Accutax tries to minimize hassle and overhead with a fully electronic and standardized process. What we describe below is our general process and what most clients should expect, absent requests for a different process. We are open to modifications of the process to suit clients’ needs and specific circumstances: If you’re unsure about this process of have a special request, reach out to richard@accutaxreturns.com.
1. SIGN UP
Use our New Client Form to give us basic information about yourself and your tax situation. No sensitive information is required here. We'll contact you via email within two business days to confirm that we can handle your return, and provide a quote for what we expect to charge to prepare your return. We'll also provide a list of documents we expect you to provide us, including our Supplemental Client Form, which you'll deliver to us securely. You won't pay anything until your return has been prepared.
2. provide your documents
We use Dropbox to securely exchange electronic documents. We’ll create a folder on Dropbox and share it with you. You have full editing privileges. We'll walk you through the Dropbox sharing process if you'd like. See our FAQ page for more information on the Dropbox process and security. We’re very much interested in making the process as secure as possible while remaining fast, efficient, and electronic, and are exploring with a new mobile app to allow you to share documents even more securely.
3. WE prepare your return
We generally turn around a completed return within three business days once we have all your documents. If we won't be able to meet that standard once we have all your documents, we will let you know within 24 hours. Once your return is prepared, we will send you an email confirming your fee and the next steps to complete your filing. If you have any questions before we file your return, we're happy to perform our free post-return consultation prior to payment and filing.
4. you Pay and sign, we file
Go to our payment page, select the products that represent the services rendered, and use our Stripe checkout to pay via credit card. As soon as we have your payment, we’ll use our software to send your return documents to you for electronic signature, and place PDF copy of your return on Dropbox for your review. Once you’ve signed, we'll electronically file your return. We'll update you via email once it's accepted by the IRS and state authorities.
5. RECEIVE YOUR CONSULTATION
Once you've had a chance to review your return, send us an email with any questions you have about the return just filed, or any questions about tax planning for the future. Just let us know if you’d prefer to talk it through over the phone. We'll do our best to answer any questions that you have about your return, and offer advice on how you might better organize your affairs to optimize your tax outcomes in 2024.
6. REST EASY
You'll know that your return was carefully prepared by a person you can trust, who you have direct contact info for, and who is a licensed attorney that can respond to audit requests, write response letters to the IRS or state tax agencies, and represent you if need be. (Separate representation agreement required.)