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(972) 836-9036
(972) 836-9036
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) Do you offer a FREE consultation?
Yes!
2) How does Remote Tax Preparation work?
Contact us through the website, email, or phone. We will answer all your questions and set up a convenient appointment time for you to have your taxes done remotely. Communication is done via SKYPE (video call) or phone conference. Depending on availability, you may be able to have your tax return prepared immediately! After your taxes are completed, you will be given the opportunity to review them before you pay and sign your return. Your return will then be electronically filed.
3) Are my taxes outsourced?
No. Your tax return is prepared in house by us. Your tax return information is never outsourced. We take your privacy seriously.
4) Is Virtual Tax Preparation safe? How do you safeguard against identity theft?
Yes! We use internet security and antivirus software, and your documents are stored electronically. We also use a Client Portal for secure document transfer. We do not store paper documents on site after tax season is over unless you specifically notify us to opt out of electronic cloud storage. If you choose to have documents stored on site, please rest assured that they are kept locked up. Identity theft scares us just as much as it scares you. Additionally, we do not sell or share your information with anyone unless you give specific permission. We hate spam email and junk mail too.
5) Why should I opt for virtual (or traditional) Tax Preparation through Elite Tax Service versus doing it myself?
When you choose Elite Tax Service, you can be confident that a trained professional is preparing your taxes. You don't have to pay for and rely on software that may not catch all your deductions for you. You don't have to worry about math or content errors. You don't have to stress about miscalculating your estimated tax - a mistake that can prove very costly for you. You don't have to spend hours of your own time hoping you get it right.
Check out this article, courtesy of CPA Practice Advisor, for the top ten reasons to hire a pro.
6) After my consultation, what if I decide that I want my taxes done elsewhere?
Satisfaction is guaranteed - you are under no obligation to purchase. Your return will not be filed through our firm, and any information you provided will be returned to you.
7) How do I send you my documents?
We use Secure File Pro for document sharing. You can go into our Secure Portal and upload your documents using your smartphone, tablet or scanner. Fill out the Tax Data Sheet and our Engagement Letter attached to your email (also on our forms age), include it with your other required documents and you're good to go!
8) How safe is Secure File Pro Portal?
Very.
9) Can I mail you my documents?
Yes, but please understand there will be some lag time due to snail mail. We recommend using a certified, trackable form of shipment.
10) How does the video chat work? Do I need to buy special software?
If you are not familiar with Skype, please click here for a step-by-step tutorial. You don't need to buy anything!
11) What if I can't participate in a video chat session?
We will be happy to have a phone conference instead.
12) I can't afford to pay for tax prep up front. What can I do?
We will work with you on this. We can e-file your taxes with no out of pocket expense to you. Just ask for our bank products.
13) What is the average turnaround time?
In many cases, we can do your taxes while you wait as long as an appointment is made. If you choose to drop off your taxes (either virtually or physically), the turnaround time can be from a few hours to one day, depending on the time of the tax season.
14) How do I sign my tax return if I'm getting it done virtually?
Elite Tax is an Electronic Return Originator (ERO), so we use the IRS Practitioner PIN method which allows our software to automatically to generate a PIN for you in lieu of a signature. We find that this method streamlines the process for you. We will need you to sign Form 8879- IRS E-file Siganture Authorization before we can submit your return to the IRS. We will send you a link to electronic sign your form.
15) Will my taxes be electronically filed?
Yes, we will e-file all taxes except for amended returns and returns involving special situations. We have to mail paper copies for amended returns because the IRS says so. If you are expecting money when you amend your return, the IRS will mail a paper check instead of direct deposit.
16) What is an IRS audit? What happens if I get audited?
According to the IRS, an audit is a review/examination of an organization's or individual's accounts and financial information to ensure information is being reported correctly, according to the tax laws, to verify the amount of tax reported is accurate.
Elite Tax Service offers free Audit Guidance with every paid tax return that we prepare. If you are audited, we will:
17) Do you offer any guarantees on your services?
Yes! We guarantee that if you incur penalties or interest on a tax return due to a mistake we made, we will pay the applicable penalties and interest. Please see our guarantee page for further information.
18) Do you provide audit representation?
Yes - only on tax returns prepared through our firm. We are able to represent you only at the initial audit level, however, due to IRS regulations. Beyond this level, we recommend that you consult with a tax attorney or EA (Enrolled Agent). This service will be billed on a case-by-case basis and a retainer will be required.
19) Do you prepare amended returns?
Yes!
20) Do you prepare back taxes?
In many cases, yes. Please contact us for a consultation, as the fees may be different from what is reported on the fees page, and a retainer may be required.
21) Do you charge extra to add up receipts for itemized deductions, etc?
It depends. We are able to keep our prices low by not charging the hourly rate you find at most accountants' offices. If you hand us a few receipts and bills, we have no problem doing the legwork for you. However, if you have a stack of receipts/expenses to be calculated, we will charge an hourly rate of $50 per hour to calculate these receipts.
If you want to avoid this fee, click here to be taken to our forms page. There are several forms available for you to add up and enter your expenses, depending on your individual tax situation. Fill out the form, sign it and send it, and we'll take care of the rest!
22) Do you prepare extensions?
Yes!
23) How do I remit payment?
We use PayPal for our merchant services. We can collect your payment via a PayPal link in an email if you are a remote customer. If you visit us in person, we will use the PayPal app. We accept cash, credit, and debit in our office. We do accept checks; however, we will not e-file the return or provide a copy of the completed return until your check clears.
To protect against identity theft, we request that the cardholder be a party to any credit/debit card transactions.
Fees must be paid before we will file your return or aplying for a bank product.
24) What are your hours of operation?
It depends. When do you need us? We are very flexible! Contact us, and we will do our best to work with you!
1) Do you offer a FREE consultation?
Yes!
2) How does Remote Tax Preparation work?
Contact us through the website, email, or phone. We will answer all your questions and set up a convenient appointment time for you to have your taxes done remotely. Communication is done via SKYPE (video call) or phone conference. Depending on availability, you may be able to have your tax return prepared immediately! After your taxes are completed, you will be given the opportunity to review them before you pay and sign your return. Your return will then be electronically filed.
3) Are my taxes outsourced?
No. Your tax return is prepared in house by us. Your tax return information is never outsourced. We take your privacy seriously.
4) Is Virtual Tax Preparation safe? How do you safeguard against identity theft?
Yes! We use internet security and antivirus software, and your documents are stored electronically. We also use a Client Portal for secure document transfer. We do not store paper documents on site after tax season is over unless you specifically notify us to opt out of electronic cloud storage. If you choose to have documents stored on site, please rest assured that they are kept locked up. Identity theft scares us just as much as it scares you. Additionally, we do not sell or share your information with anyone unless you give specific permission. We hate spam email and junk mail too.
5) Why should I opt for virtual (or traditional) Tax Preparation through Elite Tax Service versus doing it myself?
When you choose Elite Tax Service, you can be confident that a trained professional is preparing your taxes. You don't have to pay for and rely on software that may not catch all your deductions for you. You don't have to worry about math or content errors. You don't have to stress about miscalculating your estimated tax - a mistake that can prove very costly for you. You don't have to spend hours of your own time hoping you get it right.
Check out this article, courtesy of CPA Practice Advisor, for the top ten reasons to hire a pro.
6) After my consultation, what if I decide that I want my taxes done elsewhere?
Satisfaction is guaranteed - you are under no obligation to purchase. Your return will not be filed through our firm, and any information you provided will be returned to you.
7) How do I send you my documents?
We use Secure File Pro for document sharing. You can go into our Secure Portal and upload your documents using your smartphone, tablet or scanner. Fill out the Tax Data Sheet and our Engagement Letter attached to your email (also on our forms age), include it with your other required documents and you're good to go!
8) How safe is Secure File Pro Portal?
Very.
9) Can I mail you my documents?
Yes, but please understand there will be some lag time due to snail mail. We recommend using a certified, trackable form of shipment.
10) How does the video chat work? Do I need to buy special software?
If you are not familiar with Skype, please click here for a step-by-step tutorial. You don't need to buy anything!
11) What if I can't participate in a video chat session?
We will be happy to have a phone conference instead.
12) I can't afford to pay for tax prep up front. What can I do?
We will work with you on this. We can e-file your taxes with no out of pocket expense to you. Just ask for our bank products.
13) What is the average turnaround time?
In many cases, we can do your taxes while you wait as long as an appointment is made. If you choose to drop off your taxes (either virtually or physically), the turnaround time can be from a few hours to one day, depending on the time of the tax season.
14) How do I sign my tax return if I'm getting it done virtually?
Elite Tax is an Electronic Return Originator (ERO), so we use the IRS Practitioner PIN method which allows our software to automatically to generate a PIN for you in lieu of a signature. We find that this method streamlines the process for you. We will need you to sign Form 8879- IRS E-file Siganture Authorization before we can submit your return to the IRS. We will send you a link to electronic sign your form.
15) Will my taxes be electronically filed?
Yes, we will e-file all taxes except for amended returns and returns involving special situations. We have to mail paper copies for amended returns because the IRS says so. If you are expecting money when you amend your return, the IRS will mail a paper check instead of direct deposit.
16) What is an IRS audit? What happens if I get audited?
According to the IRS, an audit is a review/examination of an organization's or individual's accounts and financial information to ensure information is being reported correctly, according to the tax laws, to verify the amount of tax reported is accurate.
Elite Tax Service offers free Audit Guidance with every paid tax return that we prepare. If you are audited, we will:
- Review the audit documents and explain what they mean
- Provide guidance on how to gather records for your tax audit
- Assess the tax audit findings and explain them
- Provide guidance on the appeal process and other options available to you, if applicable
17) Do you offer any guarantees on your services?
Yes! We guarantee that if you incur penalties or interest on a tax return due to a mistake we made, we will pay the applicable penalties and interest. Please see our guarantee page for further information.
18) Do you provide audit representation?
Yes - only on tax returns prepared through our firm. We are able to represent you only at the initial audit level, however, due to IRS regulations. Beyond this level, we recommend that you consult with a tax attorney or EA (Enrolled Agent). This service will be billed on a case-by-case basis and a retainer will be required.
19) Do you prepare amended returns?
Yes!
20) Do you prepare back taxes?
In many cases, yes. Please contact us for a consultation, as the fees may be different from what is reported on the fees page, and a retainer may be required.
21) Do you charge extra to add up receipts for itemized deductions, etc?
It depends. We are able to keep our prices low by not charging the hourly rate you find at most accountants' offices. If you hand us a few receipts and bills, we have no problem doing the legwork for you. However, if you have a stack of receipts/expenses to be calculated, we will charge an hourly rate of $50 per hour to calculate these receipts.
If you want to avoid this fee, click here to be taken to our forms page. There are several forms available for you to add up and enter your expenses, depending on your individual tax situation. Fill out the form, sign it and send it, and we'll take care of the rest!
22) Do you prepare extensions?
Yes!
23) How do I remit payment?
We use PayPal for our merchant services. We can collect your payment via a PayPal link in an email if you are a remote customer. If you visit us in person, we will use the PayPal app. We accept cash, credit, and debit in our office. We do accept checks; however, we will not e-file the return or provide a copy of the completed return until your check clears.
To protect against identity theft, we request that the cardholder be a party to any credit/debit card transactions.
Fees must be paid before we will file your return or aplying for a bank product.
24) What are your hours of operation?
It depends. When do you need us? We are very flexible! Contact us, and we will do our best to work with you!