Tax Help Center

How Can We Help With Your Taxes?

Getting Started

What documents do I need to file?

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.

Can I file my taxes completely online?

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.

How long does tax preparation take?

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.

How much does tax preparation cost?

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.

Can I start before I receive every tax document?

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

Can I file if I have not filed in several years?

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

Dependents and Filing Status

Who can claim a child as a dependent?

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.

Who may qualify for Head of Household?

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.

What happens when two people try to claim the same child?

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.

What information is needed for a dependent?

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

Can I claim childcare expenses?

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.

Income and Self-Employment

Can self-employed taxpayers receive a refund?

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

What business records should I provide?

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

Can gig workers and independent contractors file?

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

What if I received multiple 1099 forms?

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

What if I did not receive a 1099?

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

Refunds and IRS Processing

How long does a tax refund normally take?

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.

How do I check my federal refund?

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

How do I check my state refund?

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

What does "return still processing" mean?

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.

What happens if the IRS sends me a letter?

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

What if I owe the IRS?

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

How do I amend a tax return?

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

Security

Is online filing secure?

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

How are my documents protected?

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

Should I email my Social Security card?

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

What is an Identity Protection PIN?

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.

How do I avoid tax scams?

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

Refund Advances

What is a refund advance?

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

Is a refund advance the same as my refund?

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

Is approval guaranteed?

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

What determines eligibility?

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

When are refund advances available?

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

Are fees or bank terms involved?

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