Leaving credits on the table?
Deduction and Credit Planning in Clearwater
Many deductions and credits depend on what you do before December 31, not what you remember in April. Iris reviews your year with you in time to act, so you get every deduction and credit you qualify for. Call 678-614-4636.
Hablamos español. Monday to Saturday, 8 to 6.
Credits and deductions people miss
- Child and dependent care credit for daycare, after-school and summer day camp while you work
- Retirement savings contributions credit (the saver's credit) for lower and middle-income workers who put money in an IRA or workplace plan
- Education credits for tuition at colleges and some trade programs
- Health savings account contributions, which can be made up to the filing deadline
- Newer deductions for qualified tips, qualified overtime and taxpayers 65 and older, which apply starting with 2025 returns, each with income limits
- Business purchases timed before year-end for self-employed people and small businesses
A typical example
An illustrative example, not a client testimonial. A single mother in Clearwater works full time and pays for after-school care.
In October, Iris reviews her year and finds she can save a little in her employer's retirement plan before December to qualify for the saver's credit, and that her after-school program qualifies for the dependent care credit if she gets the provider's tax ID. Iris also confirms her eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, so she knows what to expect in February.
Planning for families who need it most
The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit can be worth thousands of dollars to working families. Eligibility depends on income, filing status and who lives with you.
Iris reviews these with you before year-end, explains how changes like a raise or a new household member affect them, and follows the IRS due-diligence rules paid preparers must use, so your credits hold up if the IRS asks questions. See our tax consultant in Clearwater page for more planning help.
Records to keep
- Childcare provider names, addresses, tax IDs and amounts paid
- Form 1098-T from colleges
- Receipts for charitable gifts, with written acknowledgment for gifts of $250 or more
- Records of home energy improvements
- Business purchase invoices and mileage logs
How it works
- Call 678-614-4636 and tell Iris what changed this year. She tells you what to have ready.
- She meets you at home or at your business, reviews income so far and projects the rest of the year.
- You get a short written plan: what to pay, by when, and what to do before December 31.
What it costs
A year-end deduction review is [deduction review price], credited toward your tax return if Iris prepares it.
Iris's promises to you
Inviting someone into your home or business takes trust. Here is what Iris promises every client:
- You know the price before she starts. No surprise fees at the end.
- Your documents never leave your sight. She scans what she needs at your table, works on an encrypted laptop and hands your originals back before she leaves.
- Every line is explained in your language. Plain English or Spanish, so you know exactly what you signed.
- No waiting room, ever. She comes to your home or business at the time you choose, Monday to Saturday from 8 to 6.
- If the IRS writes later, she reads it with you. The same woman-owned business that did the work answers the follow-up.
Mobile service across Pinellas County
Iris is based in Clearwater, from Countryside and Island Estates to downtown and Clearwater Beach, and drives to clients across Pinellas County:
- Clearwater
- Largo
- St. Petersburg
- Pinellas Park
- Seminole
- Dunedin
- Palm Harbor
- Tarpon Springs
- Safety Harbor
- Oldsmar
- Gulfport
- Belleair
- Indian Rocks Beach
- Madeira Beach
- Treasure Island
- St. Pete Beach
She also serves nearby parts of Pasco and Hillsborough counties when her schedule allows. Appointments can be at your home, your business, or a hospital or care community. Family out of state can book a visit for a parent and join by phone.
Questions people ask before they call
Should I itemize or take the standard deduction?
Whichever is larger. For most Clearwater households the standard deduction wins, but large mortgage interest, property tax, medical or charitable amounts can change that. Iris runs both.
Can I still contribute to an IRA for last year?
Usually yes, until the tax filing deadline in April.
Will the Earned Income Tax Credit delay my refund?
By law, the IRS holds refunds that claim it until mid-February. E-filing with direct deposit gets it to you fastest after that.
Do energy improvements still qualify for credits?
Federal home energy credits have changed recently, and some are ending. Iris checks what applies for your tax year before you buy.
Is this the same as tax preparation?
Planning happens before the year ends, while you can still act. Preparation reports what already happened.