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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a couple of the most common questions we are asked. This is general information and we can always provide clarification at your request. If you have any suggestions you would like to see on this page, please let us know!
How long does it take to get my refund after e-filing my return? The IRS states it takes about 21 days for current year returns and about 4 weeks for an amended or prior year return for the refund to be processed. Franchise Tax Board states it takes about one month for a personal return and six months for a business return.
What is an IRS Identity Protection PIN and do I need one? An IRS Identity Protection PIN is a six digit number issued to individual tax filers from the IRS in order to verify the authenticity of an electronically filed return. We highly recommend that all individuals that file tax returns sign up to receive an Identity Protection PIN. Once you sign up, you will get one automatically each year and will be unable to electronically file a return without it. You can access your PIN through your IRS login. Each year, the PIN you receive for that tax year will be used on ALL returns filed during that year, even if they are amended returns or prior year returns.
How can I get my tax documents to you? You have four options when it comes to handing in your tax documents to us. You can bring in physical copies, mail the documents, email them to our company email, or, if you are an existing client, log on to your SmartVault portal and upload them to the Client Uploads Folder.
How long will it take for you to prepare my return? Unfortunately, there is not one answer to this question. Usually the delays in progress are due to us not having all the information. If you have all your documents together, information summarized, and are available for any clarification we may need, there will be no problem having a timely turn around for your return.
Do you have copies of my prior year returns? For your convenience, we have stored your prior year returns that we have prepared for you in our cloud based document management system SmartVault. All of our existing clients have a SmartVault account, please reach out if you need help accessing it. Please note that we are not responsible for maintaining your records.
When should I bring in my documents for my tax return? We recommend that you bring in your documents in February or March, any later than that and it is likely we will have file an extension for you until after the April 15th deadline. Often people need to extend because they are waiting on information, that is not a problem! Just let us know so we can make sure to get the appropriate documentation filed and provide you with an estimated payment if needed to minimize penalties and interest on any balance due you will have.
How long should I keep my tax documents and returns for? The statute of limitation varies, but we recommend accommodating the longest one and keeping your records for at least 7 years. We are not responsible for maintaining your documents and request that you collect all documents you handed in when your return is complete.
How can I pay my bill for your services? We accommodate many forms of payment. You are more than welcome to come in and pay with a card or check, mail a check, pay with card over the phone, or we can send you an email with a QuickBooks payment link for your convenience.
I will be out of town when my return is finished, how can I sign? For any return, we have two ways of providing you the information. As always, you can request a physical copy of the return and sign the e-filing forms with pen and ink. Our default method of transmission is through DocuSign, a program that allows you to securely review and sign for your return. Through DocuSign you would ideally download the PDF of your return for review, and if everything is correct, electronically sign the e-file forms so we can submit your return to the taxing authorities.