Trust, But Verify: Protecting Your Business Starts with You
Don’t assume it’s handled, make sure it is.
You HAVE to look out for number one, especially in business. It’s a survival strategy.
Just because you hired help, whether it's a tax professional, bookkeeper, or payroll provider, doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. At the end of the day, you are responsible for your business. That means the IRS is coming to you with questions, not them.
No one is going to care about your business more than you do.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
Know your deadlines. When is your return due?
S-Corps & Partnerships usually March 15th
C-Corps & individual return usually April 15th
Non profits usually May 15th.
When are your payroll taxes due?
Due every quarter (usually April 30th, July 31st, October 31st, January 31st of following year)
Payroll deposits have a different schedule depending on your revenue (suggestion is to use a payroll provider, and ask questions).
Don’t wait for someone else to tell you. Write it down.
Know where to look.
If your tax return was submitted, you should be able to check transcripts on the IRS website (irs.gov). Ask for proof that your return was filed, usually it will be on the form 9325 on your tax return. For Payroll, you can see those on your IRS transcripts, or log into Social Security Administration (ssa.gov) to view reported W-2 info.
Check that the numbers add up.
If payments were made, you can confirm them in your bank account, in your IRS account, and/or through EFTPS. Don’t assume, it takes two minutes to verify.
Ask for receipts.
Your tax pro should be able to show you proof of filing (like Form 9325), and payroll providers typically have tax documents in their portal or available upon request.
Warning signs you need to verify more:
You’ve never logged into your IRS or EFTPS account
You just sign tax returns without reading them or understanding what it means
You don’t know how much you owe
You’re not reviewing anything, just assuming it’s all handled
That’s a setup for disaster. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your business.
Let’s be real:
There are some tax “professionals” out here doing shady stuff. And yes, those tax preparers should absolutely be held accountable. You can file a complaint if someone has done something fraudulent or unethical.
But don’t let someone else’s mistake become your burden. That’s why you “trust, but verify.”