As a new client, what is needed to start preparing my tax return?
Knowing your tax history allows us to better serve you for the coming year’s tax return. To get the process started, we will need a copy of the last two years’ federal and state tax returns. We will also need some basic personal information, which can be uploaded to your secure portal like DOB, current mailing address, bank account information, and best points of contact.

How do I go about giving you my tax information?
There are several ways we can receive your tax information, but the most efficient is through our secure portal file server. Every new client is assigned a secure portal that can be setup with individualized credentials. Files can be transmitted and received safely through this secure file server. Alternatively, you are welcome to provide us all of your documentation via email, physical mail, or in person drop-off up front.

How should I organize my tax information?
Completing the tax organizers that we send out every year are always the preferred method of information delivery. Not only will they keep everything organized, but they also serve as a checklist for you to make sure you have included all necessary documentation for us to complete your tax return.

Do I need to send you my 1099 and W-2 forms?
Yes. We strongly encourage all of our clients to include all 1099 and W-2 forms with their tax organizer. Copies of these documents are acceptable. In addition, we ask that you include your property tax statement as well. Kindly note that depending on your tax situation, there may be additional tax forms that we will need when preparing your returns in addition to 1099 and W-2 forms.

Do I have to meet with you in person?
Most clients do not require an "in-person" consultation for their tax return preparation. With that said, each situation is unique and some clients require/request tax appointments during the filing season. As a firm policy, we do not take physical in-person appointments during tax season, however we can accommodate tax appointments either virtually via web-meeting or via a phone call. For these appointments, we require that all tax documentation is received at least 1 week prior to our appointment with you so that we can have adequate time to work through your information and compose any questions we have to complete your file.

What forms of payment do you take and when is payment due?
Check, Zelle, Venmo, or direct debit through ACH are the preferred methods of payment. We also have the ability to take credit card payments upon request. Payment for services is always due prior to filing of any tax returns.

How long does it take to file my tax return?
The time it takes to complete the first draft of your tax return is dependent upon the complexity of your file and when the information is received. Typically, files are turned in 3-5 business days during January and February and within 7-10 business days during March and April. These turnaround times are subject to fluctuation based on the volume of incoming files and the time during the filing season that your information arrives.

Do you utilize electronic filing?
Yes. As of 2008, all tax preparers preparing more than 10 returns are required to file all returns electronically, unless requested otherwise by the taxpayer. This means that we file all returns electronically except those that legally require a paper filing (ex. amended or foreign returns as well as certain trust and non-profit filings).