Start with what you need this year.
Sometimes the job is simple: gather the documents and get the return prepared. Other years bring a new employer, a marriage, a child, retirement income, or several changes at once.
You should not have to decide on a larger advisory relationship before asking about your annual return. Individual preparation is available as its own service.
Tell us what changed, not just which forms arrived.
A brief summary of the year can be as useful to the first conversation as a list of documents. Mention changes in the household, your work, and the sources of income you expect to discuss.
Keep that summary separate from private account numbers and identifying information. The first website inquiry only needs your contact details and service interest.
Work & income
A job change, a second role, a first freelance project, or income that did not appear on last year's return.
Family & household
A change in household circumstances that you want the preparer to understand before the return is completed.
Retirement & next steps
A transition out of work or a question about income you expect in the coming year.
Tax questions do not always wait for filing season.
The IRS recommends checking withholding after major life changes, such as a new job, a significant income change, marriage, or the birth of a child. Its Tax Withholding Estimator is one available tool for eligible users.
A tax advisory conversation can address a question in the context of your household rather than treating each change separately. Bring the timing and the decision you are considering.
Keep preparation manageable.
Begin with an expected-document list. Mark what has arrived and what is still missing. Do not spend hours trying to interpret a document before asking whether it is relevant.
Use the preparation checklist to organize, then follow the specific document request for your engagement.
More time to file can be part of the conversation.
If your records are incomplete, discuss the situation before the applicable deadline. An extension conversation should address both the immediate filing question and the work needed to finish the return.
A website inquiry does not itself file an extension or reserve a deadline. Confirm responsibilities directly before relying on an action being taken.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions you may have.
Can you prepare my return even if I only have employment income?
Yes. Individual tax returns are a core service. Your full circumstances will determine the document requirements and scope.
Can I ask about a household change before filing season?
Yes. Year-round tax advisory is available for planning questions. Bring up the change and the timing so the work can be discussed.
What if my spouse and I have different types of income?
Explain the income sources in the initial conversation. Preparation and any advisory work should account for the circumstances relevant to the return, rather than assuming both people have the same records.
Do you handle preparation after an extension?
Yes. You can inquire about an extended individual return. Keep any extension and payment confirmations with your records.