FAQ

Preparing your taxes with Tax Prep Remote is no different than preparing them in person.
We use Zoom Meetings or phone calls to interview and prepare.
We use our secure encrypted document portal to send and receive your forms and information.
You can electronically sign your tax forms via email and never have to leave the comfort and safely of your home or office.

Depending on the complexity of your return, I may be able to complete your return in as little as a few days.  If I need additional information or have a backlog of returns I am preparing, it will take longer.  However, I will strive to complete most returns within two weeks.

In addition to filing Federal returns, I can file returns for most states.

More than 90% of the time the IRS will issue a refund in less than 21 days on an e-filed return.  (If the return contains an Earned Income or Child Credit, it could take 2-3 weeks longer.)  E-filed returns requesting a paper check will take about a week longer.

Either go to www.irs.gov  and click on the “Where’s My Refund?” link or download the IRS2Go app for your cell phone.  You will need your SS number, filing status, and expected refund amount.

Common causes for e-file rejects:

• Mismatched personal information – information provided for the taxpayer or spouse does not match the information on file with Social Security SSN, name, or birthdate).
• Previously accepted return — Occurs when a taxpayer has already filed a return for the current year. Can also be caused if you are the victim of identity theft.
• Dependent claimed on another return – This can occur when a custodial and noncustodial parent both claim the same dependent.
• Dependent filed own return – A dependent filed a tax return claiming themselves rather than indicating they are the dependent of another.
• EIN does not match – the Employer ID Number on a W-2 does not match the IRS database.

This form is sent by the Marketplace to everyone who has medical insurance through the Exchange (Obamacare).  It contains necessary information needed to complete your return.  If you, your spouse, or any dependent had this insurance for even one month in 2020, this information must be included.  Filing a return without this information will cause the IRS to suspend processing the return.  They will then send a letter indicating the missing information with instructions on correcting the problem.

You can download the form from the Healthcare.gov website. If you can’t locate it there you can call them at 800-318-2596 to request a replacement.  This call center has been very efficient in helping in the past, with very short wait times, even in the last week of the filing season.

I can amend any year’s return.  However, any years prior to 2019 must be amended by a paper return.

I can prepare any prior year return.  However, only the current year, plus the two prior years, may be filed electronically.  Thus, only the years 2020, 2019, and 2018 may currently be e-filed.  All other years must be filed as a paper return.

You can file a return to get a refund anytime up to three years after the due date of the unfiled return.  After that time, you will not be able to receive any refund.  You can also amend a prior year return to receive any unpaid refund in the same three-year timeframe.  Please note that if you owe taxes on previous year’s returns, the three-year limit does not apply.

Tax balances are due on April 15^th (unless extended).  Filing for an automatic extension (to October 15^th) does not change the date the tax is due; it only changes the date the return is due.  Interest and penalties will still accrue beginning on April 15^th.  Extensions are designed for taxpayers who have not been able to get all their required documents together before the filing date.  If you have all the information needed to file your return, you should do so, even if you don’t pay the balance due.  Interest charged on past due balance is 0.5% per month; the penalty for not filing is 5% per month.

There are three basic installment plans offered by the IRS:

Short-term Payment Plan (120 days or less)

• $0 setup fee
• Plus accrued penalties and interest until the balance is paid in full

After applying for a short-term payment plan, you can pay the amount owed directly from your checking or savings account (Direct Pay) or by check, money order or debit/credit card.
Fees apply when paying by card.

Long-term Payment Plan (Installment Agreement) (Pay in more than 120 days with monthly payments)

Pay monthly through automatic withdrawals

• $31 setup fee (low income: setup fee waived)
• Plus accrued penalties and interest until the balance is paid in full

Pay amount owed through Direct Debit (automatic payments from your checking account). Also known as a Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA). This is required if your balance is more than $25,000.

Pay each month (non-Direct Debit)

• $149 setup fee (low income: $43 setup fee that may be reimbursed if certain conditions are met)
• Plus accrued penalties and interest until the balance is paid in full

After applying for a long-term payment plan, pay amount owed through non-Direct Debit (not automated) monthly payments, including payments directly from your checking or savings account (Direct Pay) or by check, money order or debit/credit card.
Fees apply when paying by card.

Each tax return is different, but you will be surprised how affordable and easy it is to prepare your taxes remotely with us.  There are no additional charges for our remote services.

Fees may be paid by credit card or by mailing a check.  You also have the option to have the fee taken from your refund. (Additional charge for this service is $42.95).