Question 1

How much does tax preparation cost?

Accepted Answer

Individual tax returns (Form 1040) start at $425. S-Corporation returns (Form 1120-S) start at $1,625. Partnership (Form 1065), Nonprofit (Form 990), and Trust (Form 1041) returns are custom-priced based on complexity. Schedule C, Schedule E, capital gains, and multi-state filings are included in the base individual return when applicable.

Question 2

Should I elect S-Corp status?

Accepted Answer

S-Corp election typically benefits owners once net self-employment income exceeds roughly $50,000 to $60,000 annually, because the self-employment tax savings outweigh the added compliance costs (separate corporate return, reasonable owner payroll). I run the numbers on each situation individually before recommending it.

Question 3

What is the difference between tax prep and tax planning?

Accepted Answer

Tax prep is filing the return that covers the year that already happened. Tax planning is proactive strategy throughout the year — quarterly check-ins to adjust estimated payments, evaluate retirement contributions, plan equipment purchases, and optimize entity structure. Real tax planning happens before December, not in April.

Question 4

How fast will my return be completed?

Accepted Answer

Most individual returns are completed within 1 to 2 weeks when documents are provided promptly. Business returns typically complete within 2 to 3 weeks. My monthly bookkeeping clients receive priority scheduling during tax season.

Question 5

Can you help with quarterly estimated taxes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I calculate quarterly estimates based on your actual year-to-date income and adjust them throughout the year. The IRS deadlines are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Missing a deadline can trigger underpayment penalties, so quarterly planning is a core part of year-round tax work.

Question 6

What is included in year-round tax planning?

Accepted Answer

Year-round tax planning includes quarterly check-ins to adjust estimated payments, review for missed deductions, evaluate retirement contribution strategy, plan equipment purchases against Section 179 and bonus depreciation, and run year-end optimization moves before December 31. It is included at no additional charge for monthly bookkeeping clients.

Question 7

Do you prepare multi-state tax returns?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I prepare multi-state returns for business owners with nexus or filing obligations in multiple states — common for remote-first founders, real estate investors with out-of-state rentals, and W-2 earners who relocated mid-year. Multi-state complexity affects pricing; use the pricing calculator or contact me directly for a quote.