How much do your services cost?
New clients who engage us to prepare a personal income tax return should expect to pay a minimum of $225 for individual tax preparation services. For 2022 tax filings, the average fee for tax preparation was about $315. We do not provide individualized price quotes as final fees vary based on the condition of the records, the complexity of the return, and the quantity or length of correspondences to obtain complete and organized information. Most people choose to work with us because they realize our knowledge and expertise and the ease of the process and platform are valuable beyond the cost of the service. If you are looking for the lowest tax preparation fee or if cost is your primary concern, we will not be the best solution for you. If you are looking for great in-depth professional service at a fair and reasonable price we would be a match. In addition to tax preparation services, we are available year-round to assist with tax planning and adjustment scenarios. Those engagements are at an additional cost and happen outside of tax filing season. We offer those additional services at a reduced cost when selected during tax preparation as part of a Prep and Plan package. Here is more information on those Tax Packages.
I have always done my own taxes, why should I go to you?
I am very passionate about my business and I could give a very detailed answer and cite many examples of why you should have me do your taxes. The best short answer is that while you may only think about tax time once a year, I spend the entire year following the tax code changes as well as furthering my knowledge with continuing education credits. You can reach me year-round and ask me questions during preparation or throughout the year. That is not something you can say about a box of software or a tax season-only storefront.
Also, wouldn't you rather spend your time doing something you want to do rather than spending hours upon hours reading tax law hoping that you are entering numbers in the right places and hoping you don't miss something? I am confident you will find me to be knowledgeable, honest, friendly, confident, and very willing to meet your tax needs.
-Jayson
What is an Enrolled Agent (EA)?
An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.
Enrolled Agents have passed a three-part, comprehensive IRS exam covering individual and business returns. They must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. EAs have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, which means they can represent clients for any tax matter.
Learn more about Enrolled Agents.
Why choose you, an Enrolled Agent (EA), over a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
Not all CPAs are tax-focused. CPAs might choose to focus more on financial statements, audits, and financial reviews. Other CPAs at larger firms may focus strictly on large business accounts. By contrast, most EAs focus exclusively on tax law and will have a deeper knowledge of tax preparation and planning. No matter whom you happen to choose, make sure the practitioner you engage is qualified and experienced in your type of return. Also, make sure your tax professional has the required PTIN to be allowed to prepare tax returns for compensation.
What is the process like working together?
We will use a secure portal platform for communications, passing documents, and collecting signatures and payments. We schedule phone calls or meetings via zoom to ensure we are both available and focused on your file at a mutually agreeable time rather than playing the frustrating and inefficient game of telephone tag or requiring multiple follow-ups. We will start by getting a contract signed and an intuitive questionnaire organizer completed. We will request your pertinent documents and information be uploaded to our secure platform. This can be done from a computer or the mobile app. When we have all of those items in place we will proceed with processing and internal reviews of your returns and files. Once that is complete we will provide you with a personalized video review along with your returns for you to further review at your convenience. Should there be additional questions or uncertainties we can either get those easily covered through a couple of messages within the portal or you will have the opportunity to schedule a call or video chat to finalize those pieces before filing. After we are both confident in the final product, we will collect the signatures and fees, and e-file your return.
How long does it take to process returns?
The type and complexity of the return as well as the time of year can factor into this answer. Our goal is to have your return back to you in two weeks or less.
Can you e-file my return?
Yes, we are required to e-file returns.
When do I get my refund?
A typical refund is received within three weeks.
To check the status of your refund:
To pay your balances due online (for married filing joint returns, be sure to use the first person listed when making a payment):
Federal tax payment
What happens if there is an error?
While we do have quality procedures in place to ensure accuracy, effectiveness, and efficiency and do have proper precautions in place to catch any errors before filing, occasionally a mistake will occur. We stand by our work and will fix our error at no additional cost. We will cover any interest or penalty as a result of the mistake. If the error or change is due to a corrected form or missing information, we can discuss the best approach or solution.
I received a letter from the IRS / Department of Revenue. What should I do?
First of all, do not panic. Many times the agency will send you a letter notifying you of a change to your account. The best plan is to contact us first so we can pinpoint the problem and come up with a plan before contacting the agency. Using the correct language in addressing the situation can be critical in getting a favorable response.
Unanswered Questions
Please send your questions to:
jayson@jcwtaxaccounting.com