We take data security very seriously - in the 2020 FBI report on cybercrime, more than $4 billion was lost to cybercrime in the United States alone. The accounting profession operates with the facilitation and communication of highly sensitive information and we have, and adhere to, a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) in place - which is required by the IRS for all firms engaged in tax preparation to ensure your information is as secure as possible. This includes secure cloud data storage, no limited local storage of files utilizing encrypted drives, use of antivirus (malware and ransomware mitigation measures), restricting official communications through the client portal, use of Multifactor Authentication (MFA), and the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) when connected to the internet. Even if you choose to engage with services elsewhere, we urge you to inquire with your preparer as to whether or not they have a WISP in place and that they are adhering to such policies.

Tax preparation: Upon completion of your return, you will receive an invoice alongside your return before it is filed. After payment of the invoice, your return will be unlocked for your final signature for efile (Form 8879) and transmittal by the firm. This will ensure that you are only paying for a finished product and that we receive timely collections.

Bookkeeping & Accounting: Unless agreed-upon otherwise, billings will occur on a monthly basis.

Compliance, Tax Controversy, and Tax Planning: Unless agreed-upon otherwise, billings will occur on a monthly basis or at time of project completion, whichever comes sooner.

Tax preparation: Current convention most commonly used, and what we employ for most individuals, is to charge by form - rather than by the hour - for the majority of individual returns. We can provide an upfront estimate by request but keep in mind that an estimate is not a quote and may not reflect your final invoice. Business returns may be billed by the form or by the hour depending on the complexity and expertise required.

Bookkeeping & Accounting: We most commonly utilize, but are not limited to, one of the following conventions - percent of revenues, by transaction, or flat fee. Ultimately, the pricing agreement will be tailored on a per client basis.

Compliance, Tax Controversy, and Tax Planning: We adhere to billing on an hourly basis unless otherwise agreed-upon, such an example would be an existing client who purchased an IRS audit and/or planning package with their return for a one-time fee.

Please understand that filing tax returns are first and foremost an exercise in compliance with federal and/or state revenue regulatory bodies. Tax refunds are a result of overpayment of taxes throughout the year, whether it be by quarterly estimated tax payments and/or employer withholdings. Refunds are only as big as the amount you overpaid - a smaller refund means you got to keep more of your paycheck throughout the year. If you underpaid/under withheld, you may actually owe money instead, as well as penalties and interest if “safe-harbor” conditions were not met.

Clients, at time of engagement, will be provided access to our third-party portal, TaxDome, that will act as a secure bridge between the client and the firm. All communications will be restricted to TaxDome - which can be accessed via web browser and mobile app. We will never request information by means of email - email is not a secure method of communication.

If we prepared a tax return for you and were determined to receive a refund from the IRS, you can monitor the status of your refund utilizing the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund?” webpage.

Understand that we are a CPA firm - with the credential comes a position of public trust for both the firm and its CPAs, a higher bar of competency, care, and professionalism, greater scrutiny by Federal and State regulatory bodies and by the public at-large, increased liability, ongoing licensing and educational costs for both the firm and its CPAs, as well as all privileges uniquely awarded to CPAs. “You get what you pay for,” and when it comes to clean books, ongoing compliance, professionally prepared returns, representation, and tax-saving strategies, it’s much more affordable than the consequences that may come with going with the “cheaper” option - cheap is only cheap until it’s not.