Blog & Articles
POLARIS TAX & ACCOUNTING
Bookkeeping Health Check vs. CPA Review: What’s the Difference?
You want accuracy and confidence. But do you need a fast, practical health check—or a formal CPA review? Here’s the clear, no-jargon breakdown so you choose the right level of service, at the right moment,
How to Spot Unbalanced Accounts in QuickBooks or Xero Before Tax Season
Unbalanced accounts are a warning sign. They distort your balance sheet, confuse your cash flow, and invite IRS scrutiny. QuickBooks and Xero won’t always flag them—so you need to know how to spot the red
QuickBooks vs. Xero: Why You Still Need a Bookkeeping Health Check
The software you choose won’t save you from bad data. QuickBooks and Xero are powerful, but they’re tools—not auditors. If entries are misclassified, reconciliations are off, or timing is wrong, both platforms will still show
5 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes in QuickBooks & Xero That Cost Small Businesses
5 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes in QuickBooks & Xero That Cost Small Businesses Clean books protect your business. Messy books drain cash, trigger IRS attention, and sabotage decisions. Fix the big five mistakes we see every
Why Negative Balances Show Up in QuickBooks or Xero—and How to Fix Them
Negative balances are a red flag. They confuse your financial picture, distort your reports, and if left unchecked, can create IRS problems or block financing. Business owners often assume QuickBooks or Xero will “catch everything.”
What Is IRS Letter 1058?
What Is IRS Letter 1058 (Final Notice of Intent to Levy)? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent Letter 1058 is a Final Notice of Intent to Levy & Notice of
What Is an IRS CP49 Notice?
What Is an IRS CP49 Notice? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent A CP49 means the IRS applied your current-year refund to other federal tax you owe. The notice explains
What Is an IRS CP12 Notice?
What Is an IRS CP12 Notice? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent A CP12 means the IRS corrected a math error on your return and adjusted your refund. Here’s why
What Is an IRS CP11 Notice?
What Is an IRS CP11 Notice? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent The CP11 means the IRS found a math error on your tax return that resulted in a balance
What Is an IRS LT16 Notice?
What Is an IRS LT16 Notice? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent The LT16 is an Urgent Request to Contact the IRS about an unpaid balance. It signals your account
What Is IRS Letter 12C?
What Is IRS Letter 12C? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent Letter 12C means the IRS needs additional information or documentation to finish processing your tax return. It’s not an
What Is an IRS CP297 Notice?
What Is an IRS CP297 Notice? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent A CP297 is an Intent to Levy & Notice of a Right to a Hearing. It warns that
What Is an IRS CP523 Notice?
What Is an IRS CP523 Notice? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent The CP523 tells you your Installment Agreement is in default and the IRS intends to terminate it unless
What Is an IRS CP71 Notice?
What Is an IRS CP71 Notice? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent The CP71 is an annual reminder from the IRS that you have a balance due. It summarizes what
What Is an IRS CP22A Notice?
What Is an IRS CP22A Notice? IRS Notices Explained Written by Enrolled Agent Reviewed by Enrolled Agent A CP22A is a “Return Changed” notice. It means the IRS updated your return based on information you