Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, call (704) 888-1234.
Getting started
How do I become a client?
Call (704) 888-1234 or book a free consultation, which takes about thirty minutes.
Do I need an appointment?
You do not need one on Tuesdays, when walk-ins are welcome from 10 AM to 5 PM. On other weekdays, please book an appointment.
Can I work with you online?
Yes. From anywhere in North and South Carolina, you can send documents through our secure client portal and talk with us by phone.
What should I bring?
Bring your photo ID and the Social Security number of everyone on the return. Bring your W‑2s, 1099s and other income forms, and last year’s return if we did not prepare it.
Prices
How much does a tax return cost?
Personal returns start at $150 for a simple return, such as one job’s wages or Social Security with a pension or IRA withdrawal. More income forms, tax credits and self-employment add to the price. Business returns start at $450.
Do you give tax advice by the hour?
Yes. Personal tax advisory is $50 an hour. After the first hour, each half hour is $25. Our advice covers tax only. We do not recommend investments.
Your return
Do I need to file a return?
It depends on how much income you had and what kind it was. Even if you do not have to file, filing may get back tax withheld from your pay or pension. Call (704) 888-1234 and we will tell you.
Can you file an extension for me?
Yes. An extension gives you more time to file, but not more time to pay. If you expect to owe, we estimate the amount to pay with it.
When will I get my refund?
The IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days of a return filed electronically with direct deposit.
I moved to another state during the year. Can you help?
Yes. We prepare a return for each state you lived in during the year. We do not prepare California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New York or Oregon state returns. If you lived or worked in one of them, please call (704) 888-1234 first.
IRS letters and earlier years
Can you help with a letter from the IRS or the state?
Bring or send the notice to our office. We will explain what it says and prepare any corrected return it calls for.
We cannot write to or speak with the IRS or a state tax department for you. When a notice calls for that, we will refer you to someone who can represent you.
Can you file or correct an earlier year’s return?
Yes. We prepare returns for years that were never filed and correct returns filed with a mistake. We cannot arrange an IRS payment plan for you, but you can apply for one yourself on the IRS website or by phone.
Changes in your life
Does a change in my family or home affect my return?
It can. A marriage, separation or divorce, a new child or a home purchase can change your filing status, credits and deductions. Bring the Social Security number of anyone new on your return.
Someone close to me has died. Can you help with their taxes?
We are sorry for your loss. We prepare the final personal return and, if one is needed, the estate’s income tax return. Bring any tax forms in their name, and their last return if you have it.
Self-employment and business
I am self-employed or the sole owner of an LLC. Do I need a business return?
Usually not. Your business income goes on your personal return, on Schedule C, the form for self-employment income. The exception is an LLC that chose to be taxed as a corporation, and we can check that for you.
Do I need to make quarterly tax payments?
The IRS says you generally do if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax when you file. We can work out the amounts in an hour of personal tax advisory.
Contact our office
Your first consultation is free. Meet us at our office in Locust or talk with us by phone.