Glad it worked out for you. But as far as why she might "not have been comfortable doing it herself" - to be fair - I have to say I can understand that.
The first time 990EZ and anytime dealing with the IRS can be daunting. And if there was some sort of problem to be resolved, that can be even more frightening. Not everyone who is willing to write a few checks and balance the checkbook wants to take on a task like that. It can be scarey and one would worry about doing it right.
But once you've been through it and have the previous year's submission as a guideline, then it's just some number crunching and reading the instructions. Not exactly fun - but not too bad a chore.
Thanks guys. I am going with the new accountant (seeing that she is almost done them anyway [img]smile.gif[/img] , and have a call out to the old accountant to thank him for his past services.
I guess the last treasurer just made it sound more complicated than I believe it to be, and you seem to think as well. I'm not sure why she didn't feel comfortable with doing it herself, however, I can understand that she may not have had the time given her family situation and work.
Anyway, I appreciate your input, and will see how it pans out.
I'd go with the local source if you feel you need a professional.
If you've resolved any past problems, I'm not clear what's "complicated" about it. The main thing is remembering TO file by the deadline (if you even need to file).
Most of us who have gone through the 501(c)(3) process prepare our own tax returns. If you are a typical PTO, it's unlikely you pay any federal tax to the IRS. It's an informational return (990EZ) that is a little strange the first year. But once you understand how to categorize things, it's very easy from then on.
Some of us also pay state sales tax. But that's no big deal. A simple form and a check for the amount due.
We don't have state income tax, so if that's an issue, I can't provide feedback.
I am a new treasurer this year and am trying to cut down on costs. Our previous officers hired an accountant from another part of the state to do our taxes, so everything has to be mailed. I found an accountant who was local, and was 1/2 the cost. Plus, he was willing to help me learn how to do them and at a reduced fee, I could do them and he'd look them over next year.
Seeing as our current accountant only asks for our bank statements and cancelled checks, I figured with a little help, I could manage to do them myself.
However, it seems to be a touchy subject with our last treasurer (who is an accountant herself, and told me once that she thought the tax forms for the PTO were complicated and she felt better having someone else do them). I think she was the one who chose this guy from another part of the state for some reason. He was a great help in the beginning as he had to file back taxes to get things straightened out. Her concern is that we should stay with him for 2 reasons: 1. Because of the history with the back taxes, if we switch, the new accountant will not know this info. 2. Since the treasurer changes every 2-4 years, it would be good to keep some continuity with the same accountant.
I agree with the continuity, but I'd like it to be a local person, who is cheaper and the calls are free and we can drop by if needed.
As far as the past taxes........I would think if this last guy did his job right, we wouldn't need to revisit them, so going forth with soemone else should be fine.
I know this was very long............any advice or suggestions???? How many of you do your own taxes???? If we switch, is it ok for me to ask the past accountant to send things to our new accountant??( I guess there would be a cost for that??)
