Frequently Asked Questions

How do you bill for your tax services?

Individual and business tax returns are generally billed at the completion of the return and are payable upon receipt.  In some circumstances we may request a retainer in advance of providing services.  Fees are based on the complexity of the return and the time required to prepare it.  Our minimum fee for Form 1040 preparation is $350.

How do you bill for your accounting services?

Monthly bookkeeping and payroll services are normally billed at a fixed fee on a monthly basis.  Fee proposals are submitted prior to review and audit engagements.  In some circumstances we may request a retainer in advance of providing services.  Other projects are billed at our normal hourly rates as time is incurred.

What hours are you available?

Most staff are available during normal business hours, which are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  Some staff members have a slightly modified schedule from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.  From January 15 through April 15 you may also contact us on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  We would be happy to make special arrangements for evening or weekend consultations if these times are not convenient for you.

What information do you need to prepare my individual income tax return?

The following items should be sufficient in most situations:

• Forms W-2 (wages)
• Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV (interest and dividends)
• Forms 1099-B and information on original costs and purchase dates (if stock/investment sales occurred)
• Forms 1099-MISC (miscellaneous income)
• Forms 1099-SSA (Social Security benefits)
• Forms 1099-R (IRA and retirement benefits)
• Schedules K-1 (partnerships, trusts and S-corporations)
• property tax bills
• charitable contributions
• business income and expenses (if self-employed)
• significant unreimbursed medical expenses
• investment interest paid,
• rental property income and expenses
• Form 1098 (mortgage interest)

What happens if the IRS sends me notices or audits me?

You are encouraged, but not required, to sign a Tax Information Authorization form when we prepare your return to allow us to correspond with the IRS in the event you later receive an IRS notice.  In many cases, this allows us to call the IRS and answer questions or provide additional information to resolve the issue before you even see your notice.

If the IRS selects your return for an audit, we are available to meet with the agent and explain the details of the returns we have prepared.  Normally, you do not need to be present during the examination process.  This additional service is billed at our normal hourly rates.