Tax Planning and Preparation with Michelle Hazleton, CPA, PC
Serving Nanticoke and Sugarloaf, PA Area
Call Michelle Hazleton, CPA, PC, for Tax Planning and Preparation
Tax planning and preparation can be stressful, especially when you do not fully understand the many forms and numbers. When it comes time to file your taxes in the Nanticoke, PA and Sugarloaf, PA areas, call for help from Michelle Hazleton, CPA, PC. Our team of knowledgeable, friendly CPAs, accountants, and staff are ready to help you prepare and file your taxes. Call our Nanticoke, PA, firm today at (570) 735-0418 or the Sugarloaf firm at (570) 359-3500 to schedule an appointment this tax season.
What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment
Preparing for your tax appointment doesn’t have to be stressful. Bringing the right documents helps us prepare your return accurately and efficiently – and ensures you receive every deduction and credit you’re entitled to.
Below is a helpful checklist to guide you. If you’re unsure about any item, don’t worry – we’re happy to help:
Personal Information
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Social Security cards or numbers for:
- You
- Your Spouse
- Any dependents
- Dates of birth for all dependents
- Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit or payment)
Income Documents
- Bring all forms that report income*
- W-2s (from all employers)
- 1099 forms (NEC, MISC, INT, DIV, R, SSA, etc.)
- Self-employment income records
- Rental property income
- Unemployment income
- Social Security income
- Retirement or pension income
Business or Self-Employed Information
- Income and expense records
- Mileage logs
- Receipts for supplies, equipment, and expenses
- Home office information
- Prior-year depreciation schedules
Deductions & Credits
- Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)
- Property tax receipts
- Childcare expenses
- Education expenses (Forms 1098-T)
- Student loan interest
- Medical expenses
- Charitable donation receipts
*If you’re a new client, please bring a copy of your recent tax return, if available.
Not Sure What Applies to You?
Don’t stress – every tax situation is different. If you’re missing something or unsure whether to bring a document, bring what you have, and we’ll guide you through the rest. Call us with questions at (570) 735-0418 for our Nanticoke office or (570) 359-3500 for our Sugarloaf office and we’d be happy to help you feel prepared and confident.
Frequently Asked Questions: Planning, Extensions, and Estimated Taxes
We offer both. Tax planning helps reduce surprises by addressing withholding, estimated taxes, and strategy before year-end.
Timing varies by season and complexity. The fastest turnaround happens when all documents are submitted together and questions are answered quickly.
Yes, we can file extensions. An extension gives more time to file, but taxes owed are still due by the payment deadline to reduce penalties and interest.
Yes. We can estimate payments, explain due dates, and adjust as your income changes.
Through proactive planning, clean bookkeeping, estimated tax guidance, and check-ins so your records match what the IRS and state expect.
Learn More About Tax Deductions
The opportunity to itemize has greatly decreased with the passing of a new tax law in 2019. The IRS now gives you a flat rate for a deduction based on your filing status:
Married Filing Jointly (MFJ): $24,400
Single (S): $12,200
Head of Household (HH): $18,350
Married Filing Separately (MFS): $12,200
If you think the total of potential itemized deductions are greater than the amounts above, contact us. Please bring your mortgage interest statement, property tax bills, and/or a summary of both cash and non-cash items.
What to Expect at Your Tax Planning and Preparation Appointment
If you are a new client, please prepare the following information for your tax planning appointment:
Name
Address
Telephone number
School district where you live
Email
Social Security number & birthdays of everyone on your tax return
Copies of driver’s license (not for dependents)
Job Titles
Banking information for tax refunds
We will do a quick review of your tax returns from prior years to see if there is anything unusual. We will ask you to see them temporarily so we can thoroughly review them before preparing your current tax returns.
Things to Consider Before Filing Your Taxes
At Michelle Hazleton, CPA, PC, our team realizes that we may be the only professionals you see throughout the year. So it is best to cover all bases and know that your finances are on track. Some things to consider when visiting Michelle Hazleton, CPA, PC, during tax time, include:
- Did any changes occur to your finances during the tax year?
- Do you have a current will? This is especially important if you have children.
- What is your current mortgage interest rate? Does it make sense to refinance?
- How much of a house can you afford to buy?
- Do you have mounting credit card debt? At Michelle Hazleton, CPA, PC, we can help you find a program to start paying it off.
- Do you know how you will pay for your child’s education?
- Do you have life insurance? If not, do you need it?
- Take a look at your household budget. Where is your paycheck going?
- Are you getting closer to receiving social security? We will give you options on how to get there.
- Do you understand your retirement plan at work? Are you funding it?
- How are investments going? Do you have a solid portfolio? When was the last time you spoke with your financial planner?
- Do you want to pay less taxes or get a smaller or larger refund?
Learn more about your effective tax rate to better track your projected refund during the next tax year.
When you visit Michelle Hazleton, CPA, PC, we will answer any of these questions or others you may have regarding your future finances. If we cannot answer your question, we will find someone who can.
Allow Michelle Hazleton, CPA, PC to relieve the stress of tax planning and preparation.