CCG has offices in Naples and Fort Myers, Florida, and prepares personal tax returns for clients nationwide. CPAs at the firm stay current on federal and state tax law through continuing education, and that knowledge goes into each return. Work to reduce next year's bill sits with our tax planning services.
Personal Tax Preparation Services at CCG
Personal tax preparation at CCG covers the return itself and the filings around it:
- Accurate tax returns, filed on time
- Estimated tax calculations for self-employed small business owners
- Tax planning that reflects your individual goals
- Electronic filing and direct deposit for a faster refund
- Extensions, with estimated tax calculated to avoid interest and penalties
- Nonresident and part-year state returns for income earned in other states
Who Hires a CPA to Prepare Their Return
People typically bring their return to a CPA once it involves more than wage income. These situations come up often:
- Self-employment or side business income reported on Schedule C
- Rental property, or K-1 income from a partnership, S corporation or trust
- A home sale, business sale or inheritance during the year
- Income earned in more than one state
- Higher income with more moving parts than filing software is built to judge
- A past IRS notice, or a year that was never filed
How Tax Return Preparation Works at CCG
Tax return preparation at CCG moves through four steps, from gathering documents to a return you review and approve before it is filed.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Gather your documents | You collect the prior-year return and this year's tax forms and records. |
| 2. Complete the tax organizer | A short questionnaire flags what changed: income, dependents, employment or other circumstances. |
| 3. CCG prepares the return | The tax team reviews your documents, prepares the return and works through any open questions with you. |
| 4. Review and e-file | You review and authorize the completed return, then CCG files it electronically. |
The step that sets the pace is the first one: a complete set of documents keeps the rest moving.
What to Gather Before Your First Meeting
- Last year's federal and state tax returns
- W-2s from every employer
- 1099 forms, including 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B and 1099-R
- Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)
- Records of charitable contributions
- Documents supporting any deductions or credits you plan to claim
- Income and expense records for any rental property or business you own
Sending Your Documents Securely
Regular email is not encrypted end to end, so it is a poor way to send W-2s, statements or anything with a Social Security number. Instead:
- Email tax@ccgcpas.com to say what you need to send, and CCG will set up a secure way to receive it
- Call the Naples or Fort Myers office to talk through the best option for your files
- If you already have client portal credentials, upload your documents there
More detail is on CCG's secure file delivery page.
Individual Filing Deadlines to Know
For calendar-year filers, the federal return and any balance due are generally due April 15. When a deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it moves to the next business day.
| Filing | Federal Form | Usual Due Date | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual income tax return | Form 1040 | April 15 | Any tax owed is due on this date, even if you extend |
| Automatic extension | Form 4868 | Files by April 15, extends to October 15 | Extends the time to file, not the time to pay |
| Quarterly estimated tax | Form 1040-ES | April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15 | Applies to income without withholding, such as self-employment income |
The practical takeaway: an extension buys time to finish the paperwork, not time to pay. Source: IRS instructions for Forms 4868 and 1040-ES.
CPA vs. Tax Preparer: Which Do You Need?
CPAs, enrolled agents and attorneys can represent clients before the IRS on any tax matter, while other paid preparers have limited or no representation rights, depending on their credentials. A CPA can also plan ahead with you rather than only preparing the return. Source: IRS, Understanding Tax Return Preparer Credentials and Qualifications.
| Option | Works Well For | Where It Falls Short |
|---|---|---|
| Filing software | Wage income and the standard deduction | No planning, and the software itself cannot represent you if the IRS has questions |
| Paid preparer without a CPA, EA or attorney credential | Straightforward returns where cost comes first | Limited or no right to represent you before the IRS, and planning varies by preparer |
| CPA firm (CCG) | Self-employment, rental or K-1 income, multi-state income, or higher income | Costs more than software; rates are discussed during a consultation |
In short, software files what you enter. A CPA also reviews what you enter and can stand behind the return if the IRS asks about it.
What a Rushed Return Can Cost
The consequences below come from the Internal Revenue Code, not from guesswork.
Penalties for Filing or Paying Late
The IRS charges separate penalties for filing late and for paying late under section 6651 of the Internal Revenue Code. Interest also accrues on unpaid tax from the original due date.
Underpaying Estimated Tax During the Year
Self-employed individuals who do not pay enough estimated tax during the year can owe an underpayment penalty under section 6654 of the Internal Revenue Code. It is calculated separately from the tax itself.
Missed Credits and Deductions
Credits and deductions change as tax law changes. A return prepared without a current review of your situation can leave money unclaimed, and correcting it later requires an amended return.
If the IRS does send a notice or opens an examination, CCG's IRS audit representation team can respond on your behalf.