There are things related to taxes that I can help you with, so I have prepared this guide for you.
CLIENT ORGANIZER
What it is: It’s a form prepared showing what items reported last year to help you remember what you should submit for this year. I always provide a personal organizer, verifying personal information such as your address, ID information and banking. If you want a more extensive organizer, contact me for yours today!
WHAT YOU SHOULD PROVIDE
If you prefer to simply send me your documents, here is a list of what should be included. CLICK HERE
HOW TO SEND YOUR TAX INFORMATION
There are several options for providing your tax information for preparation:
- Scan your documents and upload via a Secure Client Portal. This is the simplest way. You will find several useful tools here as well. Please be sure to scan your documents in PDF format. If you must take photos, make sure they are in JPG format and are flat and legible. Nothing is harder to read than a half folded document against a speckled granite counter.
- If you are a new client, use the guest portal to upload your documents. I will then assign you your own secure Client Portal.
- Once you have your own assigned client portal, there are more options.
- Client Tasks: This will include things that I need for you to complete
- Files: This is where you will either upload documents to me or download documents from me.
- Profile: If you are a new client, you can complete this section to ensure that everything is entered into your tax return correctly.
- Questionnaire: If I am missing some information or need further clarification, you will find questionnaire(s) I 've sent here.
- Messenger: If I have sent you a message or you need to send one to me, you can do so here.
- Signatures: If I have sent you forms for electronic signature, you will find them here.
- Payment: This is not a valid choice as I do not currently use this portal to accept payment. Instead, there will be a secure link on your invoice which will be sent separately via email.
- Returning customers can then log in to their own portal. If you have forgotten your username or password, don't worry. You will also find a recovery option here.
- Mail COPIES of your documents to my office:
- PO BOX 2981, GILCHRIST, TX 77617-2981
- I recommend you send via Priority Mail so tracking is available. Hang on to your tracking number.
- Send COPIES of your documents via a delivery service such as FedEx or UPS:
- 2401 Highway 87, Gilchrist, TX
- Drop off your documents at my office. Please be sure to call and let me know. Sometimes I have a conflicting appointment, either in or out of the office.
PAYMENT PLAN REQUEST FOR MY TAXES
Sometimes you just know you are going to owe the IRS and some years that is not financially viable. The IRS will grant you a payment plan for a balance due of less than $50,000. There are a few qualifications but as long as you meet those, it is an automatic approval. I do not submit these applications. However, you can go online and do this yourself at no charge. The process is quite simple. Click Here for the online application.
PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR MY TAX PREPARATION FEE
I understand, some years are just financially taxing (sorry, I couldn’t resist). However, I do require full payment before electronic filing. You have several options including cash, check, ACH, or plastic. If you wish to pay using plastic (debit or credit), there is a 3% courtesy fee with a maximum fee of $25. New clients may be required to submit a non-refundable deposit prior to comencement of service.
I do not offer any sort of "Pay from refund" plan.
If you cannot afford to pay for tax preparation, there are several less expensive and sometimes free options available:
- IRS Free File: A service available to taxpayers with income under $84,000 with very simple returns.
- VITA/CTE: A service provided by volunteers for taxpayers earning less than $67,000, with disabilities, limited command of English, or persons over 60.
FAFSA APPLICATION HELP
I am happy to help you with your financial aid application, but please understand my time during tax season is at a premium. As always, the very occasional phone question is never a problem. However, sometimes with self-employment or other more complicated issues, more extensive help is needed. If that is the case, please hit “save” on pages you cannot complete without help, complete as much as you can, then make a phone appointment with me to finish the pages you didn’t complete. The fee for this extensive service varies depending on time spent, with a minimum fee of $75.
DO YOU HAVE AN LLC?
If you do, don’t forget you must file a Franchise Personal Information Report with the state of Texas or forfeit your LLC. The due date is May 15, with an extension of time available. If you want me to prepare this for you, call me. Cost of preparation is $100 for most returns. Other services to keep your LLC, Sub S or C corporation up to date are also available, including registered agent service and corporate meeting notes. Call me!