Statue of Liberty Speaks in Berkley

Melanie Clark, who waves to passing motorists during tax season outside Liberty Tax Service, talks about the job.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to wave to passing motorists while dressed as the State of Liberty during tax season? Melanie Clark of Royal Oak, who has done the job outside Liberty Tax Service in Berkley for the past several years, said it's a rewarding gig – if you can endure the elements. "I just wave on Woodward to put a smile on my face and hopefully put a smile on their face," she said Monday, which was the deadline to file federal and state income tax returns. "The children are the best part for me, just to see they get excited." Clark said she listens to oldies tunes while she works four-hour shifts and feels more "weathered" than exhausted at the end of the day. "If it's really cold out one day, I'll have six layers of …

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When Can I File My 2012 Tax Return?

The IRS has announced a delayed start to the 2012 tax filing season. Here's the date of when you can file, plus some locations in Berkley and Huntington Woods to get help on your taxes.

You'll have to wait if you are used to filing your annual tax return at the earliest possible date. The Internal Revenue Service has revised its opening date for tax season – pushing it eight days to January 30, 2013. The tax filing deadline is Monday, April 15, 2013. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns January 30, 2013. Most taxpayers should be able to file on that date, though some revised forms may not be immediately available. You can blame the delay on the federal "fiscal cliff" crisis and the new tax bill Congress passed just after Dec. 31. You can find more information in this Forbes article. Electronic filing season was originally set to start on Jan. 22 this year. As a result of the delay, nobody will get a refund in January…

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Last Chance: Deadline to File Taxes is Today

You got two extra days this year, but Tuesday is the final day to submit your returns and extensions must be postmarked with today's date.

The tax-filing deadline is here, but if you haven't filed your return yet, there are a few things to know: If you plan to mail your paperwork, the post office in Berkley is open until 6 p.m., as usual. This year, the USPS did not extend hours for the deadline as it has in previous years. The Royal Oak Post Office, however, will be open until 7 p.m. Here are a few resources to help you through the rush of the deadline: If you're looking for the guidance of an accountant, here's a list of local financial services and CPAs:   Have you filed your taxes yet or do you wait until the last day?

Donna M. Bishop, CPA Named Best Place to Get Taxes Done

Donna M. Bishop, CPA, is the Readers' Choice pick in Huntington Woods and Berkley.

The winner for the Readers’ Choice Best Place in Huntington Woods and Berkley to Get Your Taxes Done contest is Donna M. Bishop, CPA. Donna M. Bishop, CPA received one vote—the only one cast—in the Readers' Choice poll. Perhaps the low voter turnout occurred because most Hungtington Woods and Berkley residents choose to file on their own, or maybe people are simply less inclined to boast about their accountants. But if you like Donna M. Bishop, CPA or any other tax service, feel free to leave a review in the Patch Directory. Not interested in reviewing CPAs? Feel free at anytime to review some of the other hundreds of businesses in our listings section. The directory is a great way to search for local businesses, and your reviews can help …

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