Where is my refund?
The fastest way to check your refund status is directly through the IRS or your state taxing authority. Once your return has been accepted by the IRS, we do not receive additional updates regarding refund processing.
Why do I owe taxes if taxes were already taken out of my paycheck?
The taxes withheld from your paycheck are only an estimate of what you may owe for the year. Your employer does not know about other sources of income, investments, side businesses, retirement distributions, or changes in your personal tax situation.
Your tax return is used to determine your actual tax liability. If not enough tax was withheld throughout the year, you may owe additional tax when your return is filed.
Receiving a refund does not mean a return was prepared correctly, and owing taxes does not mean a return was prepared incorrectly. Your return simply reconciles what was paid in versus what was actually owed.
How do I know you filed my return?
After your return has been electronically filed and accepted, we provide proof of filing through your client portal. This includes:
IRS Form 9325 (Acknowledgement and Acceptance)
Federal E-File Acceptance Confirmation
State E-File Acceptance Confirmation (when applicable)
My refund is taking longer than expected. Can you call the IRS?
In most cases, the IRS will not provide additional information beyond what is available through their refund tracking tools. If the IRS requests additional information or issues a notice, we are happy to assist.
Why is my refund different than last year?
Tax laws, income levels, withholding amounts, credits, deductions, and life changes can all impact your refund from year to year. A refund is simply the difference between taxes paid in and taxes owed.
Tax Scams & Fraud Prevention
I received a text message from the IRS. Is it legitimate?
Generally, no. The IRS does not initiate contact through text messages regarding refunds, payments, or account verification.
I received an email claiming to be from the IRS.
Do not click any links or download attachments. Forward suspicious IRS-related emails to [email protected] and contact our office if you are unsure.
Someone called demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest.
This is a scam. The IRS does not threaten arrest, demand gift cards, request cryptocurrency, or require immediate payment over the phone.
I was told I qualify for a special tax credit that sounds too good to be true.
Be cautious. Many advertised tax credits and deduction strategies are either misunderstood or outright fraudulent. Contact our office before signing any agreement or filing any claim.
What are some common tax scams?
Common scams include:
Tribal tax credits
Improper ERC claims
Fuel tax credit schemes
False self-employment credits
Bogus charitable deduction programs
"Guaranteed" tax refunds
Social media tax hacks
Always consult our office before participating in any tax strategy promoted online.
Client Portal & Documents
How do I access my TaxDome account?
To access your TaxDome account, visit our website and click the "Your TaxDome" button located on the home page.
If you do not remember your password, select the password reset option on the TaxDome login screen. A password reset email will be sent to the email address associated with your account.
If you do not receive the reset email, please check your spam, junk, and promotions folders before contacting our office.
Our team can assist with resetting your account access; however, you must have access to the email address associated with your TaxDome account in order to complete the password reset process.
How do I upload documents?
All documents should be uploaded through your secure client portal.
Can I email my tax documents?
For security reasons, we strongly encourage all tax documents to be uploaded through the secure portal rather than sent by email.
I forgot my portal password.
Use the password reset option on the portal login page or contact our office for assistance.
Why can't I just text my tax documents?
Text messaging is not a secure document storage method and may not meet our security requirements.
Payments & Billing
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment plans may be available for certain tax planning and advisory services. Tax preparation fees are generally due before final documents are released.
Why do I have a balance due if I'm getting a refund?
Your tax preparation fee and your tax refund are separate matters. Refunds are issued by taxing authorities, while preparation fees are billed by our firm.
Why did my tax preparation fee increase?
Our fees reflect not only the preparation of your tax return, but also the ongoing support we provide throughout the year. Every client receives access to our team for tax notices, filing questions, and audit support should the need arise.
While audit support is available to all clients, it is a professional service that requires significant time and expertise. Maintaining the staff and resources necessary to support our clients after filing is an important part of our pricing structure.
Our goal is to provide more than a tax return—we strive to provide year-round support and peace of mind.
Tax Planning
What's the difference between tax preparation and tax planning?
Tax preparation reports what has already happened. Tax planning focuses on identifying opportunities to legally reduce taxes before year-end.
How much can tax planning save me?
Results vary by taxpayer. Tax planning opportunities depend on income, business structure, deductions, investments, and future goals.
Is tax planning only for business owners?
No. Many individuals and families can benefit from proactive tax planning as well.
Business Clients
When are payroll tax returns due?
Most payroll tax returns are filed quarterly. Filing requirements may vary based on your business.
How often should my bookkeeping be updated?
We generally recommend monthly bookkeeping updates to maintain accurate financial records.
Can you help with QuickBooks?
Yes. We provide QuickBooks support, bookkeeping assistance, and financial reporting services.
Can you help if I receive an IRS notice?
Absolutely. Upload a copy of the notice to your client portal and contact our office as soon as possible.
Contacting Our Office
What's the best way to reach my team?
The fastest method is typically through your client portal or by contacting our office directly.
How quickly will someone respond?
We strive to respond to all client communications promptly. Response times may vary during peak filing season.
I have an urgent issue. What should I do?
Please contact our office directly and indicate that the matter is urgent so it can be routed appropriately.
Why do you need my driver's license?
The IRS and state taxing authorities require identity verification procedures to help prevent tax fraud and identity theft. Requesting a copy of your driver's license is part of our due diligence and security procedures.
Can you guarantee my refund amount?
No. Refunds are determined by information provided by the taxpayer, tax law, and the taxing authorities. We cannot guarantee a specific refund amount and encourage clients to be cautious of anyone who does.
Why can't you estimate my taxes without my documents?
Providing tax advice or estimates without reviewing complete documentation can result in inaccurate information. We require complete and accurate records before providing tax calculations or recommendations.
Why can't you just use last year's information?
Tax laws, income, deductions, credits, and personal circumstances can change from year to year. Each tax return must be prepared using the current year's information.
Why do you need bookkeeping completed before tax planning?
Tax planning decisions are only as good as the information used to make them. Accurate and complete bookkeeping allows us to identify opportunities, avoid surprises, and make informed recommendations.
Why was my return placed on extension?
Extensions are filed when information is incomplete, documents are missing, additional review is required, or filing before the deadline may increase the likelihood of errors. Filing an extension is often the most responsible course of action and does not indicate a problem with your return.
Can you file my return if I am still waiting on documents?
Generally, no. Filing before all information is received can result in amended returns, additional fees, IRS notices, and delayed refunds.
Why did my refund change after review?
Preliminary estimates may change as additional documents are received, information is verified, elections are considered, and quality control procedures are completed.
Can I deduct that?
Maybe. Tax deductions depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding the expense. We encourage clients to provide complete information so we can determine whether an expense is deductible under current tax law.
Why do I have to sign an engagement letter every year?
Professional standards, tax laws, and firm policies require us to clearly define the scope of services being provided each year. Engagement letters protect both you and our firm by outlining responsibilities, expectations, deadlines, and services included in your engagement.
Why can't you release my return before payment is made?
Completed tax returns remain the property of the firm until payment arrangements have been satisfied. As outlined in our engagement agreement, payment is due prior to the release of completed returns unless alternative arrangements have been approved in writing.
Why do you require TaxDome?
TaxDome provides a secure platform for document exchange, electronic signatures, communication, billing, and record retention. It helps protect sensitive taxpayer information while allowing our team to efficiently manage your account.
Can I call my preparer directly?
To ensure timely responses and proper documentation of client communications, we encourage clients to communicate through TaxDome or our main office line. This allows requests to be properly routed and tracked, especially during peak filing season.
Why do I need tax planning if you're already preparing my taxes?
Tax preparation reports what has already happened. Tax planning focuses on identifying opportunities before year-end to legally reduce taxes, improve cash flow, and avoid surprises. By the time a return is prepared, many tax-saving opportunities have already passed.
Can I claim my dog as a dependent?
No. Pets cannot be claimed as dependents under current federal tax law. However, certain expenses related to service animals or business-related animals may qualify under specific circumstances.
I saw a tax strategy on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, or social media. Will it work for me?
Not necessarily. Many tax strategies promoted online are incomplete, misunderstood, exaggerated, or entirely inaccurate. Before implementing any tax strategy, consult our office so we can evaluate whether it is legal, appropriate, and beneficial for your specific situation.
Can I deduct my vehicle?
Possibly. Vehicle deductions depend on ownership, business use percentage, recordkeeping, mileage logs, and the method selected. Not every vehicle qualifies for the same deductions, and proper documentation is required.
Can I write off 100% of my meals?
Generally, no. Most business meals are limited to a 50% deduction. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances and current tax law. Proper documentation of the business purpose is required.
Can I pay my children through my business?
In many cases, yes. Paying children through a family business can be a legitimate tax planning strategy when the child performs actual work, receives reasonable compensation, and proper payroll procedures are followed.
What is the Augusta Rule?
The Augusta Rule allows qualifying taxpayers to rent their personal residence for up to 14 days per year without reporting the rental income, provided specific requirements are met. This strategy is commonly used by business owners for meetings and planning sessions but must be properly documented and supported.
Why is my refund smaller than my friend's refund?
Refund amounts are not a measure of tax savings or return quality. Every taxpayer's income, withholding, deductions, credits, and circumstances are different. A larger refund often means more money was withheld throughout the year, not necessarily that fewer taxes were paid.
My previous accountant got me a bigger refund. Why is my refund different now?
Refunds change from year to year based on income, withholding, deductions, credits, tax law changes, and life events. A larger refund does not automatically mean a return was prepared correctly, just as owing taxes does not automatically mean a return was prepared incorrectly.
Why do you need all of my documents if I already know my refund amount?
Tax returns must be prepared using complete and accurate information. Filing based on estimates or incomplete information can result in amended returns, IRS notices, penalties, delayed refunds, and additional fees.
Why can't you tell me if something is deductible without asking questions?
Tax deductions are highly dependent on the facts and circumstances surrounding the expense. What may be deductible for one taxpayer may not be deductible for another. Additional information is often required before a determination can be made.
What happens if I ignore an IRS notice?
Ignoring tax notices can result in penalties, interest, collection activity, refund offsets, or additional assessments. If you receive a notice, upload it to TaxDome and notify our office as soon as possible.
Can you represent me before the IRS?
Yes. Depending on the nature of the issue and the services requested, we may be able to assist with IRS correspondence, notice resolution, audit support, and other tax authority matters. Additional fees may apply.
Why do you ask so many questions?
Our responsibility is to prepare accurate returns and provide sound tax advice. Asking questions helps ensure we understand your situation, identify planning opportunities, and reduce the risk of errors or missed information.
Can I get my return faster if I call every day?
While we appreciate your enthusiasm, frequent status calls generally do not speed up the preparation process. The fastest way to receive your completed return is to provide all requested information promptly and respond quickly to any follow-up questions from our team.