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News & Information

Plate & Company works hard to stay at the forefront of the ever-changing tax and regulatory environment on a local, state and Federal level. Depend on us to keep current on topics that may impact you and your business.


Individual Income Tax Organizer

Plate & Company distributes tax organizer packets to clients in January. The organizer is designed to help clients gather the information we need to prepare your personal income tax return. In addition to completing the forms and questionnaire, we will also need the following items to complete your state and Federal returns:

  • Forms W-2 for wages, salaries and tips.
  • All Forms 1099 for interest, dividends, retirement, miscellaneous income, Social Security, state or local refunds, gambling winnings, etc.
  • Brokerage statements showing investment transactions for stocks, bonds, etc.
  • Schedule K-1 from partnerships, S corporations, estates and trusts.
  • Statements supporting educational expenses, deductions or distributions, including any Forms 1098-T, 1098-E, or 1099-Q.
  • All Forms 1095-A for the advance payment of the Premium Tax Credit for lower cost health care coverage under healthcare.gov.
  • Statements supporting deductions for mortgage interest, taxes, and charitable contributions (including any Form 1098-C).
  • Copies of closing statements regarding the sale or purchase of real property.
  • Legal papers for adoption, divorce, or separation involving custody of your dependent children.
  • Any tax notices sent to you by the IRS or other taxing authority.
  • A copy of your income tax return from last year, if it was not prepared by our office.

We strongly recommend that you return the fully completed organizer to our office as soon as possible so we have ample time to provide the quality of service that is our mission. If you wish to meet with us to discuss or deliver your organizer information, please call our office at (641) 236-8261 to schedule an appointment.


Year-End Tax Planning

As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about tax planning and preparations. There are a number of strategies you can implement now that can help reduce your tax bill come April 15th. Here are some basic items to consider:

  • Maximizing retirement plan contributions.
  • Deferring income or accelerating income based on your situation.
  • Making charitable contributions by Dec. 31st.
  • Taking advantage of all available tax credits.
  • Planning the sale of investments to offset capital gains.

We encourage you to contact our office with specific questions or concerns you may have about your individual or business tax situation.