John Newman – Tax Specialist

I am amazed by the reviews I am reading below. Obviously there are two sides to John Newman. He was fine, if a bit slow, for my 2012 and 2013 returns. This year, my 2014 returns, he totally dropped the ball. In early April he notified me, and presumably a number of other clients, that due to a problem with an associate, they had gotten behind and were filing extensions on numerous returns. He assured us that there would be no penalties. I was still not happy with this and contacted him during the summer about the delay. He replied with a lengthy email describing various family illnesses, problems, and responsibilities that were keeping him from getting the job done. I found this extremely unprofessional, particularly in a field where what you do can affect your clients’ futures.
In August I was notified by the IRS that some paperwork was missing from my return; I contacted Newman to ask about this and was told by his associate, Maggie, that «John said it must be an error.» Turns out my identity had been stolen; when I reported this back to Newman, he was baffled and then sent me information that he had quickly googled. I worked out that situation myself with the IRS but then, in September received notification that, despite the extension, if my taxes were not filed quickly, I might lose the subsidy for my ACA insurance. I contacted Newman and he managed to turn my taxes around within 24 hours and said I just needed to make my payment by 10÷15÷15.
I paid my bills and a few weeks ago was notified by both my state and the IRS that I owe money as a penalty for the late filing. I contacted Newman about this and he seemed not to believe it was from the late filing. He offered me a $ 50 refund, said he would contact both the state and IRS about the penalty, and «reminded me» that he had discovered the identity theft — as if this would make up for him not doing (or understanding, it seems) his job. I sent him the chain of emails proving that it was I, not he, who discovered the identity theft. He responded with a brief, dismissive email. I discovered that the penalty/​interest billed is due to the late filing and chastised him for not telling me to expect this when he filed the extension. He acted like there was nothing wrong with that.
I would not let this man near my finances again. He is a shame on his profession and is not to be trusted.

I first learned about John from a friend in New York City that is also a freelance professional and I’m so glad that I did. John is extremely knowledgeable about how to prepare the taxes for anyone like me that works in the arts and entertainment spectrum. He able to find the deductions that other tax preparers were completely unaware of. I had several different 1099s along with W-​2s from a regular job and he was able to file all of these with ease and save me thousands. He was also very helpful when I was trying to buy house he gave me valuable information and helped me in achieving that goal.
Yes he is sometimes hard to get a hold of but that’s because everyone goes to him because he’s so good at what he does. Since he has gotten his assistant Maggie I have always gotten an answer back promptly. I highly recommend John for anyone in this particular field anywhere in the country. I don’t live in New York but I’ve had no problems in using John for my own state.

John Newman and his team are effective and efficient. They are excellently prepared to support the needs of artists and can flexibly hold your hand in learning how to best advocate for your financial health or in simply taking the task off your hands.
Before talking with John I was (mostly unconsciously) avoiding dealing with money and spending as little time thinking about my taxes as possible. This was sort of working, but it turns out I was secretly anxious about a whole slew of things and didn’t know how to deal with any of them. Questions about what to claim and what to expense, understanding how to approach and prioritize my time when thinking about and communicating with the IRS about money.
Talking with John made me feel first that I wasn’t alone — there was someone who could help me through this process, answer my questions, break the overwhelming down into manageable and sensible chunks. I understood everything he said and by the time we were done I felt *excited* to spend some time with my spreadsheets and receipts. Surprising and thrilling — I feel empowered in my own right because I’m supported by a wonderful and knowledgable team.
One tip: Respect the time realities of tax season. You’ll get the best time and attention if you’re not rushed and they’re not slammed with all the other epic people who’s taxes they’re taking care of.

If thinking that your taxes were filed because you met with the accountant and paid him and were told that they were filed — only to learn from the IRS months later that they were never filed and you owe a lot of money in penalties… all the while not being able to get in touch with the accountant because he doesn’t answer his phone or return emails — then John is the tax accountant for you. I had to call his office for 7 months straight to finally get someone (not John) on the phone to beg them to return my files!
You’ve been warned!

I have been going to John for my taxes since 2010. Actually, I shouldn’t say ‘going to’ since technically, we’ve never met. :) I am an actor and was referred by a long-​time industry friend to John specifically for artist taxes. That was when I was in New York but I preceded to spend the next 5 years on the road or out of town. Oddly, while being thousands of miles away from my tax specialist, my taxes have never been simpler.
John has a great system for collecting information that for me, has left no stone unturned. His deduction spreadsheet clearly lays out all areas where I need to be collecting and inputting information so I never miss a deduction. I’m able to put this information together at my leisure and then all we need is a 30 min phone appointment to talk it over. We do almost everything over email which keeps things very simple and recordable. It’s very hassle free, and frankly, my income situation has been kind of complicated the last few years.
Then a PayPal invoice, direct deposited returns, easy filing. It’s all pretty smooth! Not to mention I’m able to stay in touch with John and his assistants throughout the year to answer questions here and there about the tax year along the way. Super helpful.
If there’s one thing John is not, it may be quick to respond. (And now that I think about it, his team has actually been stepping up their game on this front this year) But if your accountant is available ²⁴⁄₇ you might want to wonder why he has so much free time… I value quality and thoroughness on my taxes much more than speed, and ever since I started with John, I’ve felt very comfortable that I am getting the best refund possible while covering my … bases. ;)
I have recommended him to friends and will continue to do so.

I’ve been doing my taxes with John for over 5 years, and my time working with him speaks for itself. I work in the entertainment industry, so tax prep can get complicated, so I’m glad I have had John all these years to help me through them. He is fantastic: thorough, diligent, and timely. I’ve gotten killer refunds from him, AND he has a great sense of humor — accountants, too, can be funny!

I have been working with John Newman for several years getting my tax returns prepared. I have tried H&R Block and Turbo Tax and both were confusing and yielded disappointing results. I expected it to be a stressful and confusing process, but John made it all very simple and the results speak for themselves, for the first time I am getting refunds. Would definitely recommend this service!

The secret to success is a good tax accountant. If you are an independent contractor, John Newman and his team are the people for you.
When I first started freelancing, the tax process was confusing and intimidating. John made it simple and straightforward. He’s been there to answer all my questions throughout the years and his incredible organization makes tax season less stressful.
Highly recommend!

John Newman is unresponsive and unprofessional. He abandoned my 2013 taxes.
I was happy with him for one year in 2012. Perhaps he is responsive and on best behavior with brand new clients to get their business and then slacks later on. He seems to focused more on referrals than on the clients he already has.
Back in Spring 2014, I recieved a letter from his office stating that he had some death and illness in the family, and that I would need to file an extension. I felt empathy toward the situation, so I filed. He charged me $ 50 to file it. if he was professional, he would have paid the fee since it was his request. I also felt very busy at the tiem and was slightly relieved to have the extra 6 months to be honest, but still…
Come 6 months later in the Fall, I sent him the deductions spreadsheet and my tax returns. I had to keep poking them to respond to me. It’s always been that way, really. But this time, I was chasing them into December. Finally, I had to let go of it, and I decided that he abandoned his commitment to service and that I would look for another accountant. I wrote a formal letter to his office, breaking the accountant-​client relationship and requesting the $ 50 in return, but I never heard from them.
Never, in my whole life, have my taxes been late. Thanks to John Newman, not aonly am I behind one year, but I have endured chronic worry and anxiety over something that I should not have to worry that much about. Why chase after someone who you entrust a service to?
He never personally responds to anything, only his assistants repsond. And they are not very good at it, either. Like I said, he is very good at first impressions.

I had a similar experience as Missy. I paid John a LOT of money to do my business and personal taxes. I then received a letter from the IRS saying that there was a mistake with matching my business and personal taxes and that I would receive a penalty if the mistake was not corrected. I contacted John several times. He did not respond. When he finally responded, he said he was taking care of it and would get in touch with me as soon as he had a solution. He never did. The due date from the IRS came and went. My emails bounced back several times with an automated response because he decided to split after the «busy tax season» and then he had a «family emergency» and would get back to us. Never did. Also, he gave my boyfriend an extension and then never responded to his requests about when he was getting his taxes. He still has no idea! The best part– his voicemail box has been full for the past two months so we can’t even leave the guy a message, like many others he’s been ignoring, I’m sure. I’m shocked at the complete lack of professionalism of this man. Stay away… far away!

I have been going to John Newman to file my taxes for the past three years, and as long as he is in business, I will never go to anyone else. As an actor juggling several jobs throughout the year, I am overwhelmed by w2s, 1099s, deductions, receipts, etc — John has streamlined the process to be so simple and manageable. He has such a deep understanding of the business and knows how to maximize your opportunity for the greatest return. Aside from that, he is so easy to talk to, so approachable. I am always made to feel comfortable, never rushed. I have referred over 20 friends and family members over the years to John, and every single one of them continue to go to him for this service. And they are not all artists! He can work with anyone, but his knowledge of the entertainment industry is especially helpful to those industry professionals. All I know is that tax season used to be filled with stress and anxiety. now I wait for John’s email to schedule an appointment and he does the rest. I am SO grateful to be his client.

John Newman is your go to guy for tax prep! I am a freelance performer and have used John the last 3 years. My first year, I had been on tour all around the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and he was able to easily explain everything that needed to be done, as well as teach me a few things I didn’t know to help prepare me for the following tax season. Because of such a professional experience, I’ve used him the last 3 years!
John was referred to me by one of the top, saught-​out, exclusive musical theatre career coaches in the business and operates with a wonderful client referral program. I’ve referred many friends to John. His rates are exceptional and his professionalism is unmet by any of his peers. I’ve always had my taxes filed within a very timely manor and always received a return. He is wonderful for actors, performers, dancers, yoga instructors, body workers, healers, and anyone who is involved in freelance work. I know for a fact many top professionals in the entertainment industry and NYC Yoga community use him. In the few short years I’ve used him, I’ve seen his business grow, and it can only mean that everyone is running to him!
John just isn’t «the guy who does my taxes.» John listens and understands my life and needs as a client. I look forward to seeing him every year. His office is newly renovated and has a very fresh and contemporary feel. It’s very easily accessed off the F line and a very short walk from the train.
I even had an instance where I needed something taken care of in another country concerning tax documentation, and within minutes he had called and taken care of the problem.
John’s deductions spreadsheet has helped me organize my expenses throughout the year, and as for when it comes to tax season, if on top of things, you’re ready and willing to go in for a super swift and easy appointment.
Without a doubt, John IS your tax guy! Click here:
to make your appointment now!

John has been preparing my taxes for 5 years now and I could not be happier. I dare say, I enjoy getting my taxes done. Truth. He was recommended by a dear friend and I too pay it forward. I have given his name to numerous friends in search of a knowledgable, efficient, attentive and kind tax preparer and have heard nothing but positive feedback.
I am an actor and have had some pretty complicated years. John is always generous with his time and very responsive to any concerns I have had. From the deduction sheet he sends out in advance of your meeting, to the ease of scheduling, to the responsive team he has in place, he knows how to handle the hectic season.
I am very grateful I found John in the sea of tax preparers out there. Stress free and easy. Thank You!

I too felt compelled to write a review because John has prepared my taxes for the past 5 years and I continue to be amazed at his skill and efficiency. I have experienced not only professionalism but serious savy from John Newman as a tax specialist. He has handled everything for me with great care and finesse and each year I am amazed at the great return his services provide.
He supplies an extensive deduction sheet that helps make it easy to prepare on my end and even takes the time to explain things to me that I don’t understand. He always gives me tips to make the next tax year even easier.
I would recommend John to anyone and especially to performing artists and those of us with multiple channels of income as yoga instructors, teachers, directors etc.

I felt compelled to write a review after reading Missy’s unfortunate prior one. While obviously something went very wrong with Missy’s filing last year, I do question if it was entirely John Newman’s fault.
John has prepared my taxes for the past several years in a row. I am not an easy client: as a freelance musician, I have come to him with upwards of 30 W2s and 1099s in any given year, usually from several different states. He handles them smoothly and very timely, and more often than not gets me better results on my return than I thought possible.
Additionally, John has recently gone above and beyond the call of duty as a tax prep man for me. When I applied for a rental apartment in July and, as a freelancer, needed a letter of income guarantee, he wrote one and sent it posthaste. Presently, as I endeavor to buy an apartment, he is doing my complex 2013 return with a crazy 48-​hour turnaround so as to meet my mortgage application deadline.
I love that he gives you the option of doing your taxes electronically (via scanned W2s and a phone call) or in person (at his trendy Dumbo office). He also provides a very handy — and extensive — deduction spreadsheet every year to help remind you what, as a creative person (specifically a theater artist) you can write off your Schedule C.
In short, I would highly recommend John Newman as your tax professional. His rates are fair and his services are excellent, and any difficulty Missy H. may have had in getting ahold of him is a testament to how popular and busy he is!

I have never in all my experience received such unprofessional service for anything in my life. John Newman is inconsiderate and non-​responsive, and should not under any circumstances be used for tax services of any kind. He does not respond to telephone calls or emails, makes promises to file your tax returns, and never follows up.
John (allegedly) filed an extension for my tax returns in April 2013. Despite repeatedly following up with him throughout 2013, up and until October 2013, he rarely, if ever, responded, about actually filing them. Weeks before they were due, he emailed me assuring me he had all the information needed and would get them filed on time. He did not. Instead, I was bcc’ed on a mass email nearing midnight on the deadline, saying he could not get it done, but would get it done «soon.»
Weeks passed, and despite multiple phone calls and emails to John Newman, I never heard from him and he never filed my taxes. Finally, two months later, i received a response. He had prepared my taxes, and I would be subject to a penalty. He agreed to cover the penalty, but still charged me for the service, which was unbelievable. I foolishly paid for the service ($ 200) through paypal in December 2013.
In January 2014 I inquired as to whether my taxes had actually been filed, as I had received no email confirmation of that fact (and frankly, given his failure to file them on time in October, his promises to «file them tomorrow» in December rung hollow). I emailed him multiple times over the last two weeks just looking for an answer to the simple question — had my taxes been filed (a service I paid for). It took him weeks to provide me a simple answer, and that answer came with accusations of my own wrongdoing (which is completely absurd).
Again, I have never in my personal or professional life dealt with someone so non-​responsive, unreliable, and unprofessional. I would not recommend using John Newman for tax or other purposes.