About
Zanders Bookkeeping and Tax Services is full service bookkeeping and tax preparation business, specifically geared toward educating our clients on current tax issues, preparing the necessary forms and providing expert service when it comes to reducing tax liability. Through year round education, I am currently on developments and changes to the US Tac Code. This enables me to accurately keep my clients abreast of changes relevant to their tax situation.
I currently hold an MS in Accounting and will begin a Doctorate in Accounting in May 2020. This enables me to provide unparalleled, ethical and knowledgeable expertise to my clients.
My accounting career began in 1986, as an Accounting and Finance Technician in the United States Air Force. During that time I achieved the designation of Accounting and Finance Specialist is the shortest period of time and highest scores at Nellis AFB Tactical Air Command, to that point. After leaving the USAF, I continued my accounting career working for several corporate entities and private the private sector. For the past 15 years I have concentrated my expertise taon helping their taxtaxpayers with their tax preparation needs and education. As my experience and education highlight, tax preparation isn't just my profession, it is my passion. There is nothing more rewarding than assisting my clients with their tax preparation needs. Ensuring my clients are informed of the current Tax Code, steps to reduce their tax liability, steps to better prepare them for retirement, and much more, is an added premium for the client and a gratifying engagement and opportunity for me.
Highlights
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Marvin N.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The initial interaction with a customer is to introduce myself and the services I provide. The second and most important step is to assess the customer's needs and determine and articulate the best course of action to address their specific needs. There are no surprises with my services and complete upfront transparency is provided. There are never any surprise costs related to the service once an agreement is made.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began preparing taxes for fellow service members while I was an Accounting and Finance Specialist in the United States Air Force and have continued for more than 35 years. I earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Accounting and currently enrolled in a Doctorate of Business in Advanced Accounting program.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Standard pricing is a follows:
1. Single without dependents and married filing jointly and no additional tax implications (ie. education credits, homeowner, rental property, etc.) - $150.00 and $200.00 respectively, flat fee. (current students only pay $75 if income is $10,001 - $20,000 and $50 for income under $10,000).
2. Single customers and married filing jointing with dependents and no other tax implications (ie. education credits, homeowner, rental property, etc.) - $250.00 flat fee.
3. Single small business owners* without additional tax implications, (ie. education credits, EIC, homeowner, rental property, etc.) and with detailed expenses and revenue documents - $350
4. Single small business owners* without additional tax implications, (ie. education credits, EIC, homeowner, rental property, etc.) and without detailed expenses and revenue documents - $350 - $425
*A small business owner is anyone with a sole proprietorship, single-owner LLC, single-member S-Corp.
5. Dependent children's tax returns are prepared free of charge with a completed parent or guardian return.
6. All other classes of customer costs are based on filing status and tax implications that affect the tax return. However, the costs will never exceed $450.00 with an exception**.
Any business owner without complete expense and revenue records will be charged an additional $100 - $150.00 fee to reconstruct and prepare expense and revenue records.
Customers will receive a discount if: active duty military, veteran, or reservist; healthcare worker; police officer; firefighter, educator; non-profit organization; and others organizations at my discretion. So please inform me of your affiliations.
How did you get started in this business?
My love for accounting and desire to protect and educate the taxpayer is what led me into the tax preparation business. Tax season can be daunting and scary to many taxpayers and it is my desire to ensure taxpayers are at ease and aware of any steps they can legally take to reduce their tax liability. Over the years I have noticed that tax preparers are not well versed in tax law, only in inserting numbers into the tax software, yet charge high fees. It is my firm belief that taxpayers should also be educated and never charged high prices for the service.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Individual, Married filing jointly, Married filing separately, LLC, Sole Proprietors, S-Corps; C-Corps, non-profit, Military, etc.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The federal Recovery Rebate Credit is a credit that individuals who did not receive a stimulus check can use to get the stimulus when filing their 2020 income taxes. Also, the change to the standard deduction and tax brackets are also important tax changes for 2020 tax filing.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Please make sure the tax preparer understands your issues and concerns. For instance, he/she should be able to articulate the reason for any changes to current versus prior differences in your tax situation. A preparer must be attentive and ask and answer questions that specifically address your situation. Asking for a prior years' return is the first step to ensuring the current years' return is accurately prepared, a basic request of a preparer.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Customers should ask their tax professional if they have credentials for tax preparation; what type of experience they have; whether they have knowledge or experience in a specific area relating to their tax situation; the costs associated with their service; if they can provide assistance in reducing your tax liability and most important if they can explain in detail ANY specific questions you may have regarding your tax situation (a clearly articulated answer can guide you in the right direction).