Your Trusted Partner for Tax Preparation Services in the Bronx & Nearby
NYC and Bronx Tax Preparation Service – In-Person & Online – Serving the U.S.
Tax Preparation Services in & Near Bronx, NY and NYC | Accurate & Stress-Free Filing
If you are doing your own tax preparation or seeking the help of a friend to do it for you, it is just too easy to miss out on several benefits. Even if you do your taxes using a software program, you can overlook things or make mistakes. Preparing your own taxes and getting it done by an experienced tax expert are two completely different things. A tax professional will never overlook the deductions and credits you or your small business are entitled to. They will not just ensure the maximum refund, but they will also offer you a smooth, flawless experience. In the many years of filing income tax returns, we have encountered many individuals and corporate officers who had no clue what was on their tax return; this is something we do not condone. We sit with all our clients and walk them through each line item on their tax return. We believe that everyone should be able to comprehend what is going on in their income tax return.
Trusted tax preparation professionals in Bronx, NY, and NYC — tailored for individuals, freelancers & Airbnb hosts
Free 15-min Consultation
Quick and helpful chat with our experts — no pressure, no cost.
Office + Online Services
Drop by our Bronx location or meet us over Zoom from anywhere.
Certified Professionals
Work with enrolled agents, accountants & experienced tax pros.
Based in Bronx, NY
Rooted in the community — we understand your local needs.
Testimonials
Omayra Baquero
“I am very pleased with the service to have my taxes done by Stephanie. It’s my 2nd year and it’s been a pleasure and very quick. I will continue to have my taxes done at SCL Taxes by Stephanie. Great customer service, always sending referrals.”
Read More >Your Trusted Local Tax Preparation Service Based in Bronx, NY
The Procedure We Follow to Prepare Your Taxes
At SCL Tax Services in & Near Bronx, NY, we have a unique tax preparation procedure. The way we prepare taxes makes us quickly stand out. Our tax preparation procedure is as follows:
- Intake sheet: New or returning client must fill out – this gives us our first view of who we will be preparing the tax return for, and if there are any changes with the returning client that may change the return being prepared.
- Identification is requested: Due to the ongoing identity theft problem with tax preparations, we always request picture ID, and update our records if ID has been renewed or changed.
- Income documents are scanned for our records and compared to prior years to make sure there are no documents missing.
- Documents are entered into tax preparation software.
- The next step is to review the return with the client (this part is crucial).
- After the returns are reviewed and explained, the next step is to collect authorization to electronically file the tax returns.
- 7. All clients are given the option of receiving a physical copy of the tax return or being emailed
- 8. Finally, the payment for tax preparation is charged. The tax fees are all form-based.
Reviewing the return means verifying that all the demographic information is correct, including the name, SSN or ITIN, and the address, as well as the names and SSN of all the dependents.
After all the reviews, we move on to INCOME. We ask that the wages be verified; if they have received any interest, dividend, IRA or Retirement Distributions, Social Security benefits, capital gains, unemployment payments, or Any OTHER income. Some clients have no clue what we are asking, so we explain the income questions separately just to make sure there are no underreporting issues. It is best to have all the income reported on the original return, then amend the return to include the income.
After income comes adjustments to income. There are not many adjustments, but the key ones belong to teachers, HSAs, alimony, student loan interest, etc. If there are no adjustments, we move to the next thing, which is standard or itemized deduction. Determining standard or itemized deductions has become simpler due to the TCJA Act passed in 2017. Most individuals who do not own properties take the standard deduction, which was doubled when the act was passed, which was a great thing for most. The individuals who file itemized deductions have a harder time climbing the threshold, which depends on their marital status and standard deductions. Before TJCA, individuals were able to write off all the income tax withheld and property taxes paid. Now, they are capped at $10k. This was a huge hit to homeowners, who went from always itemizing to taking the standard deduction. We are going to explain the pre-TJCA rules and the rules now.
After the deduction is determined, the taxable income is calculated. This is the income that is going to be taxed based on the marital status bracket.
Next are the credits an individual is entitled to, based on the number of dependents, if any, child care, education, etc. Credits are given to reduce the tax due. Once all the credits are accounted for, the total tax is calculated. This is the tax that was due by Dec 31st. Most employees have withholding taken from their pay every pay period. These withholdings are taken to pay this tax due. If their withholdings were more than the tax due, a REFUND of those withholdings is returned to the client. This normally is the case, but some withhold taxes incorrectly, and instead of a refund due, there would be a TAX Liability due. When we see these instances, we try to advise the client on how to correctly withhold, so some get a quick tax planning consultation with their tax preparation in & near the Bronx.
Things to Bring for Preparing Your Taxes (Tax Preparation Services Checklist)
To ensure the highest quality of tax preparation, we recommend bringing the following information with you to your appointment.
Personal Data
- Social Security Cards (including self, spouse & children)
- Driver’s License or ID Card
- Dates of birth for self, spouse & birth certificates for dependents
- Foreign Bank account numbers and financial information (if balance > $10K at any point during the year (for mandatory FBAR filing)
- Health care coverage (Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, 1095-C)
- Prior 3 Years Taxes for review (new clients only)
- Child Care Provider: Name, Address, Tax ID# or SSN, and amount paid
- Any correspondence from the IRS or state taxing authorities that you would like us to clarify
Adjustments
- Student loan interest paid
- IRA contributions (paid directly to bank, not through employer)
- Early withdrawal penalties
- Moving expenses
- Alimony paid (need name and SS# of recipient) or received
- HSA deduction (paid directly to bank, not through employer)
- Education Expense – Form 1098-T from college or vocational school
Employment and Income Data
- W-2 forms
- Unemployment compensation: forms 1099-G
- Miscellaneous income, including rent: form(s) 1099-MISC
- Pensions and Annuities: form(s) 1099-R
- Social Security Benefits: form(s) SSA 1099
- Partnerships and S Corporations: Schedule K-1
- Rental Income and Expenses
- Gambling and Lottery Winnings: form W-2G
- Interest Income: 1099 INT
- Dividend Income: 1099 INT
- Proceeds from Stocks: 1099-B (including cost basis)
- Sale of Home Income/Loss: 1099-B (including depreciation schedules)
Self-employment Data
- Business Income: form(s) 1099 MISC and/or own records
- Partnership Income: Schedules K-1
- Business-related Expenses: receipts and other documents
- Employment Taxes and Other Estimated Business Taxes Paid for Current Tax Year
- Tax ID Number or Incorporation Papers
Itemized Deductions
- Mortgage Interest Statement: form(s) 1098
- Real Estate Taxes Paid
- Personal Property Taxes: Ad Valorem
- Charitable Donations
- Church Tithes and Offering
- Unreimbursed Job Expenses (including mileage and auto expenses)
- Unreimbursed Volunteer Expenses
- Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
FAQ
Not just tax experts — a trusted team serving Bronx, NY, with clarity and compassion.
Read More >Is remote tax preparation assistance available for New York taxes?
Yes, remote tax preparation assistance is available for New York taxes. You can work with tax professionals, use virtual services from major providers, or access free programs like VITA/TCE, all of which support secure document upload, electronic signatures, and e-filing for New York returns.
How does New York residency status impact tax preparation?
If you live in New York all year, you pay tax on all income. If you live part of the year or outside, you pay tax only on New York income. Contact our tax professionals in Bronx NY, for more information.
How can a tax preparation service help with income from side hustles or gig work in New York?
Tax preparers in New York or a tax office can help you report all gig income, claim deductions, handle self-employment taxes, set up estimated payments, and make sure you meet state and city tax rules.
What are the benefits of using a tax preparation service versus an accountant for a complex tax situation in New York?
For complex tax situations in New York, a tax preparation service is usually cheaper and good for routine filing, but an accountant (CPA, EA, or tax attorney) offers deeper planning, can handle multi-state or business issues, and has full authority to represent you before the IRS or state agencies in NYC or Bronx, NY.
Can a tax preparation service help with a tax extension for a New York state return?
Yes. A tax preparation service can help you file a New York State tax extension by completing Form IT-370, estimating any tax due, and submitting payment to avoid penalties. Keep in mind the extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay, and working with experienced tax professionals in the Bronx, NY can make the process easier.