Question 1

How much does tax preparation cost in Stroudsburg, PA?

Accepted Answer

Tax preparation costs vary significantly based on the complexity of your situation. A straightforward individual return with W-2 income typically costs less than a business return with multiple revenue streams and deductions.

For tax resolution services - dealing with IRS problems, unfiled returns, or audits - we offer free initial consultations to assess your situation. During this consultation, we'll explain exactly what needs to be done and provide clear pricing before you commit to anything. Many clients find that professional help actually saves them money by identifying deductions they missed or negotiating better terms with tax authorities.

The cost of not addressing tax problems properly is usually much higher than the cost of professional help. IRS penalties and interest compound quickly, and collection actions like wage garnishment or asset seizure can be financially devastating.

Question 2

What should I bring to my tax preparation appointment?

Accepted Answer

For current year tax preparation, bring all your income documents (W-2s, 1099s, business income records), expense receipts, and last year's tax return. If you're married, both spouses should attend if possible.

For tax resolution issues, the requirements are different. Bring any IRS or state notices you've received, copies of unfiled returns if you have them, and financial documents showing your current income and expenses. Don't worry if you don't have everything - we can often obtain missing documents directly from tax authorities.

The most important thing is to be completely honest about your situation. We can't help you effectively if we don't understand the full scope of the problem. Everything you tell us is confidential, and we've seen every type of tax situation imaginable. There's no judgment here, just professional problem-solving.

Question 3

Can you help if I haven't filed taxes in several years?

Accepted Answer

Yes, unfiled tax returns are one of the most common problems we solve. The IRS typically requires the last six years of returns to be filed, but the exact requirement depends on your specific situation.

The key is addressing this before the IRS takes collection action. Once they file a substitute return for you (which almost always results in higher taxes owed), your options become more limited and expensive. We can prepare all missing returns, often identifying deductions and credits that significantly reduce what you owe.

Many people avoid filing because they're afraid of what they might owe, but not filing makes everything worse. Penalties for not filing are much higher than penalties for not paying, and interest continues to compound. We've helped many clients discover they actually owed much less than they feared, and some even received refunds for certain years.

Question 4

What happens during an IRS audit in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most IRS audits in Pennsylvania are correspondence audits - they send you a letter asking for documentation to support specific items on your return. You typically have 30 days to respond with the requested documents.

Office audits, where you meet with an IRS agent, are less common but more complex. Having professional representation is crucial because anything you say can be used to expand the audit or trigger additional years of review. We handle all communication with the IRS, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.

The key to a successful audit is thorough documentation and knowing what the IRS can and cannot request. Many people make the mistake of providing more information than requested, which can lead to additional problems. Professional representation often results in better outcomes and significantly less stress for you.

Question 5

Do you offer payment plans for tax preparation services?

Accepted Answer

For standard tax preparation, payment is typically due when services are completed. However, for complex tax resolution cases, we understand that clients facing significant tax problems often have financial constraints.

We work with clients to structure payment arrangements that make sense for their situation. The goal is to resolve your tax problems, not create additional financial stress. During your consultation, we'll discuss payment options that work within your budget.

Remember that for tax resolution work, we often help clients establish payment plans with the IRS itself, which can significantly reduce the monthly amount you need to pay toward your tax debt. Professional representation often results in better terms than you could negotiate on your own.

Question 6

How long does it take to resolve IRS tax problems?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for resolving tax problems varies significantly based on the type of issue and how quickly you provide required documentation. Simple payment plan requests might be resolved in a few weeks, while complex offers in compromise can take six months to a year.

Unfiled returns can usually be prepared and filed within a few weeks once we have all necessary documents. IRS responses to these filings typically take 4-8 weeks, though this can be longer during peak filing seasons.

The most important factor in timeline is starting the process. Tax problems don't improve on their own, and IRS collection actions can happen quickly once they decide to pursue them. The sooner you address the situation professionally, the more options you'll have and the better the likely outcome.

Tax Preparation Stroudsburg, PA