Tax returns
Tax preparation in Columbia City, Indiana
We prepare individual, business, partnership, trust, estate and gift tax returns for clients in Columbia City and across Whitley County. Our team is led by Scott Duffitt, an Enrolled Agent licensed to practice before the IRS.
Who we prepare returns for
Individuals and families
Federal and Indiana returns, including county tax, for wage earners, retirees and families.
Self-employed
Schedule C income, home office and vehicle deductions, and quarterly estimated payments.
Corporations, partnerships and LLCs
C corporation and S corporation returns, partnership returns and K-1s for every partner, filed on time.
Estates, trusts and gifts
Fiduciary returns for estates and trusts, and gift tax returns when you give above the annual exclusion.
What to bring
Not sure you have everything? Bring what you have and we will tell you what is missing.
- Last year's federal and state returns
- W-2, 1099 and 1098 forms
- Business income and expense records
- Childcare, education and medical expense records
- Records of any estimated tax payments you made
- Any letters from the IRS or the Indiana Department of Revenue
- A voided check for direct deposit
Who does the work
Scott Duffitt, Managing Member
Scott has worked in this Columbia City office since 1995 and has owned the firm since 2019. He focuses on individual, business, partnership and estate tax work.
More about Scott
Chelsie Gowen, Senior Staff Accountant
Chelsie has more than 10 years of tax experience, an MBA from the University of Saint Francis and QuickBooks ProAdvisor training.
More about Chelsie
Jerry Starr, Staff Accountant
Jerry joined in 2021 after a 26-year career with the US Postal Service, coming home to Columbia City to work with local clients.
More about JerryHow it works
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Step 1: Book your appointment
Call or send a message once your W-2s and 1099s arrive.
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Step 2: Bring or upload your documents
Meet with us at the office, drop your paperwork off or upload it through ShareFile.
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Step 3: Review and sign
We go over your return with you, answer your questions and file it.
Most returns start with a sit-down at our Columbia City office. Bring last year’s return and this year’s forms, and we will go through them with you and point out anything missing.
If you would rather not meet, drop your paperwork off or upload it through ShareFile. We call when we have questions, and we go over the finished return with you before it is filed.
Scott Duffitt has prepared returns in this office since 1995. His focus is individual, corporate, partnership, fiduciary and estate tax preparation. As an Enrolled Agent he can represent you before the IRS if a letter ever shows up after filing.
Tax preparation questions
When should I book my tax appointment?
As soon as your W-2s and 1099s arrive, usually by early February. Appointments fill up as April 15 gets closer.
Can you help if I got a letter from the IRS?
Yes. Scott Duffitt is an Enrolled Agent, which means he is licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Bring the letter in or call us before the response deadline.
Do you prepare Indiana and county returns?
Yes. We prepare your Indiana return, including county income tax, along with your federal return.
Can I drop off my documents instead of meeting?
Yes. Drop them at the office on Van Buren Street or upload them in ShareFile, and we will call if we have questions.
Pair it with year-round help
Tax planning
Plan ahead so April brings no surprises. We look at your whole year and find what the tax code lets you keep.
See tax planning
Payroll
We calculate payroll, write the checks and file every state and federal quarterly and annual form.
See payroll
Bookkeeping
We record transactions in QuickBooks, reconcile bank and credit card statements and keep depreciation schedules current.
See bookkeepingGet it off your list
Book a time with our Columbia City office, or call and we will fit you in.