Answers When
You Need Them
Whether you're getting ready for tax season, waiting on your return, or simply have a question, you'll find the answers here.
BEFORE YOUR RETURN
Not always. Whether an appointment is needed depends on the services you're requesting and your individual tax situation. If you're a new client or would like to discuss your tax or accounting needs with a preparer, we recommend scheduling an appointment. Existing clients may not need an appointment every year, depending on their circumstances.
If you're unsure, simply give our office a call. Our administrative team will help determine the best next step and schedule an appointment if needed.
The tax documents needed can vary based on your unique tax situation. Completing the client organizer helps determine which documents may apply to you specifically. If you provide a copy of your prior year tax return, we can also generate a personalized document checklist based on your filing history. If any additional information or documents are needed during preparation, your preparer will reach out directly.
Yes. Location doesn't have to be a barrier. We work with clients across the country using secure technology that allows us to prepare returns, communicate, and provide guidance without requiring an in-person visit.
Our firm cannot get the authority to request or receive tax documents on your behalf, either from the IRS or the original issuer. However, you can sign a Taxpayer Information Authorization Form 8821. This form will grant our office the ability to pull IRS transcripts and review what documentation was reported to the IRS by third parties. Often this transcript will provide the required information to complete your return or verify if there are any missing documents. Generally the wage and income transcript isn’t fully available from the IRS until mid-June for the previous tax year.
If you do not see a folder for the current filing year, please upload your documents to the Client Uploaded Docs folder. Once your documents are received, our team will create your current-year tax folder and move the files into the appropriate location as we begin processing your return.
Using the client portal is not required, however it is recommended. If you would prefer to drop physical documents off at our office and sign a physical return, we ask that you let us know before your preparation begins.
DURING PREPARATION
Yes. Our team receives notifications when documents are uploaded to the client portal, including your preparer and the administrative staff.
Once your documents are uploaded, our team receives a notification and your return is added to our workflow for preparation. Depending on the time of year and overall volume, you may not receive immediate communication while your return is in progress. However, you can monitor your return status through the client portal, and our team will reach out if additional information is needed or when your return is ready for review.
If you have not received any updates after an extended period, please feel free to reach out to our administrative team for a status update.
You can monitor your return's progress at any time by logging into your secure client portal. As your return moves through each stage of our preparation and review process, your status will be updated automatically.
The client organizer includes important questions that may not be reflected in your tax documents. Completing it helps streamline the preparation process, ensures we have the most up-to-date information, and helps us identify tax law changes, deductions, or credits that may apply to your situation. Even if your documents are complete, the organizer helps us provide the most accurate and thorough return possible.
The organizer does not integrate with our tax preparation software. Uploading a document in an unintended section will not cause an issue. Our preparers review every document and make sure it is properly allocated on your return
No, you only need to upload a document once. Some documents may be applicable to multiple sections, but we kindly ask that you upload it only once. Multiple uploads create duplicate documents when your preparer begins preparing your return.
Absolutely. If you receive an additional tax document or realize something was missed, simply upload it through your secure client portal as soon as possible. If your return has already been completed or filed, please let us know so we can determine whether any changes are needed.
Yes. As your return is being prepared, your preparer will review your information and contact you if additional documents or clarification are needed. There's no need to guess—we'll let you know if we need anything else.
AFTER YOUR RETURN
You should receive an email from efile@efileservices.net once your return has been successfully filed and accepted. You can also log into the client portal to check your return status. If your status shows "Return Complete," this means your return has been filed and accepted.
Absolutely. If you would like to review your return with your preparer, our administrative team can help schedule an appointment in person, over the phone, or virtually. Occasionally your preparer may request an appointment after completing your return to review the return and make recommendations. Our administrative staff will schedule that appointment when contacting you to let you know your return is complete.
Yes. Printed copies are always available upon request. We kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice so our team has time to prepare your documents for pickup.
If the IRS rejects your return our office staff will reach out to notify you. There may be additional documentation needed, or clarification on documentation already provided. In some cases, your return must be paper filed. Your return cannot be filed until the issue is resolved.
Estimated tax payments are essentially paying your taxes as you earn income throughout the year, instead of paying one large amount when you file your tax return. If you receive income that does not automatically have taxes withheld, such as self-employment income, investments, rental income, or certain retirement income, you may be required to make quarterly estimated payments to avoid a possible underpayment of estimated tax penalty on next year’s return. The need and amount depend on your specific tax situation.
The automatic withdrawal date may be subject to normal bank processing times. Although the transaction was initiated, it may take a few days for the transaction to show on your bank statement. During heavier volume periods, such as April 15, the IRS receives many EFW requests and processes them in the order received. Although your payment may be drafted after April 15, you are credited with making the payment on the requested draft date.
Payments made using a bank account (routing and account number) typically take longer to process than debit or credit card payments. If your payment status shows "Processing," the transaction has been initiated and is working its way through the banking system. Our team will automatically be notified once the payment has been fully processed.
The IRS requires return preparers who prepare more than 10 returns annually to electronically file with the IRS. This requirement is excused if a client specifically requests to file their return by mail. If you prefer to paper file your return, your preparer will complete Form 8948 and our office will prepare the mailing package for you.
BILLING & PAYMENTS
Payment is required before e-filing because the tax preparation work has already been completed by the time your return is ready for submission. Our fees cover the professional services involved in preparing, reviewing, and finalizing your return; not just the act of electronically filing it. As outlined in your signed engagement letter, invoices are due upon presentation. Requiring payment before filing helps us maintain an efficient process and ensure completed work is finalized in a timely manner.
The technology fee was introduced to help offset rising software, security, and technology costs, which have increased significantly in recent years. These tools help us provide a more secure, efficient, and streamlined client experience while allowing us to minimize increases to our preparation fees.
Payments made by bank account (ACH) typically take longer to process than debit or credit card payments. If your payment status shows Processing, the transaction has been initiated and is working its way through the banking system. Our office is automatically notified once the payment has been fully processed.
We offer several convenient payment options. You can securely pay online through your client portal using a bank account, debit card, or credit card. If you prefer, you can also contact our office to discuss other available payment methods.
Yes. Payments made by credit card are subject to a processing fee. This fee is charged by our payment processor and will be displayed before you submit your payment.
If you owe taxes, we'll provide payment instructions with your completed return. Depending on your situation, you may pay electronically, mail a payment, or authorize an electronic funds withdrawal with your return. If you have questions about your payment options, our team is happy to help.
IRS NOTICES
If you're an existing client, please upload the entire notice, front and back, to your secure client portal. Our team will review the notice and let you know what it means and whether any action is needed. Please avoid sending only the first page, as important details may appear elsewhere in the notice.
Yes. We can review IRS notices and help determine the appropriate next steps. Depending on the notice and the services needed, additional fees may apply. Upload the complete notice to your client portal so our team can review it before advising you on how to proceed.
No. When you file a joint return, the IRS may send the same notice separately to both spouses. If the notices are identical, we only need one complete copy.
Not necessarily. The IRS sends notices for many different reasons, and receiving one does not automatically mean there is a problem with your return. Upload the complete notice to your client portal and we'll review it to determine what the IRS is requesting.
Before making a payment, we recommend allowing our team to review the notice if it relates to a return we prepared. We'll help determine why the balance is being assessed and whether any action should be taken before payment.
Please upload the notice to your client portal as soon as possible. IRS notices often include deadlines for responding, providing information, or making a payment. The sooner we receive the complete notice, the more time we'll have to review it and discuss your options.
We're still happy to discuss how we may be able to help. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation and provide a complete copy of the notice for review.
In some situations, yes. Depending on the issue, additional authorization may be required before we can communicate with the IRS on your behalf. After reviewing your notice, we'll let you know whether representation is necessary and what forms or additional services may be required.
CONTACTING OUR TEAM
We recommend using the chat feature within the TaxDome client portal. Portal conversations are monitored by both your preparer and our administrative team, helping us stay up to date and respond as efficiently as possible.
Simply call our office and our administrative team will be happy to help. They'll schedule you with your preparer and help determine whether an in-person, phone, or virtual appointment is the best fit.
Absolutely. If you'd like to go over your completed return or have questions you'd like to discuss, our administrative team can schedule a review with your preparer in person, over the phone, or virtually.
Yes. You're welcome to drop off physical documents at our office during normal business hours. If you typically use the client portal, uploading documents securely is generally the fastest way to get them to your preparer.
No. Your documents will be kept at our Wesley Chapel office and are available to be picked up during normal business hours.
Yes. We can mail your physical documents back to you after your return is complete. A separate shipping charge will apply and must be paid before the documents are mailed.
We keep physical client documents for three years from the original due date of the return. After that time, any remaining documents are securely destroyed.
Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can call or visit during normal business hours, or send us a secure portal message at any time.
Still Have a Question?
Can't find what you're looking for? Send us your question and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Please don't include Social Security numbers or other sensitive information in this form. Existing clients should use the secure client portal to send confidential information.