Elite Tax Services | Tax Preparation San Antonio Converse

We Work For You, Not The IRS! Tax preparation Service in Converse, San Antonio, Universal City, Kirby, New Braunfels, Schertz Seguin Texas

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I’m Being Audited. What If I Don’t Have Receipts?

The IRS questions around 6 million tax returns each year, through an audit or by a verification notice. WARNING: The IRS is not your friend or advocate–they are looking to fine you, increase what you owe them, or worse–much worse.

If you must prove items you have reported on your tax return, you may encounter obstacles in the process; especially if you failed to retain your receipts, statements or other records.

We always recommend that you get a tax professional to talk to the IRS for you. If a professional representative mistakenly says something that the IRS later disputes, the IRS will not be able to accuse you of lying–which is a felony.

Case #1 — What if you don’t have all the information to prove items on your return? Example: You deducted medical expenses, but when asked for proof, you no longer have receipts or even the list of medical providers, prescriptions, and other medical costs. Answer: You can retrace your steps. Determine your medical expenses for the year, and get receipts from doctors and pharmacies. Your bank statements and cancelled checks are a good starting point, if you still have access to these documents.

Case #2 — You operate a business that deducted office expenses and now you can’t find your receipts. The truth is, it may be logical that you would have expenses that the IRS should allow, even though you don’t have a receipt. The tax courts have provided some flexibility for this circumstance (the Cohan Rule), understanding that in the real world, a business must have overhead to operate and conduct its business. Therefore, the IRS provides some flexibility and can take your word that you had these expenses.

Items You Probably Can’t Recreate

The law requires some expenses to be documented at the same time the expense occurs, like:

  • Travel and entertainment expenses: These expenses are required to be recorded by receipts made at the time the expense is incurred.
  • Charitable contributions: All charitable contributions need receipts that accurately reflect the value of the contribution.
  • Mileage records: You must record the mileage, date, place, and business purpose.
  • Gambling losses: You must have receipts, tickets, statements and documentation like a diary or similar record of your losses and winnings.

If you don’t have these records, the IRS can disallow your deduction. As a practical matter, IRS auditors may allow some reconstruction of these expenses, under “reasonable” circumstances. Ask Elite Tax Services about handling an IRS audit.

Reconstructing Records for the IRS

First — at Elite Tax Services we always recommend to our clients that they set up a credit card that they use strictly for business related expenses. That way, they will always have easy access to documentation of each expense.

If the IRS demands that you provide records that you don’t currently possess, it’s important that you immediately begin to reconstruct the items they are looking for. It can take a while to put the records together, so start right away so you can meet the IRS deadline. The IRS is not known for its patience or compassion.

You may need to reconstruct your records, or simply provide a valid explanation of a deduction instead of the original receipts to support the expense. If the IRS disagrees with your proof or explanation, you can appeal the decision. You may also have to argue against penalties during the audit by providing facts about how you made your best effort to comply.

Lack of Records Often Leads to a 20% IRS ‘Negligence Penalty’

Tips to reconstruct your records:

  • Obtain and review bank account and credit card statements. They are often a good list of what you paid. They may also be a good substitute if you don’t have receipts.
  • Vendors and suppliers may have duplicate records. Reach out to them if you need a copy.
  • Appointment books can provide back-up information about travel, the number of clients, and frequency of service.
  • Cell phone records can help establish dates of service or assist in reconstructing expenses.
  • You may be able to reconstruct mileage estimates with online map tools. You can’t just estimate miles per week x 52 = miles to deduct. Consider periods of no travel, or extra travel.

If you reconstruct or estimate expenses in a way other than what the IRS requires, create a declaration, and sign it under penalty of perjury.

Use a Tax Professional

Filing your taxes properly is difficult. Dealing with IRS tax problems can be devastating. Tax professionals can help when you can’t get access to all the records the IRS may be asking for, and can shield you from criminal liability for lying to the IRS, as long as you’re honest with your tax pro.

An experienced tax professional knows your options, as well as the likelihood of an IRS agent accepting your reconstruction of documentation. She can also get you back on track and get your record-keeping back into shape.

We’re Here to Help

Elite Tax Services — We care, and are BIG enough to meet all your needs, yet small enough to know your name.

Give us a call today at (210) 661-5000

We work for YOU, not the IRS!®

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Call Us Today!
(210) 661-5000

I would highly recommend using their services!

The staff at Elite Tax Services are amazing, thorough and reliable. I would highly recommend using their services!

Barbara Urrabazo

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:05:58-06:00

Barbara Urrabazo

The staff at Elite Tax Services are amazing, thorough and reliable. I would highly recommend using their services!
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/i-would-highly-recommend-using-their-services/

A very positive experience

Came in to file taxes today. This is my second visit. A very positive experience on both occasions. Very helpful.

M Collins

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:12:00-06:00

M Collins

Came in to file taxes today. This is my second visit. A very positive experience on both occasions. Very helpful.
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/a-very-positive-experience/

Thank you so very much! You guys are great!

My husband and I had a wonderful experience! We definitely will be coming back. All of our questions were answered, even the ones we dint know we had! She was extremely informative and very knowledgeable. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and helped right away. She made the process so easy and within a great time frame. Thank you so very much! You guys are great!

Amber Gilbert

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:13:45-06:00

Amber Gilbert

My husband and I had a wonderful experience! We definitely will be coming back. All of our questions were answered, even the ones we dint know we had! She was extremely informative and very knowledgeable. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and helped right away. She made the process so easy and within a great time frame. Thank you so very much! You guys are great!
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/thank-you-so-very-much-you-guys-are-great/

Happy with their service

I have always been happy with their service.

Yvonne Lopez

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:14:43-06:00

Yvonne Lopez

I have always been happy with their service.
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/happy-with-their-service/

Thank you for your outstanding service!

I would like to give a huge thank you to the staff at Elite Tax Services. As a customer for over 10 years at this location there is no one else whom I trust to take care of my taxes each year. I am greeted with smiles as soon as I walk in the door. The staff is knowledgeable, patient, and most importantly up to date on all of the new tax laws that change each year. Thank you once again for your outstanding service!

Andrea Arevalo

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:16:01-06:00

Andrea Arevalo

I would like to give a huge thank you to the staff at Elite Tax Services. As a customer for over 10 years at this location there is no one else whom I trust to take care of my taxes each year. I am greeted with smiles as soon as I walk in the door. The staff is knowledgeable, patient, and most importantly up to date on all of the new tax laws that change each year. Thank you once again for your outstanding service!
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/thank-you-for-your-outstanding-service/

Professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy

Elite Tax employees are the absolute best!! They are very professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. I have been here for over 10 years and will continue to come here. Shout out to Margaret and Antoinette!! Thank you ladies!

Crystal Garza

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:17:02-06:00

Crystal Garza

Elite Tax employees are the absolute best!! They are very professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. I have been here for over 10 years and will continue to come here. Shout out to Margaret and Antoinette!! Thank you ladies!
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/professional-knowledgeable-and-trustworthy/

Great at making sure your taxes are done efficiently and quickly

Have been coming here for a couple of years. The staff are great at making sure your taxes are done efficiently and quickly. Lizette filed them this year and she was Amazing!!!

Sheena Ashley Kunst

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:18:06-06:00

Sheena Ashley Kunst

Have been coming here for a couple of years. The staff are great at making sure your taxes are done efficiently and quickly. Lizette filed them this year and she was Amazing!!!
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/great-at-making-sure-your-taxes-are-done-efficiently-and-quickly/

Always friendly and knowledgeable staff!

I have done my taxes with Elite for 4 years now. Always friendly and knowledgeable staff! Plan to file with them in the future tax season.

Juanea Brand

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:18:52-06:00

Juanea Brand

I have done my taxes with Elite for 4 years now. Always friendly and knowledgeable staff! Plan to file with them in the future tax season.
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/always-friendly-and-knowledgeable-staff/

THESE workers made sure to put my mind at ease

I walked into this office 3 yrs ago w/an IRS market place emergency and THESE workers made sure to put my mind at ease.

Jaicen Garcia

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:21:21-06:00

Jaicen Garcia

I walked into this office 3 yrs ago w/an IRS market place emergency and THESE workers made sure to put my mind at ease.
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/these-workers-made-sure-to-put-my-mind-at-ease/

I was well respected

I’m a student filing taxes for the first time. The ladies at Elite were so helpful and never got frustrated when I didn’t understand something. I was well respected and treated as an adult.

Kerstin Mayhall

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:22:33-06:00

Kerstin Mayhall

I’m a student filing taxes for the first time. The ladies at Elite were so helpful and never got frustrated when I didn’t understand something. I was well respected and treated as an adult.
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/i-was-well-respected/

They always take care of my tax needs!

Lizette was great! I've been coming to this location for years and they always take care of my tax needs! See y'all next year!

Kevin Jackson

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:26:44-06:00

Kevin Jackson

Lizette was great! I've been coming to this location for years and they always take care of my tax needs! See y'all next year!
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/they-always-take-care-of-my-tax-needs/

Fast, efficient, professional, very friendly

Great place to get my taxes done. Fast, efficient, professional, very friendly and patient with me. I will definitely be back next year.

Shelly Alderman

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:27:27-06:00

Shelly Alderman

Great place to get my taxes done. Fast, efficient, professional, very friendly and patient with me. I will definitely be back next year.
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/fast-efficient-professional-very-friendly/

The most wonderful experience i have ever had!

I went into Elite Tax Services and had the best experience. Antoinette was wonderful and kind from the time i walked in. She made sure i was happy and explained everything to me the most wonderful experience i have ever had! I will be returning every year! Thank u guys you are awesome.

Jessica Rangel

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:29:11-06:00

Jessica Rangel

I went into Elite Tax Services and had the best experience. Antoinette was wonderful and kind from the time i walked in. She made sure i was happy and explained everything to me the most wonderful experience i have ever had! I will be returning every year! Thank u guys you are awesome.
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/the-most-wonderful-experience-i-have-ever-had/

My experience here at Elite Tax Services was excellent

My experience here at Elite Tax Services was excellent. I would highly recommend there services. Lizette was very helpful and i would highly recommend her expertise. Very friendly environment and treat with respect.

Mary Ornelas

Elite Tax Services
5
2019-11-11T21:30:33-06:00

Mary Ornelas

My experience here at Elite Tax Services was excellent. I would highly recommend there services. Lizette was very helpful and i would highly recommend her expertise. Very friendly environment and treat with respect.
https://www.elitetaxservices.net/testimonials/my-experience-here-at-elite-tax-services-was-excellent/
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Elite Tax Services

Map to Our Office

Location

Elite Tax LLC
8275 FM 78, Suite 5
Converse, Texas 78109
Ph (210) 661-5000
email: Elite Tax Services
Map and Directions to Office [click]

Serving: San Antonio, Converse, Universal City, Kirby, New Braunfels, Schertz, Seguin & the USA

Elite Tax Services® is our registered trademark

Hours:

April 19 – Dec
Mon – Fri:  10 am – 5 pm

Jan – April
Mon – Fri: 10 am – 8 pm
Sat: 10 am – 4 pm

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(210) 661-5000
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