Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is my refund?
A: Click here to see your IRS online account, where you can see all your records, including refund information.
Your Online AccountHere you can access your individual account information including balance, payments, tax records and more. If you don't have an existing IRS username or ID.me account, you can set one up. More information about identity verification is available on the IRS sign-in page.
Q: What are your fees?
A: Our fee begins at $200. The fee can go up depending on the amount of paperwork involved in preparation. The $200 fee includes the Federal Individual Form 1040, the state of Illinois IL-1040, and electronic filing fees. The fee can go up if other forms are to be generated. For example, if a taxpayer has a rental property, which is reported on Schedule E, the fee will increase for this added form. States other than Illinois can also affect the fee.
Q: What makes you different from H & R Block or Jackson-Hewitt?
A: Our electronic filing is done directly with the IRS and state agencies. We do not use any type of third-party service, unlike both H & R Block and Jackson Hewitt. This also keeps your information safer and more secure when it is not shared with other entities. We are open year-round, while the others close April 15th and don't reopen until January of the next year. We offer long term practitioners who work year-round, while the other firms offer a variety of new faces every tax season. Our practitioners must have a PTIN to practice. Every year, we send our staff to school at UIC to learn the newest tax laws and keep up to date on IRS procedures.
Q: If I become a client, what do you need from me?
A: We always ask for a copy of the prior year tax return. This way, we can look at the past year and determine if there is any missing information or documentation. And, most especially, to be sure that all credits and monies are carried forward.
Q: What do I bring to my appointment?
A: Any tax documents you received from employers, lenders, banks, brokers, etc. If you are self-employed or did a side gig you got paid for, we will need the 1099's associated with the job(s). If you own rental property, we ask you to have your expenses ready. If you are self-employed, we ask that you prepare a list of your deductions and expenses.
Q: What do I do if I get audited?
A: If you have received correspondence from the IRS (or state agency) and we prepared the return for the year in question, please get the letter to us as soon as possible. Many times, the IRS may be asking for a piece of missing information to corroborate their records. Other times, yes, it may be an audit. In this case, your preparer will do all that they can to the fullest extent of our abilities.