Individual Services
Income Tax Returns for Atlanta Individuals and Families
Tax forms are easier to face when someone patiently explains what they mean. We prepare 1040s for individuals and families, including people with 1099 and self-employment income, and we answer your questions in plain language.
We prepare Form 1040 income tax returns for individuals and families. Some are simple, with a W-2 or two. Others have more moving parts: a spouse who started freelancing, income from delivery apps, a small business reported on Schedule C, or a mix of employment and contract work. We begin by asking what your year looked like, because the right list of documents depends on what happened.
Income on a 1099 deserves extra attention. No one withholds tax from it for you, so self-employment tax and estimated payments can come as a shock in the first year. We help you add up your income from each source, sort out the business expenses you have records for, and understand what you owe. If your side income is growing, we can calculate estimates for the coming year so you can set money aside.
We also take the time to explain your return before it is finalized, including what changed from last year and why. Proactive Strategies is a financial and business consulting firm, not a CPA firm. If you receive a notice later, we can help you read it and organize your records, while an authorized representative of your choosing handles representation. After your consultation we will explain how to share documents securely.
Who this is for
- Families with W-2 income and dependents
- Freelancers and gig workers receiving 1099 forms
- Self-employed people filing a Schedule C
- Employees with a growing side business
- People who fell behind and need past years prepared
How Proactive Strategies helps
Talk through your year
We ask about work, family and income changes, so nothing important gets missed.
Give you a document list
You get a personal list of what to gather, based on your situation.
Prepare your return
We prepare your federal and Georgia forms and check them against your records.
Go over it with you
We explain the main figures and answer your questions before anything is finalized.
Look ahead to next year
If you have 1099 income, we discuss estimated payments and records to keep.
In Georgia
Most Georgia residents file Form 500 with the Georgia Department of Revenue alongside their federal 1040. If you moved in or out of the state during the year, or earned income in another state, different rules can apply, so please mention it early. Self-employed Georgians may also need to make state estimated payments.
How we work
What working together looks like
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Initial Consultation
A conversation about where you are, what is on your mind and what you would like to accomplish.
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Needs Assessment
We review the details, documents and priorities that matter to your situation.
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Strategic Recommendations
You receive clear, practical recommendations and a sensible order for acting on them.
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Implementation Support
We help put the plan in motion, organizing the work and coordinating with the people involved.
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Ongoing Guidance
As your business and life change, we stay available to revisit decisions and keep things on track.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that is not answered here? Book a consultation and ask us directly.
What is the difference between a 1099 and a W-2?
A W-2 reports wages from an employer who has already withheld taxes. A 1099 generally reports payments for contract work or other income, with nothing usually withheld. If you receive 1099s, you may owe self-employment tax and may need to make estimated payments during the year.
Can I deduct expenses from my self-employment income?
Generally, ordinary and necessary business expenses can reduce self-employment income, as long as they are for the work and you have records. Personal expenses cannot be included, and mixed costs such as a phone or vehicle take care. We help you sort through what you have.
What if I never got a 1099 from a client I worked for?
Income is generally reportable even if no form arrives, so tell us about it. Your bank deposits, invoices or platform statements can help us confirm the amount. Keeping a simple running record of what each client paid makes this far easier next year.
I have not filed in a few years. Can you still help me?
Yes. Many people fall behind after a difficult period, and it is usually better to address it than to wait. We help gather what records exist, including wage and income information, and prepare the missing years. If notices have arrived, bring that up in your consultation.
How do I give you my W-2s and 1099s?
Please do not send them through the website form or by email, because they contain sensitive personal details. After your consultation we will explain how to share documents securely. We will also confirm which forms we need so you can gather everything at one time.