FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Once we have provided our documents to you how long does it take to get back a completed tax return?
We are not a walk-in/walk-out establishment.  We give every return our focused attention to prepare the most accurate return which takes time.  Every tax return is different so it's difficult to say how long it will take.  Typically during tax season it can take from 3-5 weeks.  If you provide the information in February it's more likely to be completed sooner than if you provide the information in March.  The sooner the better.   If you've extended your return it may be shorter or longer as the summer provides a bit of a relief to a time constraint.

How will I receive my completed tax return?
You have several options to receive your tax return.  You can either pick it up at our office, we can mail it to you, or we can send it electronically through your account if you provided all of your documents to us electronically.   Payment is due 10 days from the invoice date and must be paid before the tax returns will be efiled.  If we are unable to file the return electronically for you, payment will be required before the tax return is released to you.   We accept check, cash, Visa, and Mastercard.  We do not accept Discover, American Express, or Diner's Club.

How much will my tax return cost?
We bill you by the time and not by the form so it's not possible for us to provide a quote for your return.  Each return has it's own complexities and each tax year may bring differences that can add to the bill.  Our rates are very competitive and we feel that our billing method is more fair rather than those that bill by the form.  For example you could be billed $50-$100 per form that may only have one or two numbers but if it only took a couple of minutes it may work out to only being a few dollars for our bill.   We have not raised our prices in 9 years but unfortunately all of our vendors sure have so beginning in 2012 you will see a 10% increase in our hourly billing rates.  

How long should I keep my tax documents?
If you refer to the engagement letter 6 years is recommended but the IRS can audit within 3 years for a regular audit, 6 years if neglect is suspected, and there is no statute of limitation for fraud.  We keep our workpapers for 6 years and they are destroyed after that time so it's up to you to maintain any records that may be required longer than 6 years.  

Do I have to keep all of this paper or can I scan documents?
The IRS has stated that scanned documents are acceptable substantiation so if you're thinking of going paperless just make sure you have a digital backup system in place because as my IT guy says it's not if your computer crashes, it's when...  

Does my spouse have to also sign the engagement letter and organizer or can it just be me?
BOTH spouses MUST sign both documents.   I intend to be very strict about that this year.  Each of you are personally responsible for what is reported on that tax return so when tax documents are given to us I want proof that both of you have read and answered all questions.

What are deductions that most people forget?
For the basic individual tax return the items that I usually have to follow up with are receipts for auto registration, day care expenses, and documents for school credits for the Arizona tax return.  Of course everyone is different.  For businesses the most common are mileage details and any changes to owner's information like change in address or ownership %.  

Is it a "red flag" to the IRS to extend or have a home office?
Neither is a red flag.  I cannot provide substantiation to this statement but I have been told that you are less likely to be audited if you have extended due to the statute of limitations running out.  All those people ahead of you who filed by April 15th get pushed to the front of the line. And as far as home office deductions, they are much more popular now than they were 20 years ago.  It's actually filing a Sch C or making more than $100,000 that increases your chances of an audit over a home office deduction.


Specializing in Small Business & Individuals

For our Small Business Clients we offer:

We do not provide payroll services but recommend:
Paylink Processing Systems
Paylink Processing Systems
Krystal Grambart
(602) 769-4894

For our Individual clients we offer: