My refund has not been received yet. What are my next steps?
The first step in tracking your federal income refund is to check the IRS website for an updated status of your tax return processing, click here. If your return cannot be found, ensure you have entered the correct information from your tax return copy, including inputting the exact amount of your refund as shown on your return. Contact us immediately, if your return shows it has not been received immediately so we may confirm the filing/acceptance date of your return.
I'm ready to file my taxes, how do I get my tax docs to you?
We’re so happy you’ve decided to work with us. To get started with our firm, you must follow the next steps outlined below:
– Upload your tax docs – upon review we’ll determine our fee for your tax service
– Sign our Tax Engagement Letter – this will be sent via email for your electronic signature and can also be found in our Tax Organizer
– Pay your fee – Your tax preparation fee must be paid prior to the processing of your tax return
– Tax Review – We will always review your tax return in-depth with you before e-filing your tax return to ensure accuracy
Can I email my tax documents to you?
We do not recommend this method of sharing your confidential documents to us. Email is not secure. Please use our client login portal for uploading your documents to us. Following this process also ensures that we do not miss any of your uploads since your files will all be in one place.
I haven't filed my taxes in a longtime, how do I find out what tax years I am in need of?
If you haven’t done so already, please setup your tax account by clicking here. If you are unsuccessful in gaining access, you will need to complete a power of attorney form for our office to obtain this information on your behalf. Keep in mind, in some circumstances, a fee may be charged for this service.
I am in the process of purchasing a home and need a CPA letter...
We often get requests for CPA mortgage letters. Typically, we do not provide such letters for non-clients. In most cases, we are able to provide a letter which will include certain disclaimer information necessary to protect our firm. There is a fee for this service. When requesting a mortgage letter, please be sure to include the name of your loan officer to be addressed in the letter, mortgage brokerage firm name, address and the NMLS number. A copy of the written request from your mortgage company should also be provided.
Are you accepting in-person tax meetings?
We are currently continuing to offer our services on a remote basis only. In limited situations, we can make arrangements to obtain your tax documents from you. You may also mail your tax documents to our P.O. Box 2125, Matteson, IL 60443. We will charge a postage fee to return your documents via mail, along with your tax return copy if hard copy has been requested. Since we are working remotely, we are offering “in-person” tax review meetings via Zoom and phone conference options. Click here to book a phone conference or Zoom meeting.
I received a tax notice and would like for you to review it for guidance...
We are more than happy to review any tax notices you receive. Simply upload them to us via our client login portal and we will help you determine next steps in resolving your tax matter. In most cases, there is no fee for this service, particularly for returns we have prepared for you. We will let you know if your situation renders a fee for any needed services.
What tax records should I keep and for how long?
The type of records you keep will be determined by the nature of business you are in. In any case, you should keep any documents that help provide details of your income and expenses you earn and incur in your business or personally. Business records (i.e. board of director meetings if you are a corporation, lease and other contractual agreements, etc.), checkbook, electronic receipts, and emails of business transactions are all examples of great records to keep for not only tax purposes, but to monitor the progress of your business. In general, tax records should be kept for 3 to 6 years and some records should be kept permanently (i.e. real estate purchase docs and receipts for major improvements on the property, etc.). Check out the IRS Publication 583 for more information on business record keeping. Click here to see the record keeping timeline for personal tax documents.
Where can I find out more information about the Advance Child Tax Credit payments that were made this year?
If you have questions about whether or not you qualify for the advance child tax credit and more, click here.
How do I make payments to the IRS?
Whether you’d like to pay an amount you owe on a filed tax return or make an estimated payment, you can do it all via IRS.gov. Click here to be taken to the IRS website.
How do I setup my IRS tax account to see what I owe and any filed returns, and more?
You can setup your IRS tax account here. Once you have gained access to your account you’ll be able to obtain account transcripts, wage transcripts, check your balance, setup your installment agreement (if you are eligible) and more. This will become your first step in answering any questions you may have about your account with the IRS.
How much should I withhold in federal taxes from my paycheck?
The IRS has a handy dandy “Tax Withholding Estimator” you may use to calculate your paycheck withholdings. Click here to try it out.