Tax Consultant in Clearwater for Year-Round Planning
By April, most of the choices that shape your tax bill are already made. A little planning during the year lets you decide instead of react: how much to set aside, when to buy equipment, how to handle a raise or a new side business. Call 678-614-4636 to plan before the deadline.
Hablamos español. Monday to Saturday, 8 to 6.
- Women-owned business
- We come to your home or business
- English and Spanish
- Monday to Saturday, 8 to 6
- Every return e-filed
- 20+ tax seasons of experience
Planning for people who aren't wealthy
Tax planning sounds like something only rich people pay for. It isn't. The families Iris helps most are the ones who got a surprise bill: a spouse who started freelancing without paying estimates, a retiree whose IRA withdrawal pushed more Social Security into taxable income, a contractor who bought a truck in the wrong month.
A one-hour planning visit in the fall can prevent most of those surprises. Iris looks at your income so far, projects the rest of the year, and gives you a short written plan: what to set aside, which payments to make and by when, and what to keep receipts for.
Year-Round Tax Planning
Planning check-ins during the year, usually once in late summer or fall and again before year-end. Iris projects your full-year income and tax, adjusts withholding or estimated payments, and points out moves you can still make: retirement contributions, timing of equipment purchases, charitable giving, health savings accounts and dependent care. The goal is simple: no surprise in April, and no credit or deduction left on the table.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes
Estimated tax calculations for self-employed workers, landlords, retirees with IRA withdrawals and anyone with income that has no withholding. Iris figures the four payment amounts using the IRS safe harbor rules, gives you the due dates, and shows you how to pay through your IRS online account. If your income changes mid-year, she recalculates the remaining payments so you don't overpay or face a penalty.
Deduction and Credit Planning
A year-end review of the deductions and credits you can still earn: child and dependent care, education credits, retirement saver's credit, energy credits for home improvements, charitable giving, health savings account contributions and business purchases. Iris checks your eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, explains which records you need to keep, and helps you decide whether itemizing or the standard deduction will win.
When a planning visit pays off most
- You started freelancing, gig work or a side business this year
- You got married, divorced or had a baby
- You bought or sold a home or rental property
- You retired, started Social Security or are taking required IRA withdrawals
- You owed more than you expected last April
- Your small business had a much better or much worse year than last year
What it costs
Planning sessions are priced as a flat fee, quoted before the visit: [planning session price]. Clients who book bookkeeping or business tax preparation get quarterly check-ins as part of their service.
Mobile service across Pinellas County
Iris is based in Clearwater and meets clients across the city, from Countryside and Northwood to Morningside, Island Estates, downtown and Clearwater Beach. From there she travels throughout Pinellas County: Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, Gulfport and the beach towns from Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach. When her schedule allows, she also serves nearby parts of Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Appointments can be at your home, your business, or a hospital or care community that welcomes visitors. Adult children who live out of state can book a visit for a parent here and join the appointment by phone.
Questions people ask before they call
When is the best time for tax planning?
September through early December. That is late enough to see most of the year's income and early enough to act before December 31.
Do I need planning if I only have a W-2?
Usually not every year. A quick withholding check after a big life change, like a new job, marriage or a baby, is often enough.
Is this the same as financial advice?
No. Iris helps with tax estimates, payments and deductions. She does not recommend investments or insurance products.
Can you meet at my business?
Yes. Business owners usually prefer a planning visit at the shop or office, where records are on hand.
Will planning lower my taxes?
Planning can't change the tax law, but it often reduces penalties, avoids surprise bills and makes sure you use the deductions and credits you qualify for.
Can I plan for a parent's taxes from out of state?
Yes. Many adult children help a parent in Clearwater. Iris can meet your parent at home and include you by phone, with your parent's permission.