Tax Accountant - Recommendation

We just got our taxes done yesterday and are very disappointed. We claim 0 because we like get the most refund every year.

I don't know if we were spoiled in the past with our accountant, who last year got us back 8,000 between federal and state, but he would ask a million questions to itemize our deductions. Well he passed away last spring so we had to find a new accountant.

We went to someone my uncle uses in Newburgh, and we were only with him for 15 minutes. We felt he just gave us the standard deductions. We had bought a house in September, did renovations, etc. He said it wouldnt matter because it would fall under the standard deductions.

We got back 2500 less in federal, owe NYS 150, and owe NJ (DH worked there jan to oct) 300.

So we would love to sit with someone to go over our itemized deductions and possibly do an ammendment. Any recommendations would be great. Thanks!

Re: Tax Accountant - Recommendation

I am not an accountant, but I do know many of the deductions that were available last year have been phased out for this year, plus there is a life time cap on those home renovation deductions for energy efficient goods so if you claimed them last year you might have maxed out your claims for those deductions. Also are you sure that he gave you legal deductions? I think it does not hurt to have a second look and there are a few accountants here so they may have more info for you. Good luck.

Message edited 2/12/2012 12:21:52 PM.

Re: Tax Accountant - Recommendation

If you really think the person you used is maybe not covering all their bases it can't hurt to get a second opinion.

We use David Schnitzer at:

Ehrlich & Schnitzer Tax Service
(516) 489-5600
707 Hempstead Tpke, Franklin Square

I highly recommend them and always feel like we can trust what he tells us. Doing our taxes is one of my fave days of the year LOL

Re: Tax Accountant - Recommendation

Hi, i am a vendor on the site, feel free to contact me if you'd like any advise or need a second opinion. I would be happy to review the tax return that was done for you and see if there maybe is something that was missed.

John Wangner, EA
Ives & Sultan, CPAs, LLP
(516) 496-9500
[email protected]

Re: Tax Accountant - Recommendation

We use Kara (kittythestray) from Saranto Calamas. They are a vendor on here. Kara is wonderful and asks tons of questions as she completes the forms, I highly recommend her!

Re: Tax Accountant - Recommendation

maybe try going online to turbo tax or Hr and go through the online setup as if you were filing yourself..you don't actually need to file, but they will take you through to the end and it calculates the return as you go.

I find turbo tax's easy guide really helpful and easy to use. I've been using it for years now.

Re: Tax Accountant - Recommendation

My brother is an EA and works for my dad who's a CPA. FM me if you want his contact info!

Re: Tax Accountant - Recommendation

Re: Tax Accountant - Recommendation

Thanks for all the suggestions. I did use turbo tax. Turbotax has us getting 200 less in federal and only owing the two states 68 as opposed to 400.

Re: Tax Accountant - Recommendation

Everyone's tax situation is different. Second opinions are a good idea. I've been thinking of doing the same.