Here are the questions answered on this page! Click on the question to jump directly to that part of the page below.
Q1: I have been wondering about ___. Can you please explain it?
Q2: What forms of payment do you take?
Q4: What is your process for tax preparation?
Q5: What items do I need for a tax learning session?
Q6: I have an unusual/complicated tax situation. Do you take clients like me?
Q7: Are you properly licensed and registered as a tax preparer?
Q1: I have been wondering about ____. Can you please explain it?
A1: Please ask! I will get back to you directly or address your topic in a future newsletter or article.
Q2: What forms of payment do you take?
A2: Venmo, e-check (ACH transfer), and paper check (snail mail) – whichever form your prefer. After we meet, I’ll send you an invoice via email with my venmo handle, a link for ACH payment, and my mailing address for sending paper checks.
Q3: Where do we meet up?
A3: My business started with in-person meetings, but now I work virtually, meeting with people over Zoom. For our Zoom video calls, you’ll most likely want to use a computer rather than a smartphone, for the screen size and other features. If you are in the NYC area, I am open to in-person meetings in Brooklyn or Manhattan, feel free to make a suggestion.
Q4: What is your process for tax preparation?
A4: Here is my step-by-step outline of the process.
- You kick off the process by emailing me your interest in working together. I will send you (i) an intake questionnaire and (ii) an invoice for payment of a $50 deposit.
- After you complete the items in #1, we schedule and have a short initial consultation call on Zoom for identify verification and to discuss items such as any changes in your tax situation from last year and any concerns you have about your tax preparation.
- You provide me with tax documents and documents for identity verification via secure file sharing (I will provide instructions). I review these, request anything that appears missing, and ask any clarifying questions.
- I provide you with a copy of your draft federal and state tax returns. We can review together on a Zoom call, or you can provide your feedback via message, whichever you prefer. We make any needed adjustments, then I invoice you and you pay me for tax return preparation (less your initial $50 deposit).
- We all provide the required signatures – a fully digital/online process.
- I e-file your federal and state return and provide you with a copy.
Q5: What items do I need for a tax learning session?
A5: Great question! Having your materials pulled together in advance lets us focus on maximizing your learning, not chasing after this stuff. You’ll need:
- A computer to work on.
- Tax prep software (I have used TurboTax for my own taxes but make sure you check IRS Direct File and IRS free file to see if you can file without paying out of pocket). We can look at this together at the beginning of your session, or you can check it out in advance, your preference.
- All your tax paperwork for the year in question, such as W-2’s, 1099’s, interest statements for things like a mortgage loan or student loan, etc. If you are married filing jointly, you need this paperwork for both spouses.
- If you have any self-employment income from your own business (eg, tutoring, consulting, etc.), you need information on revenues and expenses (i.e., costs incurred in order to generate that revenue, like supplies) for the calendar year in question (Jan-Dec). If you are married filing jointly, you need this info for both spouses.
- A copy of last year’s tax return, which we’ll use to identify certain metrics for electronic filing of your return (this is for identity-theft-prevention). If you don’t have it, we may be able to request the needed info online, but it is much easier if you have this in hand.
- Account information for a checking or savings account, where your refund will be deposited (if you are getting a refund), or where your payment will be drawn from (if you owe).
Q6: I have an unusual/complicated tax situation. Do you take clients like me for tax learning sessions?
A6: Well, “unusual” or “complicated” can mean different things to different people. If your situation is too complicated to do it justice in a “regular” session, or if it is beyond my capabilities, I will clearly communicate this. I encourage you to contact me, give a short description, and I’ll let you know!
Q7: Are you properly licensed and registered as a tax preparer?
A7: I am an Authorized IRS e-file Provider, which means I can file tax returns electronically. You can find me and Frequently Taxed Questions listed on the IRS website (my zip code is 11218).
In New York state, I am registered as a Commercial Tax Preparer and have met the state’s continuing education requirements. You can find me in the NY Department of Taxation and Finance database of registered tax preparers.
Consistent with New York State regulations, please see my NY Certificate of Registration, the NY Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers, and my Price List for preparation of 2024 tax returns. You may be interested in reviewing this NY State publication on consumer rights regarding tax preparers.
Consistent with New York City regulations, please see my Identification, Qualifications, and Price List, and the English-language version of the NYC Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers (it is available in several other languages on this website).
I am also certified through the IRS’s VITA program (volunteer income tax assistance), which means I passed tests on conducting client intake, meeting the volunteer standards of conduct, and preparing tax returns.
Q8: Will you help me if I am audited by the IRS or my state?
A8: I will assist you in a behind-the-scenes manner regarding any notices or audits related to a tax return I prepared. I will not represent you before the IRS or state tax authority. Please see IRS Publication 947 for a detailed discussion of who may represent a taxpayer before the IRS. I will provide this behind-the-scenes assistance at no additional cost to you.
Frequently Taxed Questions 