What can I expect at my appointment?

As a small business, I have the luxury of being able to solely focus on you, the client.  You will be able to relax in a comfortable environment while we discuss you, your needs, your goals and your situation.  I will look over your information and forms, and look at the tax return you filed last year.  (If I see you missed a deduction from that year, we can discuss filing an amended return.)  I will prepare this year’s return and happily explain any tax law you have questions about.  Ultimately, this is YOUR tax return.  So, we are basically collaborating to get this completed accurately, with the best result for you possible within the boundaries of the US Tax Code.

What should I bring to my appointment?

• A copy of last year’s tax return if not prepared by Sean McNeely, EA
• Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID card)
• Health insurance information (this year everybody with insurance should receive either a 1095 A, B, or C)
• All tax documents (W-2, 1099’s, 1098s, etc.)
• Basic information for yourself, spouse, and any dependents (name, SSN, date of birth)
• A summary of deductions and expenses, sorted into categories (dues, advertising, charitable donations, medical expenses, etc.)
• Direct deposit/debit info (routing number and account number – or just bring your checkbook)
• Questions you may have about future planning, and other tax issues

How much will this cost?

The fee is determined by the complexity of your return.  The simpler the return, the less expensive it will be.  If you would like an estimate, please contact me and we can discuss your situation to determine what your fee would likely be.

What happens when you have a tax question beyond your current expertise?

I have multiple resources and professional communities available to me that I will not hesitate to use when any additional research is needed.  As any tax preparer should tell you, there is no way to know everything about taxation.  So even though I’ve had hundreds of hours of education in taxation, passed the three part exam to become an EA, take a minimum 30 hours of continuing education every year, and have filed hundreds of tax returns, there are still topics that I will need to investigate.

What about privacy?

There are requirements I am bound to per the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999.  It is my policy to handle the information you provide with the utmost confidentiality and care. Access to nonpublic personal information about you is restricted to me alone.  I will not disclose your personal and confidential information to anyone else without your express written permission to do so.  I maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information.