Question 1

How do I request a consultation?

Accepted Answer

How do I request a consultation?

Question 2

What is an Enrolled Agent?

Accepted Answer

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner with technical expertise in taxation, authorized by the IRS to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS for audits, collections, and appeals. As an EA, Lynn has unlimited practice rights in all 50 states. This credential requires passing a comprehensive three-part examination covering individual and business tax returns, plus representation and ethics. EAs must complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their credential.

Question 3

Why choose a boutique practice over a large tax firm?

Accepted Answer

A boutique practice offers personalized, direct access to an experienced tax professional who knows your situation intimately. You work with the same expert year after year, not a different preparer each season. This continuity enables proactive tax planning, strategic advice tailored to your goals, and a relationship built on trust. You receive focused attention and specialized expertise without the impersonal experience of a chain operation.

Question 4

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both virtual and in-person appointments are available to accommodate your preferences and schedule. Virtual meetings are conducted securely using professional video conferencing tools and are just as comprehensive as in-person appointments. You can securely share documents electronically, and all consultations—whether virtual or in-person—provide the same level of expertise and personalized service.

Question 5

When should I schedule my tax appointment?

Accepted Answer

Schedule as early as possible once you have your tax documents ready. Tax season begins in late January, and early filing allows ample time for strategic planning, thorough review, and avoiding last-minute stress. Early appointments also provide more scheduling flexibility and faster turnaround times.

Question 6

What is your typical turnaround time during tax season?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround time depends on the complexity of your return and when you schedule your appointment. For straightforward returns submitted early in the season, expect completion within 1-2 weeks. More complex returns with multiple schedules, business income, or investment activity may require 2-3 weeks. Returns submitted closer to the April deadline will be prioritized but may have shorter review windows. Scheduling early ensures the most efficient timeline.

Question 7

Do I need an appointment to visit the office?

Accepted Answer

Yes, appointments are required. This ensures Lynn can dedicate focused time to your needs without interruptions and has all necessary resources prepared in advance. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

Question 8

Where can I find your pricing?

Accepted Answer

Where can I find your pricing?

Question 9

What does "starting at" mean?

Accepted Answer

The "starting at" price reflects the base fee for that tier level. The final fee depends on your specific tax situation, including the number of forms required, complexity of deductions, investment income, business schedules, rental properties, and other factors. After an initial review of your documents and circumstances, you'll receive a clear, upfront quote before any work begins. There are no surprise charges.

Question 10

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Cash or check only. Payment is due in full before your tax return is filed. No exceptions. This policy ensures clarity and allows immediate filing once your return is approved.

Question 11

Do you provide year-round support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tax planning and guidance are available year-round, not just during filing season. Whether you have questions about estimated tax payments, need advice on a major financial decision, or want to discuss strategies to minimize your tax liability, Lynn is available for consultations throughout the year at $250 per hour.

Question 12

What documents should I bring for individual tax returns?

Accepted Answer

What documents should I bring for individual tax returns?

Question 13

What documents should I bring for small business returns?

Accepted Answer

What documents should I bring for small business returns?

Question 14

What if I'm missing some documents?

Accepted Answer

Contact Lynn as soon as you realize documents are missing. In many cases, forms can be obtained from employers, financial institutions, or downloaded from online accounts. For some items, such as investment cost basis or prior year information, research and reconstruction may be possible. If documents cannot be obtained in time, an extension can be filed to allow additional time.

Question 15

Can you file an extension, and does it extend the time to pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, extensions can be filed if you need additional time. An extension moves your filing deadline from April 15 to October 15. However, it does not extend the time to pay any taxes owed—those are still due by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. If you expect to owe taxes, you should make an estimated payment by the April deadline. You must request an extension by April 10. A $75 fee applies and will be added to your invoice.

Question 16

What happens if I file late without an extension?

Accepted Answer

Filing late without an extension results in penalties and interest from the IRS and potentially your state tax authority. The failure-to-file penalty is typically 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%. Interest accrues on unpaid taxes from the due date. If you're behind, contact Lynn immediately to assess your situation and file as soon as possible to minimize penalties.

Question 17

Do you prepare S-Corp, partnership, and corporate returns?

Accepted Answer

Do you prepare S-Corp, partnership, and corporate returns?

Question 18

Do you offer bookkeeping cleanup or QuickBooks support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your books need cleanup, reconciliation, or if you need assistance setting up or optimizing QuickBooks, those services are available. Clean, accurate books are essential for reliable tax preparation and business insights. Bookkeeping services are quoted separately based on scope and volume.

Question 19

How do quarterly estimated tax payments work?

Accepted Answer

If you're self-employed, have significant investment income, or other income not subject to withholding, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties. Lynn will calculate your estimated payments based on your projected income and provide payment vouchers and reminders for each quarter (April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15).

Question 20

What should I do if I received an IRS notice?

Accepted Answer

Do not ignore it. Contact Lynn immediately. IRS notices can address a variety of issues—from simple verification requests to proposed changes in tax owed. Lynn will review the notice, explain what it means, determine the appropriate response, and represent you in resolving the issue. As an Enrolled Agent, Lynn has the authority to represent you before the IRS at all administrative levels.

Question 21

Can you help if I am behind on filing prior years?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whether you need to catch up on unfiled returns or amend a previously filed return, Lynn will guide you through the process. Filing prior year returns resolves compliance issues, may result in refunds, and stops the accrual of certain penalties. The sooner you address unfiled returns, the better the outcome.

Question 22

What if I need to amend a return after it's been filed?

Accepted Answer

Amended returns can be prepared if you discover an error, missed deduction, or receive corrected tax documents after filing. Amendments are filed using Form 1040-X and require documentation supporting the changes. Lynn will review the situation, prepare the amended return, and explain the expected outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

How do I request a consultation?

What is an Enrolled Agent?

Why choose a boutique practice over a large tax firm?

Scheduling and Meetings

Do you offer virtual appointments?

When should I schedule my tax appointment?

What is your typical turnaround time during tax season?

Do I need an appointment to visit the office?

Pricing and Payments

Where can I find your pricing?

What does "starting at" mean?

What forms of payment do you accept?

Do you provide year-round support?

What to Bring and Documents

What documents should I bring for individual tax returns?

What documents should I bring for small business returns?

What if I'm missing some documents?

Extensions and Deadlines

Can you file an extension, and does it extend the time to pay?

What happens if I file late without an extension?

Business Returns

Do you prepare S-Corp, partnership, and corporate returns?

Do you offer bookkeeping cleanup or QuickBooks support?

How do quarterly estimated tax payments work?

IRS Notices and Amendments

What should I do if I received an IRS notice?

Can you help if I am behind on filing prior years?

What if I need to amend a return after it's been filed?

Still Have Questions?