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What You Need to Know as Tax Season Kicks Off

Writer's picture: The Winston CPA GroupThe Winston CPA Group

Tax season is here, and while it may feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re filing as an individual or managing a business, here are four things to keep in mind that could completely change the way you approach taxes this year.


An elevated client experience at The Winston CPA Group for tax filing.
An elevated client experience at The Winston CPA Group for tax filing.

Get Your Documents Ready

Preparation is the key to a smooth tax season.


  • For individuals: Gather your W-2s, 1099s, and any receipts for deductions or credits you’re claiming. Think about major life changes - like buying a house or having a child - that could impact your return.

  • For business owners: Make sure your income, expenses, and payroll records are organized. A clean set of books saves time and reduces stress.


You'll also need to provide your contact information, date of birth, driver's license or ID, and information for any dependents.


To make this process easier, we’ve created a tax filing checklist  to help you stay on track with the things you'll need to give to your tax professional. Click below to download:



Choose Your Tax Professional Wisely

Filing your taxes is stressful for many. It's also a process that brings up a lot of questions from taxpayers about their specific situations. Choose someone to file your taxes that you trust first, but also who knows what they're doing. You’re handing over personal information and relying on someone’s expertise to get you in the best possible tax position.


When choosing a tax professional, ask:


  • Do you have experience working with someone like me?

  • How do you stay updated on tax law changes?

  • Will you be available after tax season if I have questions or get a notice?


At The Winston CPA Group, we prioritize year-round support for our clients. If you receive a tax notice or face an audit, we’re here to help - with up to $1M in audit defense.

See how we partner with business owners and individuals throughout the year on our tax page.


It’s OK to Owe Taxes

If your tax refund isn’t what you expected, it’s important to understand what caused it. Here’s a simple look at common reasons behind refunds, taxes owed, and how business income can affect personal tax returns.


A Refund Isn’t “Extra” Money

A tax refund simply means you’ve overpaid taxes throughout the year - money that was withheld from your paycheck based on the information you provided on your W-4 form. The W-4 tells your employer how much federal and state income tax to take out of your check each time you get paid.


If you claimed allowances or exemptions, or if your income changed during the year and your W-4 wasn’t updated, the amount withheld might not match what you actually owe. Adjusting your W-4 form can help you balance this better and avoid surprises in future tax seasons.


Our MoneyMoves™️ portal includes simple guidance to help you understand and update your W-4 so it aligns with your financial goals. It also includes forms and templates to fix your credit and how to stop that living paycheck to paycheck cycle. This resource is included with all of our tax prep service packages for individuals and business clients.


Business Income and “Write-Offs”

For business owners, your personal tax return is often impacted by the financial health of your business. Business income and losses flow through to your personal taxes, which can impact whether you owe taxes or receive a refund.


Cleaning Up Financials Before Filing

If you haven’t kept your financials up to date throughout the year, now’s the time to get everything organized before filing. This means making sure all income and expenses are accounted for - not just to understand how your business is performing but to ensure you qualify for every deduction and credit available.


At The Winston CPA Group, we help busy entrepreneurs get their financials in order, so you can file with confidence and focus on running your business. A little preparation now can make a big difference in your tax outcome. Reach out to us for your financial cleanup to make tax filing less stressful for you.


It’s also important to understand that a write-off doesn’t mean cash back. Let’s say you spent $4,000 on marketing expenses for your business. While these expenses reduce your taxable income, it doesn't mean you’re automatically getting that $4,000 back as a refund. Instead, the deduction lowers the amount of income you’re taxed on, which may reduce what you owe - or increase your refund.


If you’re operating with the belief that every dollar spent in your business is a dollar back in your pocket, it’s time to realign those expectations. Tracking your business finances carefully and working with a tax professional ensures you’re leveraging tax laws correctly without putting yourself in a difficult financial position.


Owing Taxes Doesn’t Mean Failure

Finally, let’s reframe what it means to owe taxes. If you owe, it doesn’t mean your tax professional did something wrong, and it doesn’t mean you failed. It means that you kept more of your money in your pocket throughout the year instead of lending it to the government as an interest-free loan.


Be Patient With Your Tax Professional

This tax season, the IRS is facing ongoing challenges, including staffing shortages, a return-to-office mandate, and delays in processing returns. These changes can lead to:


  • Longer wait times for refunds: Even if you file early, processing times may be slower than expected.

  • Delays in resolving issues: Tax professionals may face longer hold times when contacting the IRS, making it harder to get quick answers if there’s a question about your return.

  • A more complex tax environment: Updates to tax laws and other procedural changes may add to the overall time it takes to process returns accurately.


At The Winston CPA Group, we work to stay ahead of these challenges so you’re not left waiting or wondering. While some factors are beyond our control, we focus on clear communication and ensuring your return is accurate and complete from the start.

Being aware of these broader circumstances can help you manage expectations and feel more prepared for this tax season.


At The Winston CPA Group, we understand these challenges and focus on keeping you informed. While some delays may be out of our control, you can count on us to provide clear communication and thoughtful solutions to keep your tax season on track. Here's answers to questions you may have:


Tax Questions Clients Ask Us

Q: What if I get a tax notice after filing?

A: Reach out to your tax professional right away. At The Winston CPA Group, we provide up to $1M in audit defense, so you’re never facing these challenges alone.


Q: How do I know if my tax professional is trustworthy?

A: Look for someone with credentials like a CPA or EA, experience with clients like you, and availability to answer questions year-round.


Q: What if I owe more taxes than expected?

A: A tax professional can help you create a payment plan and adjust your paycheck to avoid surprises next year.


Let’s Talk About It

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does require preparation, trust, and the right support. If this opened your eyes to a better way of managing your taxes, explore how The Winston CPA Group supports you year-round.


From tools like our tax filing checklist to up to $1M in audit defense, we’re here to help you stay confident and informed every step of the way.

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The Winston CPA Group

504 Fair Street SW

Atlanta, GA 30313

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