Ask an Expert {Taxes}
Q&A with Marie Gallegos, Senior Tax Analyst at H&R Block
It’s tax season! Some people dread it, and other people live for it. Marie Gallegos, a Senior Tax Analyst at H&R Block, falls into the latter group. Marie has been preparing taxes since 2000 and strives to provide high-quality tax services for each of her clients. We sat down with Marie and picked her brain on tax reform changes as well as ways to stay organized during the hectic tax season.
Many East Austin residents work from home or operate their own business. What should they keep in mind while filing taxes?
Organization is key. If they are self-employed, they want to make sure that they have all the documents they need to file taxes, because they don’t want to miss out on any tax benefits that they’re entitled to claim. For example, if somebody comes in with a W-2, and they think, Oh yeah, this is simple, easy-peasy, it might not be that simple. It depends on healthcare, insurance, coverage—we’ll need proof for all of that. It also depends on if their insurance is employer-based healthcare insurance, if they pay for healthcare insurance and they’re self-employed, or if they get healthcare through the Marketplace.
What are some tax-deductible expenses that many people don’t know about?
A lot of people don’t realize that, when their child goes to college, there’s an education credit. Taxpayers can get education credits for themselves or their children. Another thing is when they have healthcare through the Marketplace and they overpaid for their premiums, depending on their income, then that can be a refund as well. That’s why it’s critical to keep all of those documents, because potential credits can be missed. It could be money in their pocket.
Do you suggest any apps or other ways to keep expenses organized for tax purposes?
This year, H&R Block has an improved online portal where people can keep all of their documents in one area electronically. MyBlock is an online portal app where they can upload tax documents for the whole year. Users can load them weekly, monthly, daily, however frequently they’d like—depending on their tax and life situation. Everything is stored in one online portal. All of these materials are extremely protected and are securely encrypted when the user requests that they’re sent to the client’s tax preparer.
What are some common misconceptions about the tax filing process?
There are a lot of misconceptions, especially now with this new tax reform coming in. A lot of people think they’re actually going to get more of a refund, versus what they got last year. With the new tax law changes, especially with the new tax reform, families are going to usually see a bigger refund because of the increased credits and deductions. On the other hand, individuals will most likely see no difference, or even less of a refund, than they’re used to seeing.
What advice would you give someone searching for tax preparation services?
H&R Block has tax professionals who are experts in those fields. If our clients have any questions, we have year-round offices all over Austin where they can come in, and we can get them on track. If they have any questions, by all means, the first place they can go to is hrblock.com, or they can always call 1-800-HR-BLOCK. I meet with my clients on a quarterly basis to make sure they’re where they’re supposed to be. We’ve got your back.
Contact:
Marie Gallegos, Senior Tax Analyst
cristine.gallegos@tax.hrblock.com
H&R Block, Capital Plaza
5459 N IH 35, Austin, TX 78723
www.hrblock.com
