Expert Personal Tax Preparation in Jersey City, NJ & NYC

As tax season approaches in Jersey City, the familiar feeling of stress can start to build for many individuals and families. The world of taxes is a complex labyrinth of forms, deductions, credits, and ever-changing laws. Do you file on your own using software and hope for the best? Do you try the IRS Free File program and wonder if you’re missing something? Several online tax preparation companies partner with the IRS through the Free File Alliance to offer free filing options, making tax filing more accessible and reliable for eligible taxpayers. Or do you seek out professional expert help to ensure you get the maximum refund possible while remaining fully compliant?

For residents across New Jersey and New York, from the bustling streets of Jersey City to the neighborhoods of Manhattan, making the right choice about your tax filing can save you a significant amount of money, time, and anxiety. This is where professional individual tax prep services become invaluable.

Gary Mehta, CPA, EA, and his dedicated team of tax experts provide premier tax preparation in Jersey City and beyond. We believe that tax time shouldn’t be a burden. It should be an opportunity to review your financial health and strategically plan for the year ahead. We are more than just a tax preparer; we are your year-round financial partners, committed to navigating the complexities of your federal tax return, New Jersey Tax Return, and New York Tax Return with precision and personalized care. 

Living and working overseas presents unique tax challenges. If you are a U.S. citizen residing abroad, you still have a U.S. tax filing obligation. We understand the complexities of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, foreign tax credits, and reporting foreign bank account information (FBAR). Finding a reliable tax preparer who understands these nuances can be difficult, but our firm is equipped to handle your international tax return with expertise. 

Our clientele includes many non-residents who are working or conducting business in the U.S. on various visas. We have deep experience with nonresident alien tax returns (Form 1040-NR) and understand the specific rules and tax treaties that apply. We ensure you are reporting your U.S. income correctly while considering your obligations in your home jurisdiction.

It’s incredibly common for Jersey City and Northern New Jersey residents to earn income from multiple states, especially New York. This can create a confusing tax liability picture. We research all applicable state reciprocity agreements to ensure you aren't subject to double taxation, saving you money and hassle.

Whether you own a multi-family in Journal Square or a shore house you rent out, real estate investors have complex tax needs. We help you understand the tax implications of your investment strategy, properly account for depreciation, and deduct all eligible capital improvements and management expenses to maximize your return on investment.

If you own a small business, you need more than a tax preparer—you need a tax partner. We focus on maximizing every legitimate deduction according to IRS guidelines. More importantly, we help you plan for the future, advising on business structure, retirement contributions, and other strategies to build your business and minimize your tax burden.

The world of day trading has its own specific tax rules. Our accountants are proficient in deciphering Mark-to-Market (MTM) accounting treatments, which can be highly beneficial for qualifying traders. We assist you in making the proper elections and ensuring all your financial disclosures for gains and losses are accurately reported.

Falling behind on your taxes can be overwhelming, but ignoring the problem only makes it worse as penalties and interest accumulate. Many of our clients come to us having not filed for several years. We assist them in methodically preparing these back taxes, working to minimize penalties, and often representing them before the IRS to establish a reasonable payment plan. There is always a path back to compliance.

Did you file your taxes and then realize you forgot a major deduction? Or did you receive a corrected income form after filing? Mistakes happen. We can help you prepare and file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to correct the error, recapture a missed refund, or adjust your tax liability.

Facing an IRS notice or audit can be one of the most stressful parts of tax season, but with the right audit support and protection, you can approach your federal tax return with true peace of mind. At Jackson Hewitt, our team of tax experts is dedicated to standing by your side every step of the way, ensuring your tax return is accurate, complete, and fully compliant.

Our tax preparation services go beyond simply filing your taxes. We provide unlimited access to experienced tax preparers who are ready to answer your simple questions and offer expert help for even the most complicated tax situations. Whether you need guidance on tax forms, help with e-filing, or support in understanding IRS notices, our tax counseling is designed to give you the confidence you need to file your taxes without worry.

If you ever receive an IRS notice or face an audit, our audit support and protection services are here to resolve any tax issues quickly and efficiently. Our tax experts will represent you in front of the IRS, handle all communications, and work tirelessly to ensure your tax situation is managed fairly. We know that every tax return is unique, and we tailor our approach to help you qualify for the maximum refund while minimizing hassle and potential penalties.

To make tax filing even easier, we offer free online resources and fillable forms, so you can access the help you need from anywhere. Our guarantee means your tax return will be prepared accurately, and you’ll receive the biggest refund you’re entitled to—backed by our commitment to your satisfaction.

Don’t let the fear of audits or IRS notices overshadow your tax season. With Jackson Hewitt’s audit support and protection, you can file your taxes with confidence, knowing you have unlimited access to tax experts who are ready to provide helpful answers and guidance whenever you need it. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive tax preparation and audit support services, and let us help you safeguard your peace of mind.

At its core, individual tax preparation is the service of accurately preparing and filing a person’s income tax returns with federal and state authorities. However, the service offered by a dedicated accounting firm like ours is far more comprehensive than simply filling out tax forms.

While options like IRS Direct File or popular software can handle a simple tax return, they are essentially form-fillers. They rely on you to know what information to enter and which deductions you qualify for. Completing your federal tax return online can be straightforward and stress-free with the right tools or professional guidance, making the process accessible even for first-time filers.

Professional tax prep is a hands-on, consultative process. It involves:

1. A Deep Dive into Your Financial Life: We take the time to understand your unique tax situation, including your sources of income, investments, life changes, and financial goals.
2. Strategic Deduction and Credit Analysis: We proactively search for every available tax-saving opportunity, from common credits to industry-specific deductions you might not be aware of.
3. Accuracy and Compliance Checks: Every return is meticulously reviewed to ensure the calculations are correct and the filing adheres to all applicable IRS and state regulations.
4. Future Planning and Advice: We provide guidance on how to structure your finances to minimize your tax burden in the future.
5. Efficient and Accurate Completion: Our process ensures you are completing your return accurately and efficiently, whether you choose to file your federal tax return online or work directly with our experts.

This holistic approach is designed to not only get you the biggest refund possible but also to empower you with financial clarity.

In the world of tax services, not all preparers are created equal. You might see signs for a seasonal tax preparer or consider using generic software. However, when your financial future is on the line, choosing a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) makes a world of difference.

A CPA is a state-licensed accountant who has passed a rigorous exam and is bound by a strict code of ethics. They provide a higher level of service and accountability. While a standard preparer can prepare your return, a CPA like Gary Mehta can represent you before the IRS in all matters, including audits, and offers a depth of knowledge that is essential for complex returns. This unlimited access to high-level expertise is what sets our firm apart.

While anyone can benefit from professional tax assistance, there are certain life events and financial situations where seeking expert help is not just a good idea—it’s essential. Consider hiring a tax consultant if you’ve experienced any of the following:

• You started a small business or have self-employment income.
• You bought or sold real estate or own rental properties.
• You have investment income from stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrency.
• You work in one state and live in another (a common scenario for Jersey City residents working in NYC).
• You have foreign income or financial accounts overseas.
• You got married, divorced, or had a child.
• Your income is significantly higher than in previous years.
• You feel overwhelmed by the process and simply want to ensure you don’t make a costly mistake.
• You may qualify for free tax preparation help or special tax services based on factors such as age or disability—a tax professional can help determine your eligibility.

We’ve designed our tax filing process to be as seamless and stress-free as possible for our clients in Jersey City and across New Jersey.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Data Collection It begins with a conversation. We discuss your tax situation for the year. Then, we provide you with a secure, easy-to-use portal to upload your tax docs—W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, and any other relevant forms.

Step 2: Meticulous Preparation and Analysis Our tax experts get to work. We review every document and prepare a draft of your federal tax return and any necessary state returns. This isn’t just data entry; we analyze the numbers to find savings opportunities. As part of the process, we help you estimate your tax liability or refund before finalizing the return. We also review important tax dates, such as the filing deadline and refund issuance date, to ensure you meet all IRS requirements.

Step 3: Client Review and Final Approval We present the completed return to you for review. We’ll walk you through the results, explain why you owe a certain amount or are receiving a refund, and answer any simple questions or complex queries you may have.

Step 4: Signature and E-Filing Once you are completely satisfied, you will sign the return electronically. We then proceed with e-filing (also known as e file), ensuring your taxes are submitted securely and on time. We provide you with a final copy for your records.

The U.S. tax code is complex, and state laws add another layer of difficulty. Handling your own returns, especially with complex finances, can lead to expensive errors. Get your return done right the first time by having Gary Mehta, CPA, EA, prepare it. Our accounting firm proudly serves the entire region. While our main office provides tax preparation in Jersey City, we regularly meet with and serve clients from Red Bank, Mahwah, Hoboken, Newark, and across the Hudson in New York City.