Here’s a summary of what to expect when I prepare your return:
- If you have estimates that were prepared with your prior year return, you might want to pay those.
- After you receive all your tax documents, you can call me and set up a meeting with me. If you are a returning client, you will have received a “tax organizer” from me that might have a date for bringing your information in. You can also mail or upload your information if you don’t want to meet. The option is yours. One new thing I’m trying this year is I can send you a pre-paid Priority Mail envelope, that way can drop your information in your mailbox.
- When we meet, I will look through your documents and try to catch anything that is missing. Sometimes, we will be missing brokerage 1099’s, for example. We will need to wait on that information before we can file your return. I can probably still work on it, we just can’t finish the return and file. Unfortunately, the earlier we meet, the more information you probably will not have received yet.
- If any questions come up, I will call or email you.
- As a practical matter, I will prepare your return on one day and review it the next day. That way I have “fresh eyes” when looking at your return.
- After review, I print a copy of your return for you. I still provide paper copies but will also provide a pdf copy. I prefer the pdf copy, but people still like the paper.
- I will probably mail your completed return and source documents back to you. I sent it using USPS Priority Mail, mainly because it provides tracking. You can come in and pick up your return (again, the option is yours), but you don’t have to.
- When you receive your return, there will be a Form 8879 – IRS e-file Signature Authorization that I will need you and your spouse to sign. The 8879 authorizes me to e-file your return. I have to have that 8879. I need that form more than I need you to pay me. I cannot file your return without it.
- With the 8879 in hand, I can now file your return. I submit it electronically to the IRS (all returns have to be efiled)
- After the 8879, How do you pay me? When I mail you the paper copy, I will include a bill and an envelope )(with a stamp already applied) to return payment. Conveniently, you can use the same envelope to return the 8879. As an alternative, you can use a credit card.