Tax services offer tips to prepare for 2020 tax season

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION) Chuck Smith, owner of Big Ape Tax has been in the tax business for 42 years and says he has seen about a 30 percent increase in clients since going from in-person to virtual appointments for tax filing.

Although he had to adjust to virtual changes, Smith says switching to virtual appointments has allowed him to assist clients not just across California, but out of the state, with virtual appointments making services accessible to more people.

"I have clients in seventeen states, some clients that work in Korea as an educator and they have to file their taxes every year so they communicate in a way that's virtual, there's definitely a way to do that," says Smith.

Smith says a typical virtual appointment is now done via Zoom between clients and their tax preparers and most documents are submitted via the zoom chat or through a company portal for security.

However, Smith says there are things clients should be aware of before doing their taxes online, particularly if it is their first time doing so.

Smith says one of the most important things a person can do is look up their tax preparers or tax companies on the Internal Revenue Service website to verify legitimacy of tax companies and their licenses (https://www.irs.gov)

Another suggestion he says is avoiding sending any personal or tax documents via email or text to prevent the risk of fraud or identity theft.

In addition, Smith says people should be sure to submit clear, high quality photos of any documents required during virtual appointments as any blurry photos can make the information difficult to read and delay the process.

Smith says people should also be prepared and know their stimulus information as it does play a role during the 2020 tax season, including the first two checks along with the recently approved California stimulus.

“If they have not received their stimulus from the United States yet but they need to file a tax return, they’ll be able to get it if they qualify for it," says Smith.

"As far as the California one, what I've read and it's not law yet, but what I've read is somewhere between thirty and forty-five days after you file your state return, you will get that 600 dollar stimulus from the state of California."

A concern raised by many was for senior citizens filing taxes virtually who may not know how to navigate online systems. In that case, Smith says it's best to reach out to someone you trust for assistance or reaching out to local senior centers to ask what help options they offer.

The Seniors Council of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties is offering free tax preparation to local seniors.

The service, called Project SCOUT, provides free help for seniors, people with disabilities and low-income residents.

To get help, residents can email projectscoutoffice@gmail.com. In the subject line, include your full name, city of residence and if you are aged 60 or older. In the body, you are asked to write a short description of what you need and income level. If you qualify, a volunteer will reach out.

If emailing is not an option, residents can also call 831-724-2606. In the message, you are asked to include your full name, age, city of residence and 2020 income.