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What do you charge for a tax consultation
We schedule consultations for a minimum of one hour and charge an hourly rate. Tax consultations are most often scheduled for estimating/forecasting tax liability and tax planning purposes. We do not schedule appointments to review self-prepared tax returns. Consultations are scheduled during the months of May through January. All fees are payable by cash or check at the time of service. Call or email our office for more information.
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Why can’t I just pick up the folder at the front window and leave?
Picking up your tax return involves several steps: reviewing your completed tax return, signing the e-file forms, signing the Client Service Agreement, paying our fee (if it wasn’t paid at the initial appointment) and scheduling next year’s appointment.
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What do you charge to review a completed return?
Since our tax professionals must go through the same process whether they are completing a new return, amending or reviewing a return for you, we do not review completed returns. We will prepare your tax return or an amended return. We charge by the form. Your cost will vary depending upon the complexity of your tax return. Please call our office and request a quote.
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Why do I have to review the contents inside my black tax folder with your assistant?
After over 35 years in the business, we have tried to develop a system that works for us and our clients. All of the documents in your tax return folder have a purpose and we want to make sure you understand that purpose.
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How long should I keep my tax documents?
Refer to the document Record of Retention Requirements for the suggested retention period by document. If after reviewing this document you still have questions, PLEASE contact our office before you shred anything.
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How long do you keep my client tax records at your office?
In general, we are required by law to keep copies of your tax returns for three years. In some instances we have been able to keep client tax returns and supporting documents in electronic format beyond the required three-year period but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
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Can I sign the e-file form for my spouse, adult child (children 21 years of age or older), or parent?
The IRS and state taxing authorities will not allow you to sign for anyone without a valid power of attorney.
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If you keep electronic copies of my return why do you request 2-3 business days to process my request for a paid copy?
We have access to electronic tax return copies but must generate password protected PDF files for email purposes. Generating the PDF files and creating the emails take time which we must fit into our schedule.
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I haven't received all my tax documents...Should I reschedule my tax appointment?
We recommend that you keep your appointment. Bring in all of the documents you have received so far. Get us the missing information as soon as it is available so we may complete the return.
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I have kept EVERY black tax return folder I have received. Do I need to keep them indefinitely? Which documents can safely be shredded and which documents should be kept?
Please reference our Record Retention Requirements brochure to determine which documents you should keep and for what period of time.
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How many times can I reschedule my tax appointment?
We must limit this request to once per year. Repetitive rescheduling limits the openings available for our clients waiting for an appointment. During tax season we have a finite number of appointment slots available. If you reschedule your appointment and we are unable to fill that time slot, we will never be able to recover the lost revenue for this time. Accordingly, we request that you refrain from rescheduling appointments unless it is absolutely necessary. We send appointment reminders in January each year and also call or email you the day before your appointment as a reminder.
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If I’m ever audited, could the IRS request returns with supporting documentation beyond the three year period?
Generally, the statute of limitations for the IRS to assess taxes on a taxpayer expires three (3) years from the due date of the return or the date on which it was filed, whichever is later. The three-year limit is doubled to six years if the IRS finds that a taxpayer omits from gross income an amount that exceeds 25 percent of the stated gross income. The IRS has no time limit when an audit pertains to assessment of tax if a return is false or fraudulent, reflects a wilful attempt to evade taxation or when no tax return at all is filed.
