Personal Tax Preparation in Maryland — Filed Accurately, Every Time

Tax season doesn't have to be stressful. I'm Kevin Burdett, a tax professional based in Columbia, Maryland, with over 20 years of experience preparing individual returns — filed accurately, on time, and with every available deduction identified.

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Deadlines Matter

20+

Years Tax Experience

Maryland + US

Local & Remote

1:1

Direct Access to Kevin

Why Maryland Residents Call Me

Individual Tax Preparation That's Personal — Not Processed

Most tax preparation experiences feel impersonal — you hand over your documents, someone you’ve never met processes the return, and you hope everything was done correctly. If a question comes up after filing, you’re stuck waiting for a callback from whoever is available.

I work differently. When you work with me on your tax return, you communicate directly with me throughout the entire process. I take the time to understand your financial situation, ask the right questions, and make sure every deduction you’re entitled to is captured before your return is filed.

“You’ll never be handed to a seasonal preparer. I handle your return personally — and I’m available when you have questions.”

Whether you’re a salaried employee, a self-employed professional, a landlord, or someone dealing with a more complex return, I provide accurate, on-time tax preparation with the kind of personal attention that makes a real difference.

What I Prepare

Individual Tax Services I Provide

From straightforward W-2 returns to more complex situations involving rentals, investments, or self-employment — I handle it personally.

Federal & Maryland State Tax Returns

Accurate preparation and filing of your federal and Maryland state income tax return — with a thorough review of every line to make sure nothing is missed.

Services Include

  • Federal Form 1040 preparation & filing
  • Maryland state income tax return
  • All applicable schedules and forms
  • Deduction review and optimization
  • Year-over-year comparison to catch changes

Self-Employed & Freelancer Tax Returns

Self-employment taxes are more complex — Schedule C, quarterly estimated payments, and business deductions all require careful attention. I prepare accurate returns that reflect your real income and legitimate expenses.

Services Include

  • Schedule C income & expense reporting
  • Business deduction identification
  • Self-employment tax calculation
  • Home office & vehicle deductions
  • Estimated tax planning for the year ahead

Rental Property Tax Preparation

Rental income, depreciation, mortgage interest, repairs, and property management expenses all need to be reported correctly. I prepare Schedule E returns that capture every allowable deduction.

Services Include

  • Schedule E rental income & expense reporting
  • Depreciation schedules for rental properties
  • Mortgage interest & property tax deductions
  • Repair vs. improvement classification
  • Multi-property returns handled accurately

Investment & Capital Gains Tax Preparation

Investment income, stock sales, cryptocurrency transactions, and retirement account distributions all carry specific tax implications. I make sure your return reflects your investment activity accurately.

Services Include

  • Capital gains & losses reporting (Schedule D)
  • Dividend & interest income (1099-DIV / 1099-INT)
  • Cryptocurrency transaction reporting
  • Retirement account distribution reporting
  • Stock option & RSU tax treatment

Quarterly Tax Planning

Estimated Tax Planning — No More Surprise Bills in April

One of the most common problems self-employed individuals and freelancers face is an unexpected tax bill at the end of the year. If you’re not making quarterly estimated payments — or you’re not sure how much you should be paying — I help you calculate accurate quarterly estimates based on your actual income and expenses.

Proper estimated tax planning keeps you compliant, avoids underpayment penalties, and means tax season stops being a financial crisis every year.

What Estimated Tax Planning Covers

Stay Current All Year

  • Quarterly payment calculation (Form 1040-ES)
  • Income projection based on current earnings
  • Self-employment tax planning
  • Underpayment penalty avoidance
  • Mid-year review and adjustment

Notice Assistance

IRS or Maryland Tax Notice — I Can Help

Receiving a notice from the IRS or Maryland tax authority is stressful — but it doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong. Many notices are routine and can be resolved straightforwardly with the right response.

I can review your notice, explain what it means in plain language, and help you respond correctly. Acting quickly and accurately is always the right approach — ignoring a notice almost always makes the situation worse.

IRS & State Tax Notices

Received a Notice? Don’t Ignore It.

  • Notice review and plain-language explanation
  • Response preparation and guidance
  • IRS correspondence support
  • Maryland state tax authority notices
  • Amended return preparation if needed

Who I Work With

Individual Tax Preparation for Every Situation

I work with Maryland residents whose tax situations range from straightforward to complex — all handled with the same personal attention.

Salaried Employees

W-2 earners who want an experienced professional reviewing their return — not a software program clicking through screens.

Freelancers & Independent Contractors

1099 income, business deductions, quarterly estimates, and self-employment tax — I handle every piece of it accurately.

Rental Property Owners

Landlords with one property or several — Schedule E, depreciation, and every allowable rental expense captured correctly.

Investors & High-Net-Worth Individuals

Capital gains, dividends, crypto, retirement distributions, and stock options — complex returns prepared accurately.

Small Business Owners Filing Personally

Business owners whose personal and business income flows through the same return — handled with full understanding of both sides.

Anyone With a Prior Year Problem

Landlords with one property or several — Schedule E, depreciation, and every allowable rental expense captured correctly.

Individual Tax Preparation

Common Challenges

If Any of These Sound Familiar, I Can Help

These are the most common tax situations Maryland residents deal with before reaching out.

  • Surprise Tax Bill Every April
  • Not Sure What’s Deductible
  • Received an IRS or State Notice
  • DIY Software Got Too Complicated
  • Multiple Income Sources
  • Behind on Prior Year Returns
How It Works

Simple, Clear, and Stress-Free

Getting your individual tax return prepared is straightforward. Here’s exactly what to expect from start to finish.

number-one

Free Consultation Call

We talk through your tax situation — income sources, any major changes from last year, deductions you want to discuss, and any concerns you have. No charge, no obligation.

number-two

Document Collection

I'll give you a personalized checklist of what I need — W-2s, 1099s, investment statements, and any other relevant documents. Everything can be shared securely online or in person.

number-three

Return Preparation & Review

I prepare your return carefully, identify every applicable deduction, and review everything before it goes anywhere near filing. If I have questions, I'll contact you directly.

number-four

Review Together & File

Before filing, I walk you through the return — what's on it, what you owe or will receive, and why. Once you're satisfied, I file it securely on your behalf.

number-five

Year-Round Access

Tax questions don't only come up in April. I'm available throughout the year for follow-up questions, estimated tax guidance, and planning for next filing season.

Why Work With Me

Why Maryland Residents Choose Me Over a Tax Chain or Software

You Work Directly With Me — Every Time

I prepare your return personally. You'll never be handed to a seasonal employee, a call center, or someone who doesn't know your situation. Every question goes directly to me.

Over 20 Years of Tax Experience

I've prepared individual returns across a wide range of situations for more than two decades — from simple W-2 returns to complex multi-income, multi-state filings.

Every Deduction Identified

Tax software asks yes/no questions. I have a conversation with you — because the right questions lead to deductions that generic software misses entirely.

No Surprise Fees

You'll know the cost before any work begins. Clear, fixed pricing with no add-ons for forms, schedules, or complexity that only becomes apparent at the end.

Maryland-Based, Remote-Ready

I'm based in Columbia, Maryland and work with clients locally and remotely across the state and nationwide. The entire process can be handled securely online if that's more convenient.

Available When Something Comes Up

If you receive a notice, have a question after filing, or want to plan ahead for next year — I'm accessible. Not a phone tree. Not a ticket system. Me, directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Individual Tax Preparation

Yes. I prepare every return personally. You'll communicate directly with me throughout the process — not a seasonal preparer, not a junior staff member, and not an automated system.

Typically:

  • W-2s
  • 1099s
  • Last year's return
  • Investment or rental income statements
  • Mortgage interest statements
  • Documentation for deductions you plan to claim

After our initial call, I'll send you a personalized checklist based on your specific situation.

Yes. I prepare returns for self-employed professionals, freelancers, independent contractors, and sole proprietors — including Schedule C, self-employment tax, estimated payment planning, and full deduction review.

Yes. I can review the notice, explain what it means in plain language, and help guide you through the correct response. Don't ignore a notice — contact me and we'll address it directly.

I can help. Unfiled returns need to be addressed — the longer they remain outstanding, the more penalties and interest can accumulate. I'll assess your situation and help you get current as efficiently as possible.

Maryland is my primary service area, but I work with clients in other states remotely as well. Every step of the process — from document collection to filing — can be handled securely online.

Pricing depends on the complexity of your return. I provide a clear, fixed quote after our initial consultation — before any work begins. No surprise charges for additional schedules or forms.

Ready to File With Confidence This Year?

Whether your return is straightforward or complex, I’ll prepare it accurately and make sure every deduction you’re entitled to is captured. Reach out today — the first call is free.