FAQs

Frequently Asked Tax Questions

  • Can I file with my last pay stub? No!

    The IRS requires a W2 for filing a tax return.  Your pay stub and your W2 might not match due to pay periods at the beginning or end of the year.  The only time we can use a pay stub is if an employer has refused to issue a W2 or has gone out of business.  A special form must be filled out and can not be filed until February 15th.

  • What do I need to bring in to file my taxes?

    Bring in Social Security Cards or ITIN letters for everyone that will be on the tax return (if you are a returning client we should have these on file already unless you have a new spouse/dependent.)  All W2, unemployment (1099G), retirement income (1099R), interest (1099INT), dividend (1099DIV).  If you own a house we also need your mortgage interest (1098), real estate taxes, charitable contributions, medical expenses, unreimbursed business expenses (helpful worksheets can be found under the Deduction Worksheet tab). Self-employed taxpayers can find forms to fill out on our Deduction Worksheet page.  We ask that our clients add up their receipts and fill out the forms, we still need to see the receipts or the accounting program reports before we can file the return.

  • What is the due date for W2’s, Mortgage Statements and other forms I need to for filing taxes?

    Unless you have investment income, everything you need must be out by January 31st.  Investment 1099’s for dividends and stock sales are due out by February 15th, however, we tend to see a few revisions on those forms in March.  If you have investment income it’s best to wait until late March to do your tax return.

  • What are your fees?

    Unlike our competitors we have our fees listed right on our website. Click here to go to our fee page for the Waukegan office.

  • Do I have to pay the fee at the time of service?

    We accept cash, checks and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Discover).  We also work with EPS Financial to offer our clients the option of having their fees deducted from their refund.  Clients have the option of getting their refund in a debit card, direct deposit or cashiers check.

  • How quickly can I get my refund back?

    The IRS states that a refund should be received in less than 21 days.   The state returns take about the same amount of time.  Once we send off returns we have no control as to when refunds are sent out by the government.

  • When are taxes due?

    Taxes are due April 15th, unless the 15th is on a Saturday or a Sunday then they are due on the Monday following the 15th.

  • What if I can’t file by April 15th?

    If you are not able to file by April 15th call us for an extension.  Extensions are due on October 15th.  Keep in mind it is an extension for time to file, not pay.  If there is a balance due on the return it should be paid by April 15th.  Any funds not paid by April 15th will accrue interested from April 15th until the day it is paid in full.

  • I got Married/Divorced this year, what is my filing status?

    What ever your marital status is on December 31st is your status for the year.  For example if you were married on December 31st at 11:59 you would file a joint return.  If your divorce is finalized on July 1st you would not filed a married filing joint or married filing separate return.

  • At what age do I stop claiming my child(ren)?

    Children can be claimed up to 18 or 24 if they are a full time college student. They can also be claimed indefinitely if they are permanently disabled.

  • How much do I get per child?

    There is no set amount of refund per child.  Children up to 17 years old may be eligible for the $1000 child tax credit.  This credit is based on income.  Some taxpayers may be eligible for Earned Income Credit (EIC).  EIC is a refundable credit based on income.  The credit is also based on 1, 2, or 3 children.

  • I pay someone to watch my child(ren) what do I need to deduct my daycare cost?

    In order to deduct for daycare you need the name of the business, the EIFN, address or the individual’s name, Social Security Number, and address.  We also need the how much was paid for daycare.

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