Are you accepting new clients?
I am accepting a limited number of new clients for preparation of individual returns for the 2024 filing season.
In general, I do not accept new clients during tax season (after February 10th). Feel free to contact me if you are seeing this in mid-February or later and would like to discuss the possibility of becoming a client for the 2024 extension season or the 2025 filing season.
I am no longer preparing returns for pass through entities (partnerships and S-corporations).
I do not do accounting or bookkeeping. Clients are expected to provide complete and accurate books and records. In some cases I can provide a referral to a bookkeeping/accounting professional.
How much do you charge?
This is the question I get asked most often and the one that is hardest to answer. I set a base price each year with an additional charge of $150 to onboard a new client with a business or rental properties. The base price for individual clients for the 2024 filing season is $500 plus applicable gross receipts tax. Click here for a list of what is included with full-price return preparation. The base price does not include preparation of the following:
- Schedule C (Profit/Loss from Business)
- Schedule E (Rental Property Profit/Loss)
- Schedule F (Profit/Loss from Farming or Ranching)
- Crytpocurrency Reconciliation
- Additional state returns
- International compliance work (including Forms 1116 and 8938)
If you book a free discovery call I may ask you at that time to complete a quote request and/or to provide a copy of one or more prior year returns so that I can give you a more accurate idea of what you will be paying.
I will never be the least expensive option but I am usually only slightly higher than regional averages and sometimes a bit lower for regional averages with my experience and level of service.
For more on why professional tax services cost more than DIY solutions click here.
How long does it take?
That’s another “it depends”! I don’t do your return while you wait (for more on that click here). In general returns are processed first in, first out and the earlier in tax season you get them in, the more likely you are to get a quick turnaround time.
My client management system will allow you to see where your return is in the process (being scanned, in data entry, in processing/final review) and how long it has been there when you log in although you won’t be able to see your place in line.
I use e-mail (and, to a limited extent, text messaging) to communicate when I am experiencing a backlog. Most of the time, I’ll even tell you why (high return submission volume over a short period of time, family emergencies, etc.) and what I’m doing to fix it.
In general, I try to keep turnaround time to less than three weeks.
Can I come to the office?
Not anymore. Between Covid-19 and “landlord issues” In July 2021 I made the difficult decision to no longer maintain a physical office.
I am available for fully remote, contact-free service. I can communicate with you by phone, e-mail, secure message, or video chat. I maintain a secure client portal for uploading/downloading tax documents. I also accept documents by mail/courier to the practice PO Box. If you are fully retired, elderly (roughly 75 and up), or disabled I will make house calls for both pick up and review and signature if you live in the Albuquerque area.
During your discovery call or once you come on board as a client we can discuss the options available to you for providing and receiving documents and for review appointments and consults.
Please note I do not accept documents delivered by e-mail or by text.
Do you do business returns?
I prepare Schedule C and Schedule F as part of individual Form 1040 return preparation. I no longer prepare returns for C Corporations, S Corporations, or Partnerships (including multi-member LLCs).
I may be able to provide you with a referral to someone who can help you. If you are looking for a referral during tax season, be prepared to be asked to go on extension.
Do you do bookkeeping or accounting?
No. I do, however, have some excellent bookkeepers to whom I can refer you (most are virtual firms outside of New Mexico).
Do you do returns for same sex couples?
Absolutely. I do not discriminate. Period. As long as you want your taxes done right, pay your invoices, and aren’t mean to me, I’m here to help!
Do you do returns for states other than New Mexico?
In general, yes. I mostly focus on the western United States, but I do returns for clients all over the country.
Do you do foreign returns?
In general, no. But I have a couple of excellent firms who specialize in international tax to which I’m happy to refer you. Depending on your situation it may be possible for me to prepare your U.S. return while a partner firm prepares your foreign return(s). The complexities of foreign tax, however, make this unlikely but I am happy to refer you to someone I know will get it right!
I can and will do returns for U.S. citizens living abroad but only if I am confident that their tax situation does not require a foreign tax specialist.
I also can and will do U.S. returns for U.S. non-residents but only after I have determined that they do not require a specialist.
I haven’t filed for a long time, can you help me catch up?
You bet! But returns for prior year non-filers can take some time. I will require a deposit to get started and I will require you to keep current with our invoices (pay for each year as it is done) to continue with the work. If this is your situation it’s best to book your discovery call and come onboard in the off season. I will still see you and may start working on your returns if you come in during season, but I may not be able to finish all of the work before the current year filing deadline. The order in which I process the returns depends on many factors which I will go over with you once I have fully reviewed your situation.
When can I get started?
Typically I begin accepting new clients for the following filing season in July.
I do not accept new clients once the filing season opens (usually mid-January).
How do I get started?
You book a new client discovery call by clicking here. During the call I will take some basic information and enter you into our client management system. I may also have you complete a quote request.
What documents do I need to provide?
You can find a list of documents here. For new clients I like to see at least last year’s return (or the last year filed) and would prefer to see the last three years. Providing prior year returns will also help me to provide you with a more accurate estimate of the price for your return preparation.
What then?
If you decide to use my services you simply follow the automated instructions as they are released by the client management system. It will let you know what to do next: ID check interview, follow up interview, etc. A general overview of how we process returns can be found here. Since 2021 it is a bit different because I automated some of the tasks I used to do manually, but in general that blog post describes how I work.
I’m being audited, can you help? OR I owe a lot of money and they want it, can you help?
I do not accept new representation clients during tax season. I may, however, be able to refer you to someone else who can help. If you are reading this outside of tax season (roughly May through December) please book a discovery call or complete the contact form to see if I can assist you with your audit or collections matter. If I can’t I will try to find you a trusted colleague who can.