FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing method for individual taxpayers is a "Base Price plus Add-on System". There is a set minimum for each of the five filing statuses (i.e., Single - $95.00, Married Filing Joint - $125.00, Married Filing Separate - $165, Qualified Widow - $165.00, and Head of Household - $195.00). If you only have W-2 income (i. e. job income), you only pay the base fee which includes e-filing and your Massachusetts income tax return. If there are Add-on items - schedules, credits, and/or other states there will be additional fees which we must discuss in order to prepare a final quote. I try to price Add-ons fairly and simply. I am flexible and responsive to special situations. For small business, returns are priced at an hourly rate. Representation also is on an hourly basis as is QuickBooks support. Again, I try to be fair and flexible based on your situation. Virtually all tax returns are different and therefore prices vary based on complexity and personal circumstances. If your personal circumstances are complicated and involve special schedules and/or credits there will be additional charges. It is critical that we fully discuss the nature of your tax situation. I also provide tax planning services in the late summer and early fall. This is usually provided at a flat fee of $95.00. This could be a particularly valuable service this year due to the new tax law which could create unexpected obligations.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When you are ready to proceed we can get together to review your personal situation and your basic tax information. It is recommended that we take a second look at last year's return by entering it into our system so that we can verify its accuracy and help us ensure that current year's taxes are consistent with past filings. This is a free service and frequently turns up errors and/or omissions that can result in refunds upon amendment. (However there is a fee if you decide to amend a prior year's return.)
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Tax Professionals generally obtain 15 - 30 education credits each year and often as many as 50 or more. In addition, becoming an Enrolled Agent requires extensive study in order to satisfy IRS knowledge requirements about individual and business taxation, as well as IRS rules and procedures. EAs are required to take additional tax law credits including at least 2 credits of ethics.