Tax time looms for central Illinois

By Nick McClintock

BLOOMINGTON- With just 22 days until taxes are due, many people find themselves scrambling to finish off their yearly burden to the IRS.

Rick Johnson with Tax and Accounting Plus, says tax preparers may be needed if your case is more complicated, but urges even those who do their taxes themselves to make sure they haven’t missed anything. “I would encourage everyone, that if they are preparing their own tax return that at least once every three years, if not every other year, to have their return prepared professionally.” Johnson says. “Just to make sure they haven’t missed anything.

Johnson says do it yourself programs can miss deductions or credits that a professional could catch.

Johnson says that the number one deductions anyone can take advantage of is charitable donations, such as clothing donated to Goodwill. Just make sure you get a receipt.

Another big deduction for business owners could be mileage incurred while working, or even looking for work. Johnson says people flat out despise filling out mileage deductions, even though it saves them in the long run. “They hate it.” Johnson says. “There are a lot of deductions involving miles whether it be moving, medical, charitable, or business.”

Taxes, both federal and state, are due to the IRS by April 18th.

 

Nick McClintock can be reached at [email protected].

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