prepping your taxes now. Your future self will thank you.

 

Take it from me, the early bird gets the worm... or in this case, the refund!

 

This says it all ?

 

A professor of taxation delivers a highly detailed, brilliant lecture drawing the distinction between tax avoidance and tax evasion. He then asks his brightest student, "Tell us succinctly what the difference is between tax avoidance and tax evasion." The student replies: "Jail."

(From Richard White, CPA)

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