Local tips for Zephyrhills taxpayers—avoid costly errors with mileage, home office, credits, and record-keeping so you keep more of what you earn. If you want help filing, see our Personal Tax Preparation and Business Tax Preparation.
1) Mixing employee vs. self-employed rules
Unreimbursed W-2 employee expenses are generally not deductible right now; self-employed deductions (home office, mileage, supplies) apply to business income only. Not sure what you can claim? Our Business Tax Preparation service will sort it out.
2) Missing the 2025 mileage rate
For 2025, the standard business mileage rate is 70¢ per mile. Keep a simple log with date, purpose, origin, and destination. We’ll help you apply the best method during Business Tax Preparation.
3) Home office confusion
If you use an area regularly and exclusively for business, the simplified method is $5/sq ft up to 300 sq ft. Unsure whether simplified or actual-expense wins for you? Book Personal Tax Preparation.
4) Skipping credits you qualify for
Education credits, Saver’s Credit, child-related credits, and energy incentives are commonly missed. We check eligibility during your Personal Tax Preparation appointment.
5) No record-keeping system
Use a folder + spreadsheet or a basic bookkeeping app. Save receipts, bank statements, 1099s, and mileage logs—organization = bigger, safer deductions. Need help setting it up? Our Accounting & Bookkeeping package keeps you audit-ready year-round.
6) Filing late or paying estimates late
Set quarterly reminders if you’re self-employed. On a refund? File early to avoid identity-theft headaches. We’ll map your deadlines during Personal Tax Preparation.
7) Choosing the wrong filing status
Head of Household and Married Filing Separately are often misused. We’ll run scenarios in your Personal Tax Preparation session so you pick the lowest-tax option that fits your facts.
8) Forgetting retirement contributions
Even small IRA or solo-401(k) contributions can reduce taxable income and may unlock the Saver’s Credit. Ask us which plan fits during Business Consulting.
9) Treating personal improvements as deductions
Most home improvements aren’t deductible now, but they increase your cost basis for capital-gains later. We’ll categorize correctly during Personal Tax Preparation.
10) Not reconciling IRS notices
If you amend or get a CP2000, confirm the IRS posts the correction. We’ll review transcripts and respond during your Personal Tax Preparation appointment.
11) Confusing Florida taxes
Florida has no personal state income tax. Focus on your federal return (and other states if you worked there). For businesses, separate sales-tax and local licensing may apply—book Business Tax Preparation if you’re unsure.
12) Overlooking local business requirements
Operating a business in Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel? Make sure you’re properly registered and have any required local business tax receipts/licenses. We can help during Business Consulting.
13) Mixing personal and business accounts
Separate bank/credit cards cut confusion and protect deductions—our Accounting & Bookkeeping service will keep you reconciled monthly.
14) Ignoring basis for rentals or investments
Track purchase price, improvements, depreciation, and selling costs to get capital-gain calculations right. We handle this in Personal Tax Preparation.
15) Doing it alone after a life change
New job, side business, marriage, or rental? That’s the time to talk with a pro so credits, basis, and multi-state issues are handled right. Start with Personal Tax Preparation.
Get a Local, No-Pressure Tax Review
We prepare tax returns for clients in Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, Dade City, and throughout the entire Tampa Bay area. Our team carefully reviews all possible deductions to ensure maximum savings. We also run various filing-status scenarios to determine the best options for your unique situation. Additionally, we help set up clean, organized records that will make your 2025 tax filing process smoother and more efficient.
Last updated: August 24, 2025
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