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Jan 11
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2026 Tax Season is Here.

By Uncategorized

It’s a new year and the tax season is here. Many of you may be eagerly anticipating larger refunds this year.

We at Lefferts Tax (formerly Melissa Tax LLC) look forward to preparing and filing your tax return once again.

We are FULLY REMOTE for 2026.

This means you will need to use our app or client portal to send your documents, receive and sign your tax return and make your payments.https://melissatax.taxdome.com/  The portal is secure and complies with IRS requirements to protect your personal information.

If you absolutely need to, you can also email the documents to us at admin@melissa.tax.

We are available for video or phone calls, if necessary, to answer questions when your return is completed.

As we are fully remote, you will benefit from:

  • Extended hours. We will have early days, starting at 8am, and late evenings , working until 8pm.  No more rigid  of 9 – 5pm on weekdays or 11 – 4pm on weekends.

  • Conveniently upload your documents anytime. No more waiting in the office. No more time spent looking for a parking spot. The app can be used at any time.

  • Ask questions anytime. The app is monitored by our team and you can see when your question is answered.

In addition, this year:

  • We aim to complete your return in 48 hours after ALL documents are received. If we need to ask for additional information, this slows down the process. Returns are reviewed by the Manager before sending to you for signature. You will receive notifications as your return moves through our system.

  • You will receive Tax Notice / Audit Insurance coverage from Protection Plus, an external service. This means if you get a Tax Notice at any time, the company will respond on your behalf. You will receive a certificate on this with your tax return.   For individual returns, there is no extra charge for this. For Corporations, there will be an additional $75 fee.

 

Top Five Tax Tasks For January

  1. Ensure your accounts with the IRS and NY State are active.  Visit irs.gov and tax.ny.gov

  2. Gather your W2, 1099s, 1098s, 1095A and other documents. These documents are also available at irs.gov.

  3. If you have your own business, you must provide your Income and Expenses.

  4. If you were paid with cash or have no proof of income, you may be required to sign a statement of the money you earned.

  5. Ensure you have a bank account to receive any refund or make any payment. Physical checks are on their way out due to fraud and mail delays. Upload your bank deposit slip so the numbers are correctly provided.

This tax year has a number of new credits, and we will tell you more about this next week.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you,

Dec 17
Love0

New Location

By firm updates, tax credits, tax tips

NEW LOCATION!

103 – 42 Lefferts Blvd –  2nd Floor, Suite 7  above the Medical Center next to Chase.

Our new office is just half a block from where Melissa’s office was located on Lefferts Blv.

Phone remains the same: 718 480 3518

General email is help@melissa.tax

We will begin to schedule tax preparation appointments from Jan 3rd. Those who activate their online account, can upload documents at any time and will get an early appointment. File Early to get your refund

Looking for tax credits or a refund? Be sure you bring the required documents to prove your child care, tuition credits, etc. You must provide these documents each year. See the Tax Credits Cheat Sheet  attached to this email.

To all Business Owners: Get your 2024 Profit and Loss Statement together. If you do not track all your expenses – you may be missing out on tax deductions. Use the worksheet in your client portal. If you need us to help with this, respond to this message.

Do you know every taxpayer has an account with the IRS that you can view online? Visit https://www.irs.gov/your-account. You can see all your tax returns, the letters sent by the IRS and pay any outstanding balance with your bank card.

Did you Get a Tax Notice? Let us help you respond. Do not delay in responding to the IRS or New York State. Often you can get penalties and interest waived if you respond promptly and are up to date with all required returns.  Give us a call and we will help you.

Tax Credits Cheat Sheet

Tax Credit Eligibility Credit Amount How to Claim Supporting Documents
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Must have earned income from employment or self-employment. Varies based on income and number of qualifying children. File a tax return, even if you don’t owe any tax or aren’t required to file. W-2 forms, 1099 forms, proof of income, Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and qualifying children.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) Must have a qualifying child under age 17, present in the US for the year and lived with you for at least 6 months. Up to $2,000 per child. File a tax return and complete Schedule 8812; plus Form 8332 for NonCustodial parent Birth certificates, SSN, proof of residency (school records, medical records, government benefits)
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) Student enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree or certificate; only for 1st four years of college education. Up to $2,500 per eligible student (up to $1000 refundable) File a tax return and complete Form 8863. Form 1098-T from the educational institution, receipts for qualified expenses.
Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) Available for all years of post-secondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills. Up to $2,000 per tax return File a tax return and complete Form 8863. Form 1098-T from the educational institution, receipts for qualified expenses.
Saver’s Credit For contributions to an IRA, if 18 or older, not a full-time student, and not claimed as a dependent on another person’s return. Up to $1,000 ($2,000 if married filing jointly). File a tax return and complete Form 8880. Proof of contributions to retirement accounts, such as Form 5498 or account statements.
Premium Tax Credit (PTC) Must have household income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty line. Varies based on income and cost of insurance. Refundable. And can be Clawed Back. File a tax return and complete Form 8962. Form 1095-A from the Health Insurance Marketplace, proof of income.
Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) Must have dependents who do not qualify for the Child Tax Credit. Up to $500 per dependent. File a tax return and complete Schedule 8812. Social Security numbers for each dependent, proof of residency.
Nov 11
Love0

First the holidays, then it’s Tax Season!

By Blog

The weather is now getting colder and we will soon be in the holiday season.We are gearing up for the next tax season from January – April 15, 2025.
Melissa Tax LLC now offers you a convenient online account to:

    • Access your documents securely
    • Upload your W2s, 1099 using only your phone
    • Text or chat with our staff
    • Retrieve your Tax return when you need it

Please activate your client portal account before Thanksgiving, so we can begin getting your account organized

Our base price will remain the same:
$300 per tax return.
$350 for those with a Schedule C business.
Special $50 off – for those who get active in the portal NOW and use it to complete the tax return Feb 15, 2025.

Can you help us with planning?
Poll
Let us know

  • I’m with you for next year yes or no
  • will use the client portal for the $50 discount
  • will NOT use the client portal – I need to be seen in person only.

End of Year Tax Tips:

  • Ensure your basic information in your client account is updated. Add your Driver’s License, SSN cards, Kid’s Birth certificates
  • Bring your income info (w/2 or 1099s) in January. You have to give us your information. The “same as last year” is not sufficient. You’ll miss out on deductions if you do not give us the correct info.
  • If you get paid in cash, or off the books, you are considered self-employed. So you actually have a business. Keep track of your business related expenses to get deductions to reduce your income.
  • Let’s pay attention to Trump’s tax plan to see if any benefits are effective in 2024.

As always, reply or give us a call if we can help you in any way.

Oct 22
Love0

New Team at Melissa Tax

By client tasks, firm updates, tax tips

Hi, I’m Liz Mannette and I’d like to introduce myself as the new owner of Melissa Tax Services in Queens, NY. My goal is to provide you with efficient, friendly and professional service and continue the work of Melissa and her father.

Elizabeth Mannette

As a Caribbean person, I know you are here in the US to improve your life; work hard, perhaps start a business and grow financially. For that, you need to ensure all is clear with the Taxman: pay the tax due and also get all tax benefits you are entitled to. I am here to help with this.

There are two main changes you should know about as we move into a new chapter at Melissa Tax:

  • We will be leveraging technology to the fullest.. We’ve launched a 24/7 client portal   https://melissatax.taxdome.com/.  It is secure and private. You can upload your documents, review your tax return, sign and pay your fees  – all from the comfort of your home.No more sitting around the office for hours. No more emailing or texting multiple attachments. No more looking for past year returns. The client portal makes this so much easier.
  • You have to give us your current information.  If we use your old information, you may miss some new tax benefits. Help me to help you by letting us know if you moved, changed jobs, had a child or had business expenses during the year. You can post this information in the portal at any time. In January, we will request your basic data when we get started.

Tax Tips: 

W2 employee?  Be sure to  keep track of the tax your employer is withholding from each paycheck.  It should be around 10-15% of the gross income. If the employer is not withholding the right amount, you may have to pay next April. Check with your HR office if you need to make adjustments now.

Own a business or do a side-hustle?  Keep track of your expenses and deductions. Otherwise, you will miss out on tax deductions. Use your bank card to pay for everything so at the end of the year, you can do a quick summary.  

I have been a tax attorney for many years and worked with large and small businesses. Yes, I know taxes are complicated for everyone. Rather, it is made to seem complicated. But by being prepared, tracking everything and having a knowledgeable professional working for you, you will be ahead of the game.

The contact number is the same: 718-480-3518. My email address is liz@melissa.tax.  You can email me with any tax questions and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

If you haven’t reserved your portal account, please do so now here: https://melissatax.taxdome.com/ 

Thank you for your continued trust. I look forward to working together.

Sincerely,

Liz Mannette

2024 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates 
Tax Rate Single Filers Married Filing Joint  Heads of Households
10% $0 to $11,600 $0 to $23,200 $0 to $16,550
12% $11,600 to $47,150 $23,200 to $94,300 $16,550 to $63,100
22% $47,150 to $100,525 $94,300 to $201,050 $63,100 to $100,500
24% $100,525 to $191,950 $201,050 to $383,900 $100,500 to $191,950
32% $191,950 to $243,725 $383,900 to $487,450 $191,950 to $243,700
35% $243,725 to $609,350 $487,450 to $731,200 $243,700 to $609,350
37% $609,350 or more $731,200 or more $609,350 or more

Source: https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/federal/2024-tax-brackets/

Jul 27
Love0

Exciting Changes for Melissa Tax Services

By firm updates

To: My Clients
From: Melissa

Dear Client,

I am writing to share some important and exciting news with you. After serving and continuing to serve the community for 4+ years, I have made the decision to transition the tax business to a new owner, Elizabeth Mannette.Liz and Melissa

This was not an easy decision but it will allow me to reduce my workload and focus on my health and my family (as many of you know, I got married last September) while pursuing other business interests. Because we were in the midst of the busy tax season, we had to make a quick transition.  718 480 3518 remains the contact number for tax services only.

Liz brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping individuals and small businesses understand the tax law and make tax optimized decisions.

Liz is a tax attorney and a graduate of Harvard Law School. She is from the Caribbean and understands the needs and culture of our community in South Richmond Hill. She previously was a Senator in Trinidad and Tobago and an energy diplomat in Washington DC.

Liz will be leveraging technology to enhance the client experience. She has already launched a client portal and an app where you can upload your documents securely, review and sign your returns and pay electronically. This will allow for greater flexibility and convenience for all of you, so no more waiting in the office for hours to do your tax return.

In addition to our traditional tax preparation services and ITIN applications, Liz will offer bookkeeping and accounting solutions, including payroll and sales tax services. For ITIN applicants, Liz will soon be able to certify your passport on the spot so no longer will you have to mail in your passport to the IRS and wait weeks for its return.

I am confident Liz and her team will continue to provide you with the same level of expertise and personalized service you have come to expect. 

You can expect to hear from Liz shortly as she shares how these changes will benefit you.

I want to express my sincere gratitude for your loyalty and trust over the years. It has been a privilege to serve you, and I know you are in good hands going forward.

Sincerely,
Melissa

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