Frequently Asked Questions

  • I'm a new client. What should I bring to our appointment?

    Personal Information

    1. Government issued photo ID’s (husband and wife)
    2. Social security cards for taxpayer, spouse and dependants
    3. A copy of last year’s tax returns
    4. Bank account information for direct deposit of your refund

    Income Information

    • Forms W-2 for all employers where you and your spouse worked during the year.
    • Interest income – Form 1099-INT
    • Dividend income – Form 1099-DIV
    • Proceeds from the sale of stocks, bonds, etc. – Form 1099-B
    • Schedule(s) K-1
    • Alimony Received info and/or Alimony Paid (along with ex-spouse’s social security number)
    • Form 1099-R for payments from IRAs or retirement plans (ex. 401k withdrawals).
    • If you received a distribution from an IRA account, the most-recently filed Form 8606 (if you made contributions in prior years to IRAs that weren’t deductible on your income tax return)

    Download the Fact Sheet

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We can take our fee from your refund. We also accept cash, checks and most major credit cards.

  • I have a lot of medical expenses. Do I need to bring in every receipt?

    We do not need all of the receipts, but make sure you have them all for your records.

  • What are your hours?

    From January 15 through the last day of tax season (most years April 15), we are open seven days a week, from 9:30 until 7 p.m., including all holidays. We offer later appointments upon request, and often find ourselves working until 10 p.m. or later during the season, so just ask for that late night appointment – we’re happy to do it. The rest of the year, we are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., except holidays. Summer hours may differ slightly. It’s always best to call for an appointment.

  • How are you able to prepare 50 states? How do you do it?

    Yes we prepare taxes in all 50 states. We prepare and file state taxes, where required, the same way that we file your federal return – electronically. If you’re unable to come to our office, we can finalize your return over the telephone. Even if you live next door, we’re happy to provide telephone tax preparation. Our office or over the phone – it’s your choice.

  • Where's my refund?

    Go to Irs.gov and search Where’s my refund?. Follow the directions and you’ll receive the most up-to-date information available. Of course, our clients can call and ask for help if they can’t find information online.

  • How long before I get my refund?

    The PATH Act forbids the IRS from processing many returns before February 15th. So, if you filed your return before February 15th, then expect your refund the last week of February if you choose direct deposit or had us take our fee from your refund. Otherwise, add another 1-2 weeks for checks directly from the treasury. If you filed after February 15th then your refund should arrive in about 10-14 days for direct deposit or had us take our fee from your refund. Otherwise, add another 1-2 weeks for checks directly from the treasury. State refunds often take longer. Check with the state on its website or by telephone.

  • Do you offer refund advances?

    Yes. The amounts differ by year but you could get an advance in as little as 6 hours or up to 24 hours, if approved. Just ask us when you come in for your appointment.

  • Can I pay you through my refund?

    Yes. Let us know when you come in and we’ll discuss all of your payment options.

  • What if there’s a problem with my return? Can you help with audit letters and IRS notices?

    Send us the notice that you received first. We’ll review it and give you a call to discuss our findings. Keep in mind that the IRS and the state treasury departments are not infallible. We have experience helping reduce or eliminate tax penalties, interest and additional assessments. The sooner you let us know, the more we can help.

  • Can you file prior year tax returns?

    Absolutely. We can go back almost as far as you’d like. Call us to schedule an appointment to help, any time of the year.

  • My spouse owes money and I don’t want to pay their debt. Can you help?

    Yes. You may still be able to take advantage of married filing jointly status while protecting the non-debtor spouse’s refund. Just let us know that one of you owes money when you come in to prepare your return. If you are liable for back taxes with your spouse (or ex-spouse) because you filed jointly, then let us know. You may not be liable for the tax debt even though you filed together.

  • Can we file separately if we’re married?

    Yes, but only as married filing separately (MFS). Filing MFS generally results in higher taxes, so make sure that you use that status appropriately. Just ask us when you come in for your appointment and we’ll talk you through it. We like both spouses to be present so that we can prepare the return jointly and separately. Then you can make an informed decision.
    Despite what’s on the Internet, MFS is not “the secret the government doesn’t want you to know!” Most couples get a larger refund when the file together.

  • I haven’t filed in years! Can you help?

    Yes, take a deep breath. Help is just a phone call away. Give us a call and we’ll get everything sorted out and filed.

  • Will you look at my old returns that were filed?

    Yes. We’ll do a free look back (tax analysis) on your last 3 returns. If you decide to amend your return, we can file those amended returns for you at a reasonable price.

  • Can you help lower the money I owe from previous years?

    Possibly. Send us the filed returns and we’ll call you after we perform a free tax analysis. If you decide to amend your return, we can file those amended returns for you at a reasonable price.

  • Can we claim college tuition?

    If you or your dependent goes to college, you may be entitled to a credit or deduction. Bring in a 1098-T’s from each school attended. These are generally available online or from the bursar’s office. That will enable us to compute your credit or deduction.

  • I work under the table or self-employed. How do I pay taxes?

    If you’re paid cash, you still must file taxes. We’ll need to know how much you earned that year as well as a list of your business expenses, by category (ex. rent, computers, supplies, etc.) We’ll do the rest.

  • With the tax law changes this year 2018, what are the benefits of owning a new business?

    In many cases, business owners (including recipients of Form 1099’s) can take advantage of new, lower tax rates for businesses. We’ll automatically take advantage of these new laws to lower your tax rate. We will also explain what we’re doing and why, so that you understand your tax situation.