Your work and personal tax questions belong in the same conversation.
Working for yourself can mean that the records arrive from you rather than a payroll department. Before preparation starts, it helps to know what is organized, what is incomplete, and whether a separate business return is involved.
The label on your website does not answer every filing question. Tell us how the activity is actually structured and whether another preparer or bookkeeper is already involved.
Begin with income, expenses, and the records behind them.
For a sole proprietor, business income and expenses are generally reported on Schedule C with the individual return. Self-employment tax can also apply. The IRS self-employed tax center explains these basic filing responsibilities. Our page on sole proprietor and Schedule C returns covers what that return involves.
A useful preparation package includes a summary that can be traced to the supporting records. Our self-employed records checklist helps you organize the conversation without assuming every expense is deductible.
Separate the bookkeeping question from the tax-return question.
A stack of transactions and a completed set of records are not the same starting point. If your records need reconstruction or cleanup, say so before agreeing to a preparation timetable.
Bookkeeping, payroll, and separate entity returns are not automatically part of an individual-return engagement. Ask about the work you need rather than assuming it comes with the tax return.
Make room for the payment question during the year.
When income is not covered by enough withholding, estimated payments may be required. Payment timing matters as well as the total paid. The IRS estimated-tax guidance provides the general framework.
A planning discussion should use your income expectations and records, not a flat percentage borrowed from another business. Ask about tax advisory when the question is about the year ahead rather than just completing last year's forms.
New to self-employment? Begin before the records pile up.
Your first inquiry can be simple: what you do, when you started, how the activity is organized, and the service you need. Keep financial documents out of the public inquiry form.
If filing time is approaching and the records are unfinished, discuss extension help as well as the work needed to prepare the eventual return.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions you may have.
Can I inquire if self-employment is only part of my income?
Yes. Tell us about both your employed work and the activity you do for yourself so the personal-return scope can be understood.
Does an LLC always belong on Schedule C?
No. An LLC's federal tax treatment depends on its ownership and any applicable tax election. Do not assume a particular return based only on the letters in the business name. Confirm the structure before preparation begins. See IRS guidance on LLC classifications.
Do you automatically provide bookkeeping with tax preparation?
No. Record cleanup, bookkeeping, payroll, and separate entity returns are not automatically included in a personal tax preparation engagement. Discuss those needs before agreeing on the scope.
Can I ask about estimated payments without waiting for my return?
Yes. A payment question can be part of a separate tax advisory conversation during the year.