The Search

You were probably referred to this website by friends, colleagues, or through social media channels. You’ve likely reviewed the website (designed and executed by Yours Truly) to learn more about me and get a feel for my vibe. If you decide you might want to meet ‘The One Who Makes Taxes Fun’ then submit a New Client Inquiry. 

The Date

Upon submission of the New Client Inquiry Form, you will receive a follow up email so I can get to know more about you. My business is based on relationships, not transactions. This means I get to know your background, your goals, and what you expect from a trusted advisor. We learn if we are a good fit for working together. I understand that clients have diversified needs and values and will provide options based on your preferences. 

The Proposal 

Once your choices are submitted, I’ll crunch some numbers on the back end and review my workload. (Never overpromise and underdeliver. That’s just not cool.) Based on your ‘next step’ preferences, I’ll either follow up by scheduling a phone call, Zoom meeting or no-obligation quote for services. I want to be transparent and upfront about what you can expect for pricing. In order to do that, it is necessary for you to provide me with details regarding your situation. Nobody likes surprises. (That goes for both of us!) The IRS has approximately 50 forms that may be included in a personal tax return. Without discussing your situation, I won’t be able to quote you a price. If don’t want to got through the effort of filling out the questionnaire and just want the work done, I’m okay with that as well. We can discuss your situation through a phone call or video chat. I bill all of my clients through the same methodology combining standard rates and value-added services. Check out the Value Pricing page for more information.

The Engagement

Once we’ve agreed to work together, I will include an agreement called an Engagement Letter. It defines our ‘Rules of Engagement’ for completing the work. I’m not sure why it’s called an Engagement Letter when a more common term would be “CONTRACT.” Engagement must sound more joyful and happy. In reality, this agreement is required by my insurance company and mandated by professional standards. It’s long. It’ boring (unless you’re me because I wrote it). I will ask you to read and sign this every year in order to clearly define our relationship and expectations. If filing a joint return, both taxpayer and spouse will be required to sign! The Engagement Letter is generally presented along with a proposal, delivered through email with online legally-binding signatures.  (Each person will need their own email address.)

The Commitment

Once we’ve defined our business relationship and agreement, it’s time for the fun to begin! I know you probably don’t see it that way. I get that. That’s why we make a good team! I’ll provide you with another questionnaire. (Remember. Relationship-based.) I don’t know what I don’t know when it comes to your situation so I ask questions to make sure we’re considering all available tax reduction strategies. This ensures filing an accurate return and keeping both of us out of hot water with the IRS. This form will be delivered via e-mail!

You will gather pertinent tax information and forms, scan it into one document, and use the ‘Send a Secure File’ button available on the top of my website pages or linked in the signature of my email. (You are also able to take and upload photos from your phone!) This is the most secure way to send documents. As your advisor, I’m asking you to avoid sending personal tax information through email. This technology is for our mutual protection and benefit.

While many firms have client portal accounts, I don’t require one more password or login. When you use the link to submit documents, I receive a secure email to download (with two-factor authentication) and retrieve the information to begin work! I partner with Encyro to deliver, receive, and sign business and tax documents. 

Based on your preference (mine is email), I’ll follow up with you along the way and ask any additional questions. Don’t be surprised if you see an email come through at odd hours. I aim to maintain a healthy work-life balance and that often times equates to working before or after my family is in bed. I love the quiet of the office knowing everyone is tucked away for the night or still snoozing away in the morning. (I’m not alone though! My little Aussie-Doodle, Bea, keeps an eye on my every move.) 

The Big Day

Wohoo! The work is finished and now we celebrate. Well, I hope we celebrate. Now. Now. I don’t like delivering bad news. It’s not my favorite part about this gig. If you’re like me, you’re more than just a little peeved when you owe at the end of the year. I get it. Boo. I cringe with you. Just remember, we’re a team and we look for all opportunities to (legally and ethically) reduce the amount of taxes you pay. So, don’t shoot the messenger if I bring you bad news. The GOOD NEWS is that you have the choice to include value-added services, such as tax strategy planning, so there are no surprises at the end of the year! 

Complete documents and a final invoice  will be delivered to you via email for review and signature. (ACH or credit card payments preferred, but I’ll accept a check as well.) In order to sign the e-file form required by the IRS, you will need access to a cell phone and text messages for verification purposes. (The IRS has stringent rules regarding e-signatures.) As long as you have a texting capabilities, this process is smooth as butta’ and does not require passwords, just an email and the access code. If filing jointly, both parties will need access to email and text messages.

You will be emailed a completed document to print or save for your records. (If you prefer paper, I’m happy to print the return for a nominal fee to cover additional preparation time and expenses.) As an added value to all individual tax returns, Audit Assistance and Identify Theft Protection is included with your return. Learn more about the benefits HERE.

The Anniversary

Maybe you just needed my help for a particular tax year, question, scenario, or project. I hope our work together was valuable and exceeded your expectations. 

Depending on the services you desire, I’ll see you again next year to continue our work together or later in the year to make a plan. Please reach out to me if you experience a change in job, marital status, adding or graduating dependents, buying a home, are considering retirement, starting a business, or just want to chat. 

When next tax-time comes around, I’ll be in contact with an updated Engagement Letter and pre-filled tax questionnaire made specifically for you. I look forward to the years to come!