LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The consensus among a couple of local tax preparers reflects what most other CPAs and tax professionals across the country are saying “this has been a most unique tax season; like none before.”

For starters, a tax law change for 2020 came about after millions of tax returns had already been filed and made it retroactive. Given that and so many other factors, the IRS announced late Wednesday afternoon that it is extending the deadline to May 17, 2021.

“This year is like none other in my 30 years,” said James Cotton with Double S Bookkeeping. Carol Hoskins with Hoskins Accounting said, “This has been an exceptionally difficult tax season.”

Cotton describes his tax season as very busy putting in more hours and getting less done. “It’s like a moving target with laws changing rapidly,” Hoskins noted.

On top of everything, there’s a huge back log at the IRS. “You have to blame COVID. It just snowballed from there. You can only do so much working from home like IRS employees have. You just can’t run get a file like you would at the office,” said Hoskins.

“We’re encouraging clients to drop off their information. We prefer anyone with a straight forward return to come in, and we’ll get it finished in one appointment,” said Cotton. For Cotton, having a new secure website where clients can actually complete their return has been a plus. He calls the response good.

“We’ve put everything in place for our clients and staff to keep them safe. Every tax season, especially this one, we’re making sure our clients can participate and benefit from the programs out there. There’s money out there for the self employed, and it’s unforgiveable if you follow the steps,” said Hoskins.

Cotton was hoping they’d extend the deadline. Hoskins said the extension won’t solve the problem, but it sure takes off the heat. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/18/2021-6AM)

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