Best Tax Preparation Services in Marlborough, MA

It is impossible to answer this question accurately without knowing all that is required for your specific return. We charge based on the complexity of your return. We have evaluated the complexity, knowledge, liability and preparation time involved with each possible form on a tax return, have assigned each form a value, and the sum of the forms required to accurately prepare your return is the basis for your fee. Until we have done your return, we cannot possibly guess what the fee will be. However, we can say that our rates are very competitive with similar firms offering similar depth of service, education and support. Our prices are not the cheapest (unlicensed preparers practicing out of their homes are usually less expensive), but they are far from the highest.

Generally, returns are completed during your initial appointment of about an hour. Sometimes, we find additional information is required and will send you home with homework. Depending on your homework, you may be able to drop it off for completion as our schedules allow, or you might wish to schedule a short follow-up appointment for completion. Complicated returns involving businesses or many rental properties may take longer and may require dropping off the business information before your appointment so we can prepare that portion of the return in advance.

During filing season, preparers are usually tightly scheduled with little time between appointments, therefore, in this time period, it is generally best to communicate through the administrative staff. Some preparers are busier than others (Laura Strombom tends to be the most tightly scheduled) and will have difficulty returning phone calls directly during generally accepted calling times. Email can be a very effective way to communicate or take advantage of a free 15 minute appointment. Do not be afraid to ask detailed questions of the administrative staff; if they cannot give you the answer, they will track it down, even if they have to ask the preparer while they are grabbing a quick bite to eat or walking past them. We also have an internal messaging system that allows the administrative staff to ask questions of preparers while they are in an appointment. Many questions can get a quick answer using this method. If the question is too complex to answer using this method, it is probably best for you to send an email or schedule a short, free appointment.

Get the letter or notice to us as soon as possible. We will review the notice for accuracy, give you detailed instructions on how to respond, and advise you of our fee to respond on your behalf, if you so desire. These notices are not always correct. Common notices, such as the CP2000 notice, suggest changes to your return, and if not addressed, become bills with penalties and interest applied. Generally, there is a 30 day response time. In the event that you wish to have us handle the matter for you, we will need signed Power of Attorney documents. These Power of Attorney documents are limited in scope to matters dealing solely with your taxe, and are limited to just the forms and time periods specified on the documents. Generally, these documents do not allow us to sign anything on your behalf. In fact, if you wish to have us sign certain IRS documents, and we are willing to take on this responsibility for you, a special area of the form needs to be addressed.