Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often from Delaware clients. If you don't see what you're looking for, reach out and we'll respond within 1 business day.
What documents do I need to get my return prepared?
The exact list depends on your situation, but most individual clients need: prior-year tax return (if you're new to us), W-2s and/or 1099s, mortgage interest and property tax statements (Form 1098) if itemizing, records of investment income (Form 1099-B/DIV/INT), childcare or education expense records, and any IRS or state notices you've received. Business clients should also have a profit-and-loss statement or bookkeeping export, a list of business expenses, and mileage or home-office records if applicable. Once you submit the contact form, we'll send a specific document checklist tailored to your situation.
What happens after I submit the contact form?
First, we review your intake information to understand your tax situation. Next, we send you a firm price quote based on the complexity of your return. If you accept the quote, we send an engagement letter outlining the scope of work, which you sign electronically. Once that's signed, we begin work and will reach out if we need additional documents. Throughout the process you can securely upload documents and message us with questions.
How long does it take to complete a return?
Most individual returns are completed within 5-10 business days of receiving all required documents, though this varies with the complexity of the return and how busy the season is. Business returns (S-corp, partnership) typically take 10-15 business days. We'll give you a specific estimate when we send your quote, and we'll flag it immediately if anything changes that timeline.
What does "starting at" pricing actually mean?
The prices listed on our pricing page are the minimum fee for that category of return in a straightforward case. Your actual fee may be higher if your return involves additional forms, multiple states, complex business activity, or significant time beyond what's typical for that category. You will always see and approve a specific, firm quote before we begin any work, so there's never a surprise on your final invoice.
What's the difference between W-2, 1099, and Schedule C income?
A W-2 means you're an employee: your employer withholds taxes from your paycheck and reports your wages at year-end. A 1099 generally means you were paid as a non-employee (for example, as an independent contractor) and no taxes were withheld, so you're responsible for paying self-employment and income tax on that income yourself. Schedule C is the tax form used to report profit or loss from a business you operate as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC (the form is where 1099 and other self-employment income and related business expenses actually get reported). In short: W-2 income comes from an employer with taxes already withheld, while 1099/Schedule C income comes from self-employment and requires you to account for taxes on your own.
Do you handle multi-state or out-of-state returns?
Yes. We prepare federal returns as well as multi-state returns for clients who live in one state and work in another, moved during the year, or own a business with activity across state lines.
Is anything on this site formal tax advice?
No. In accordance with IRS Circular 230, the general tax information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as formal tax advice for any specific transaction. Formal advice requires a full review of your individual facts and circumstances, which we're glad to provide once you become a client.