Tax planning can minimize your tax liabilities and maximize tax efficiency when done correctly. However, it takes diligent upkeeping throughout the year to file your taxes with ease come tax season. At Steward Ingram & Cooper, PLLC, our tax services are specifically tailored to minimize your tax liability and ensure your taxes are filed accurately and on time, thereby reducing the work you have to put into your tax filing.

Our Tax Planning and Preparation Services

Our tax planning and preparation services go beyond filing end-of-year tax returns — We generate monthly financial statements and assist with unresolved tax issues from previous years to help you navigate tax season.

Business Taxes

From small startups to LLCs and corporations, Steward Ingram & Cooper, PLLC assists with filing business taxes so you can spend less time navigating tax season and more time managing your business. Our CPAs can identify tax breaks, thereby minimizing errors and reducing your tax burden.

Personal Taxes

Since our tax services are highly customized, we primarily work with individuals who have complex tax issues, including multi-state returns, foreign taxes, off-shore bank accounts, tax consequences from stock options, and tax-deferred exchanges. Our tax planning and preparation fees for individuals reflect the time and attention we devote to your return, making this a viable option for high net worth individuals with seemingly daunting tax situations.

Estates and Trusts

To help you avoid tax penalties, our CPAs will note and itemize any estates and trusts while preparing your tax return. Our goal is to help you get the best tax return possible while properly reporting any income you received from an estate or trust in the current tax year.

Nonprofit Filing 

While most nonprofits don’t pay taxes, you do need to 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 share information with your board of directors and donors as well as file your informational return. 

Contact Us for Your Tax Planning & Preparation Needs

Since 2000, Steward Ingram & Cooper, PLLC has been extending out tax planning services to clients from a diverse range of backgrounds, helping them find deductions, and credits while developing long-term financial strategies. Each member of our team is dedicated to acting as a trusted partner and advisor by providing personalized guidance for your unique financial needs. 

If you want to outsource your business or individual tax planning and filing needs, contact Steward Ingram & Cooper, PLLC today at  (919) 872-0866 or fill out the form below.

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 levels. 

What types of tax planning services do you provide?

We prepare and file business taxes and complex individual taxes (i.e. off-shore bank accounts, multi-state returns, and those with company stock options). We also prepare taxes for nonprofits and those with estates or trusts.

What can working with a tax preparer do for me?

At Steward, Ingram & Cooper, PLLC, our tax preparers are available to generate monthly financial statements and maintain your revenue and expenses with a goal of making tax filing season more manageable for you.
We resolve tax issues, navigate audits, and look for deductions and credits you can claim.

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.

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 planning services can be extended to help you resolve tax issues, including an IRS audit. If you need to untangle an IRS problem or want to ensure future financial security, we can help.