If you are struggling with your taxes and frustrated that every year, your tax burden increases, working with an experienced CPA can provide you with the assistance you need. At Steward, Ingram & Cooper, PLLC, we are dedicated to providing tax preparation and planning services that reduce our clients’ tax liability and create advantageous strategies for long-term success.

Our Tax Preparation and Planning Services

We go beyond filing end of year tax returns. Our clients rely on us to provide year-round planning as well as assist with unresolved tax issues from previous years and creating solutions to make smart financial decisions moving forward. 

Business Taxes

Whether you have a small sole proprietorship or a thriving corporation, we can assist you in preparing your estimated taxes, eliminate errors, help reduce your payments, and save time and stress on bookkeeping and accounting. 

Personal Taxes

Our primary focus is on taxpayers with more complex tax issues. These may include multi-state returns, foreign taxes, timing and tax consequences of company stock options or tax-deferred exchanges.

Estates and Trusts

Without proper estate planning, much of your hard-earned assets may end up going to the IRS rather than your loved ones. We can help you plan in advance to provide for your loved ones and avoid tax penalties that can leave your family struggling. 

Nonprofit Filing 

While most nonprofits don’t pay taxes, you do need file a return to provide the IRS with detailed documentation to keep your tax-free status. We will prepare your Form 990 so you can easily share information with your board of directors and donors as well as file your informational return. 

Choosing an Experienced Tax Preparation and Planning Company

Working with a professional, experienced accountant can save you stress, time, and money both on your annual tax return and well into the future. Since 2000, Steward Ingram & Cooper, PLLC have provided comprehensive tax preparation and planning services to our clients from all backgrounds, helping them find the deductions, credits, and developing long-term financial strategies. Each member of our team is dedicated to helping you meet your financial goals and acting as a trusted partner and advisor, providing personalized guidance for your unique financial needs. 

If you need help with personal or business taxes, need to untangle an IRS problem from the past, or want to set up your future for financial security, we can help. Call  (919) 872-0866 today.

Tax Planning & Preparation: Frequently Asked Questions

What is tax planning?

Tax planning is reviewing your finances and taking steps that maximize eligible tax deductions and minimize your tax payments at the state and federal level. 

What types of tax planning services do you provide?

Our CPAs and tax preparers work to provide you with the most reliable, trusted tax planning services in Raleigh and Durham, NC. We work with businesses, individuals, non-profit organizations, and those needing estate planning services. 

What can working with a tax preparer do for me?

At Steward, Ingram & Cooper, PLLC, we are dedicated to providing tax preparation services that go beyond filing end-of-year tax returns. Our clients rely on us to provide year-round planning as well as assist with unresolved tax issues from previous years and creating solutions to make smart financial decisions moving forward.

Our tax specialists are experienced in resolving tax issues, navigating audits, and in finding deductions and credits that benefit our clients. 

Can I deduct tax preparation fees in NC?

In some cases you can deduct tax preparation fees, but this deduction is not for everyone. For example, you cannot deduct tax fees on personal returns. However, if you are self-employed, this expense is considered an “ordinary necessity” and can therefore be deducted. Click to learn about more scenarios in which you can deduct tax preparation dues on your tax return. 

What’s the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit?

A tax deduction reduces your taxable income and thus, reduces how much of your income can be taxed. Mortgage interest and student loan interest are deductions that would reduce your taxable income.

A tax credit gives you a specific amount off of your tax bill. The child tax credit is $2,000 per child under the age of 17 who you claim as a dependent, thus, no matter how much your taxable income is, you will immediately pay $2,000 fewer dollars in taxes for each child under 17.

Are there penalties for late tax filing in North Carolina? 

Yes. North Carolina charges a penalty of 5% per month, or partial month, up to a maximum of 25% of the total tax that is reported on that return. The state also charges a late payment penalty that is equal to 10% of the tax that is unpaid. The 10% penalty is going to drop from a flat 10% to a graduated penalty starting in 2023.

Can your tax planners help me with an IRS audit?

Yes. Our tax specialists and CPAs can assist you with unresolved tax issues from previous or present times. If you need help with personal or business taxes, need to untangle an IRS problem from the past, or want to set up your future for financial security, we can help.