Our Simple Tax Preparation Process

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Step 1. Sign Engagement Letter

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• You will receive an engagement letter to review and sign electronically. This allows us to formally begin working on your tax return and confirm the scope of services.

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Step 2. Secure Questionnaire & Document Upload

• You will upload your tax documents through our client portal. 

• This helps us understand your tax situation and collect the information needed to prepare your return accurately.

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Step 3. Document Review

• We review your submitted information and may schedule a quick phone or video interview if clarification or additional documents are needed.

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Step 4. Draft Tax Return Preparation

• Your draft tax return is prepared and reviewed internally for accuracy and completeness.

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Step 5. Final Review, Invoice & Authorization

• Once your return is ready, you will receive:​

  • A copy of your tax return

  • Form 8879 to sign as authorization for electronic filing

  • A final invoice

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Step 6. Electronic Filing

• After payment and signed authorization are received, your tax return will be electronically filed.

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No waiting in line, no office visit, and no unnecessary back-and-forth.

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• What Documents to Upload for Tax Preparation

• The documents needed depend on your personal or business situation. Below are common items we may request.

Income Documents

• W-2s
• 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC
• 1099-INT / 1099-DIV
• Brokerage statements
• Schedule K-1s
• Rental income statements
• Business income summaries

Deduction Documents

• Mortgage interest statements
• Property tax statements
• Charitable contribution records
• Medical expense records, if applicable
• Business expense summaries
• Education expenses, if applicable

Other Important Documents

• Prior-year tax return
• Identity verification documents
• IRS or state tax notices
• Estimated tax payment records
• Information regarding major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, dependents, home purchase, or business changes

Uploading complete and accurate documents helps avoid delays and reduces the risk of missing important deductions or needing amended returns.

Secure Communication Rules

Your privacy and data security are very important to us.

To protect your personal and financial information:

• We do not accept tax documents by regular email
• All sensitive files must be uploaded through our secure client portal
• Messages regarding your tax return should be sent through secure messaging whenever possible

This helps protect you from identity theft and allows us to maintain proper privacy and security standards.

Important Tax Deadlines

Below are common tax deadlines clients should be aware of:

• January 31 – W-2 and 1099 filing deadlines
• March 15 – S-Corporation and Partnership tax returns
• April 15 – Individual and C-Corporation tax returns
• Quarterly – Estimated tax payments, generally due in April, June, September, and January

Please note that filing deadlines may vary depending on weekends, holidays, or special IRS/state relief.

Understanding Tax Extensions

A tax extension gives you more time to file your tax return, but it does not give you more time to pay taxes owed.

An extension:

✓ Gives more time to file your return
✓ Helps avoid late filing penalties

However, an extension:

✘ Does not extend the time to pay
✘ Does not prevent interest from accruing
✘ Does not eliminate penalties on unpaid taxes

Any tax due after the original filing deadline may be subject to penalties and interest, even if an extension has been filed.

To reduce penalties and interest, estimated tax payments should be submitted by the original filing deadline.

Extension Filing Policy

To protect both you and our firm, we only file tax extensions for clients who have formally engaged us.

Before we can file an extension on your behalf, we must receive:

• A signed engagement letter
• A paid retainer
• Written authorization requesting the extension

This ensures that we are authorized to act on your behalf and that your extension is filed accurately and on time.

Refunds vs. Tax Planning

Why isn’t getting a large tax refund always the goal?

Many people believe a large refund means a successful tax result. In reality, a large refund often means too much tax was paid throughout the year.

Our focus is on:

• Predictability
• Compliance
• Tax efficiency
• Planning before deadlines

A better tax strategy is not just about filing a return. It is about understanding your tax position and making informed decisions before the year ends.

This is why we emphasize proactive tax planning, not just tax preparation.

What We Expect From Clients

To help us serve you effectively, we ask that you:

• Submit documents promptly
• Provide complete and accurate information
• Respond to questions in a timely manner
• Use secure communication methods
• Notify us of major life or business changes
• Schedule tax planning sessions in advance

This allows us to provide better service, reduce surprises, and help you stay prepared.

When to Contact Our Office

Please contact us as soon as possible if you:

• Receive a notice from the IRS or a state tax agency
• Start or close a business
• Buy or sell property
• Change your filing status
• Have a new dependent
• Need help with estimated tax payments
• Want to schedule tax planning
• Have major income changes during the year

Early communication helps prevent costly mistakes and gives us more time to plan properly.

Helpful Government & Tax Authority Links

For official forms, notices, publications, and tax information, you may visit:

• Internal Revenue Service: https://www.irs.gov
• California Franchise Tax Board: https://www.ftb.ca.gov
• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov

These are official government sources for tax and benefit-related information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need all my documents before uploading?

No. You may begin uploading documents as you receive them. However, complete information helps us prepare your return more efficiently and avoid delays.

Can I email tax documents?

No. For your security, tax documents should be uploaded through our secure client portal instead of regular email.

What if I miss a deadline?

Contact our office as soon as possible. We can review your situation and discuss available options.

When should I upload my tax documents?

You should upload your documents as soon as you receive them. This gives us enough time to review your information, ask questions if needed, and prepare your return before the filing deadline.

Does filing an extension give me more time to pay?

No. An extension only gives you more time to file your tax return. Any tax owed is still due by the original filing deadline.

Can you file an extension for me?

Yes, but only after we receive a signed engagement letter, paid retainer, and written authorization requesting the extension.

Ready to Get Started?

Get ahead of your annual tax filing with a secure and convenient process.

Upload your documents through our secure client portal, and we will guide you through the next steps.