Spotlight on Exemplary EROs

With electronic filing becoming more popular every year, it's not surprising that many tax preparers have turned to it as their primary method for filing returns. Check out these individuals who were selected by the IRS to be their state's 2000 Exemplary Electronic Return Originator.

Sonia J. Lukow • Precision Business Services • Farmington, NM

Both a tax preparer and entrepreneur, Sonia Lukow has been able to transform her home-based tax preparation business into a full-service accounting practice in only eight years. As a reward for her hard work and determination, she has also been named the 2000 Exemplary ERO in New Mexico. She attributes much of this success to the support she's received from her three sons and encouraging husband.

In 1999, Sonia filed approximately 700 returns with a 95 percent acceptance rate. Her business plans for the rest of the year include continuing to provide payroll and accounting services for a variety of small businesses.

Patricia K. Disney • Pat's Bookkeeping Service • Cogan Station, PA

Patricia Disney has been the sole proprietor of her firm since 1975. Working independently out of her home has allowed her to develop a family atmosphere in her business, which brings some clients traveling as far as 100 miles for appointments made five months in advance.

Patricia earned the 2000 Exemplary ERO award by submitting 427 returns electronically with a 98 percent accuracy rate. When asked about electronic filing disadvantages, Patricia simply stated, "There are none!"

James R. McCalla, Jr. • Newnan Tax & Accounting • Newnan, GA

James McCalla is proud to be selected as Georgia's 2000 Exemplary ERO. In his career, he has sold tax software programs, administered computerized tax systems and, of course, prepared tax returns. This tax industry veteran of 23 years has seen many changes, but feels that the most beneficial was the innovation of electronic filing.

Each year, James and his staff usually file over 2000 tax returns and have a 96 percent acceptance rate on those filed electronically. He has come to rely on the ease and accuracy that electronic filing has offered him. There are many benefits for the taxpayers as well as the tax preparers, James said, "ThereÕs no reason not to start electronic filing."

Tricks of the Exemplary ERO:
1. E-file as many of your returns as possible. The e-file process will check returns for errors before they are accepted. This saves paperwork, amendments and endless correspondence with the IRS during the summer.
2. Spend quality time interviewing your clients. Too many times the interview process becomes just data collection. Take the time to ask questions. Many times we may find out that new addition to their house qualifies as an office in the home, or the child who went to college has already filed their return and claimed themselves as an exemption.
3. Pick the right software. Software that reviews for errors before a return is filed can reduce rejected returns. Diagnostic and annual comparitive reports are also essential.