File From Anywhere. Get Your Free Tax Estimate.

Most filers need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security or taxpayer identification information for everyone on the return, income forms such as W-2s and 1099s, and records for any credits you plan to claim. Our document checklist walks through each category.

Yes. You can complete intake, upload documents, review your return and sign electronically without visiting an office. A tax professional works with you throughout the process.

Timing depends on how complete your documents are and the complexity of your return. Your tax professional will give you a realistic timeframe after reviewing what you submit.

Pricing depends on the forms, schedules and credits your return requires. Your tax professional will review your situation and explain the fees before any work is completed.

Yes. You can begin intake and upload what you have. Your return cannot be filed until all required documents are received.

Yes. Prior-year returns can generally still be prepared. Let your tax professional know which years are outstanding so the correct forms are used.

Dependency depends on IRS rules covering relationship, age, residency, support and joint-return tests. Your tax professional will review your specific facts before anything is claimed.

Head of Household generally applies to unmarried or considered-unmarried taxpayers who paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for a qualifying person. Eligibility is reviewed case by case.

The IRS may reject the second electronically filed return and apply tiebreaker rules. If this happens, your tax professional can explain your options, which may include filing on paper and responding to IRS correspondence.

Typically a full legal name, date of birth, Social Security or taxpayer identification information, and records showing residency and support.

Childcare costs may qualify for a credit when the care allowed you to work or look for work. You will need the provider's name, address and identification number.

It is possible depending on withholding, estimated payments, deductions and credits. Self-employment tax may also apply, so outcomes vary by situation.

Provide income records, expense receipts or summaries, mileage logs, and any 1099-NEC or 1099-K forms you received.

Yes. Gig and contract income is reported on your return, usually on Schedule C, along with allowable business expenses.

Provide all of them. Each form is reported, and missing one is a common cause of IRS notices.

Income is still reportable even without a form. Bring your own records of what you were paid.

Processing times are set by the IRS and can change during the season. Certain credits are subject to additional review, so no specific date can be promised.

Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool with your filing status, Social Security number and exact refund amount.

Most states have their own refund lookup tool through their department of revenue website.

It generally means the IRS has received your return but has not finished reviewing it. No action is usually required unless the IRS contacts you.

Read it carefully, note any deadline, and contact your tax professional. Many notices can be resolved by supplying documentation.

Balances can often be paid online, or you may be able to request a payment arrangement. Your tax professional can explain the available options.

An amended return corrects a previously filed return. Provide the original return and the corrected information, and your tax professional can prepare the amendment.

Documents are submitted through a secure client intake platform rather than ordinary email, and access is limited to your tax professional.

Files are transmitted over encrypted connections and stored in the secure intake platform used by our office.

No. Never email Social Security cards, identification or tax documents. Always use the secure upload link.

An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to help prevent someone else from filing with your Social Security number. If you were issued one, it must be included on your return.

The IRS does not demand immediate payment by phone, gift card or wire transfer. Verify any unexpected contact before sharing information.

A refund advance is an optional financial product offered through a participating provider while your refund is being processed.

No. A refund advance is not your actual tax refund.

No. Approval depends on the provider's underwriting and eligibility requirements.

Eligibility depends on provider criteria, underwriting, your filed return and program availability.

Availability is set by the participating provider and typically begins near the start of the filing season.

Bank and provider terms, and any applicable fees, are disclosed by the provider before you accept an offer.