Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our services, process, and pricing.

Getting Started

Do you do W-2 only tax returns?

No. We specialize in small business tax preparation and currently only serve clients with business income (sole proprietors, LLCs, S-corps, partnerships). If you have business income alongside your W-2, you're a perfect fit.

How do I get started?

Fill out our intake form through the "Request Services" page. It takes about 5 minutes. We'll review your information and send you a transparent, fixed-price quote within 1 business day.

Do I need to meet in person?

No. We operate entirely virtually using secure online tools. Everything from document upload to return delivery is handled digitally.

Pricing & Payment

How much does tax preparation cost?

Pricing varies based on entity type and complexity. See our Pricing page for ranges. After reviewing your intake form, we provide a clear, fixed-price quote before you commit.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. For projects over a certain threshold, we offer split payment options. Details are provided with your quote.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. The quote you receive is the final price unless you add additional services or we discover unreported complexity after you've accepted the quote (which is rare).

Documents & Security

What documents do I need to provide?

This depends on your business type, but typically includes: bank statements, 1099s, receipts for business expenses, prior year returns, and any other income/expense documentation. We provide a customized checklist after you accept your quote.

How secure is the upload process?

All uploads use bank-level encryption. Files are stored securely in private cloud storage and only accessible to you and your assigned preparer. We never email sensitive documents.

Can I upload documents before accepting the quote?

You can upload documents through the client portal anytime, but we recommend waiting until after you accept your quote so you have a clear checklist.

Process & Timeline

What's the turnaround time?

Most returns are completed within 7-10 business days after we receive all required documents. Rush service is available for urgent filings.

What if I have questions during the process?

You can reach out anytime through the secure portal or via email. Response time is typically within 1 business day.

Do you file extensions?

Yes. If you need more time, we can file an extension for you. Note that extensions extend the filing deadline, not the payment deadline.

After Filing

What happens after you file my return?

You'll receive copies of your completed returns and gain access to our text-first digital accountant tool for year-round support with bookkeeping questions, estimated tax reminders, and tax planning.

What is the Text-First Digital Accountant?

It's an ongoing support tool included with every tax preparation service. Think of it as having an accountant in your pocket who helps you build better tax habits throughout the year via text-based guidance.

Do you handle quarterly estimated taxes?

Yes. We can calculate your quarterly estimated payments and provide reminders. This is included in our tax planning service.

What if I get a notice from the IRS or FTB?

Contact us immediately. We'll review the notice and help you understand what's needed. Note that we don't provide formal audit representation, but we can guide you through most common notices.

Services & Scope

Do you do bookkeeping throughout the year?

We offer catch-up bookkeeping to get your records organized for tax filing, but not full-service monthly bookkeeping. We can recommend bookkeeping tools and provide guidance.

Can you help me set up a new business?

We provide guidance on entity structure tax implications, EIN applications, and bookkeeping setup. For legal formation documents, you'll need to consult an attorney or formation service.

Do you work with clients outside California?

Currently, we focus on California-based small businesses. We can handle simple multi-state situations on a case-by-case basis.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within 1 business day.