goodfellowsmansfield.com

byAlma Abell

Foundation repairs start as a DIY project for some. Left unattended, they turn into a professional fix. One of the first things you can check here is that your gutters and downspouts are working properly. If there are leaves, debris or moss in your gutters, clean them out and run water through them to wash any leftover mud of dirt out and that the water goes completely down at a steady pace. Clogged gutters can allow water to roll out on the ground, adding water too close to the house and putting pressure against the foundation. Next, be sure your gutter water is running away from the house, splashing down at the corner and not several feet from the house also adds pressure and stress to your foundation. Your drainage pipe, whether above or below the ground, should slope 6 inches for every 10 feet of drainage pipe.

If you have cracks in your walls more than 1/4 inch thick in your basement, more than likely the culprit is water damage to your foundation, and you need to call a professional from one of the Foundation Companies in Houston TX. These cracks will only grow over time from the pressure of water, and more cracks in other locations will appear.

Sometimes drains become clogged around your house putting pressure on the walls of your foundation, creating small cracks and tiny trickles of water. Sticking epoxy in the hole seals off the water, but does not resolve the larger issue. The big problem is, the water then begins to push the walls of your foundation, creating even larger cracks and leaves your home vulnerable to a crumbling basement and mold issues. A foundation that has become bowed takes additional work, which can include beams placed on the inside, and reconfiguration of french drains that normally run around the foundation of your basement.

You can find Foundation Companies in Houston TX with experienced personnel to help you correct problems of cracking, leaking basements and can give you the piece of mind that your home will be there safely for years to come. Your foundation is the heart of your home and is the most important piece of a safe and structurally stable home. For more information, you can check here.

5 Income Tax Preparation Tips

by

Jim Trippon

Its income tax time again! It’s when Uncle Same wants to know how much money you earned and how much income tax you owe him. We all want to pay less income tax each year. Instead of looking for tax loopholes and grey area deductions, at J.M. Trippon & Company CPA’s we specialize on tax planning to not only save you money on this year’s taxes, but also focus on the years ahead to reduce tax liability for the future. Here are five basic tips that we have used to save our clients millions of dollars over the last 25 years in processing over 10,000 income tax returns.

Travel Expenses The key to deducting the most from mileage on your income tax return is keeping complete and accurate logs of your travel expenses. Travel expenses can include airfare/transportation expenses, conference/trade show/seminar attendance fees, hotels/rent-a-car expenses, and parking fees. Consulting with an Income Tax Preparation Expert about your vehicle deductions is a wise choice. There are additional deductions available that only a qualified tax accountant would know. One travel expense that most people do not know about is the travel expenses for those who have two different employers. You may deduct the traveling expense from the first job to the second job. However, if you have a single employer, you cannot deduct the travel cost to and from you home and place of business. Medical Expenses Keep all of your medical expense receipts and statements which are not covered by your medical insurance. You will need a copy of all out-of-pocket medical expenses in order to qualify for the deduction. The amount of deduction is highly dependent on your income. You will need to discuss this with your Trippon CPA Tax Account. There are certain medical/dental insurance premiums that are deductible which your income tax specialist can determine. Entertainment Expenses This is an IRS red flag and needs to be carefully reviewed by your Trippon CPA Income Tax Preparation Specialist. In March 2002, new legislation was passed that prohibited entertainment expense deductions for personal use. Usual and customer business related meals and entertainment can be deducted up to 50% of the receipt. You will want to review all entertainment expenses with J.M. Trippon & Company CPA’s to make sure you reduce any potential tax liability. Tax Records Keeping accurate and complete income tax preparation records will make your life so much easier. Keeping accurate tax records will reduce your cost in income tax preparation, and make you prepared in the event of an IRS audit or IRS tax dispute. Be aware that you are legally required to keep your tax records for three years following the filing date. 5. Deadlines The deadline for federal income tax preparation is April 15th. You much have your federal income tax return postmarked by April 15th. By filing your federal income tax return prior to the deadline, you will avoid penalties and interests from the IRS. You may file for a filing extension. If you are in need of additional time for income tax preparation, you can file for an extension. There are regulations on who can file for an extension, so you will want to consult with your Trippon CPA Income Tax Preparation Specialist to make sure filing an extension is right your income tax situation. Income Tax preparation makes everyone anxious. At Trippon CPA’s, we have learned that the earlier you start, the better we have a chance to do our research and save you the most on your income tax return. To begin the income tax preparation process, fill out our Tax Assessment Questionnaire, or call us at 713-661-1040 to schedule a free tax evaluation.

A Houston tax CPA, Jim Trippon, is marking his name in the field of helping individuals and businesses alike manage their Houston tax problems. J.M. Trippon & Co., a

Houston CPA firm

, has professionals who are more than qualified to help you with your

Houston taxes

.

Article Source:

5 Income Tax Preparation Tips}