Frequently asked questions

We are a CPA-led tax and accounting firm in Aurora, Illinois with more than 20 years in practice. We prepare taxes, run payroll, keep books, set up businesses and resolve IRS problems for individuals, families and business owners across the United States and abroad.

Yes. Most of our clients work with us remotely through our secure client portal, by phone and by video. We help clients in every state, and many living or doing business abroad.

You deal with a CPA who knows your file, not a call center. We start with a real conversation about your situation, we explain our findings in plain English, and you can reach us when you need us. We tell you honestly up front if we are not the right fit.

Never. Life gets busy, and we see this every week. We help you catch up calmly, without lectures, and show you how to stay current.

Send us a message or call, and tell us what you need. We will schedule a short conversation, explain how we can help and what we will need from you, and give you a clear quote before any work begins.

Quick, personal replies are a priority for us. We usually respond the same business day, and sometimes the next business day.

Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, by appointment. We also meet on Saturday and Sunday by appointment when you need it.

Both. Our office in Aurora is open by appointment, and we also work by phone, video and the secure client portal, whichever is easiest for you.

It depends on the work: a simple return costs less than a business with employees and several states. We give you a clear quote before we start, with no surprises.

Yes. We use an encrypted client portal instead of email for sensitive documents. Account numbers and tax IDs are encrypted, staff sign in with two-step verification, and access is logged.

A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is licensed by a state board after meeting education, examination and experience requirements, and must follow professional and ethical standards. A CPA can also represent you before the IRS. Many tax preparers are not CPAs.

Individual returns are generally due April 15. S corporations and partnerships are generally due March 15. If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day. An extension moves the filing date, usually to October 15 for individuals and September 15 for S corporations and partnerships.

No. An extension gives you more time to file, not to pay. If you expect to owe, send an estimate by the original due date to limit penalties and interest.

Generally yes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file, which is common with self-employment, rental, investment or business income. Payments are due in April, June, September and January. We calculate them so you pay the right amount.

Typically your W-2s and 1099s, last year's return, Social Security numbers for everyone on the return, mortgage interest and property tax forms, brokerage statements, rental income and expenses, and foreign account details. We give you a checklist matched to your situation.

Generally at least three years after you file. Keep them six years if you may have under-reported income by more than 25%, and records about property for as long as you own it plus three years. Keep returns forever if you never filed.

If part of your home is used regularly and exclusively for your business, yes. You can use the simplified method of $5 per square foot up to 300 square feet, or deduct actual costs. We pick the better method for you.

Yes. We reconcile exchange and wallet records, calculate gains and losses, and report them correctly. Every return asks about digital assets, so accuracy matters.

Do not panic and do not ignore it. Take a photo or scan every page and send it to us the day it arrives. Most notices have a response deadline, often 30 days. We read it, explain it and respond for you.

Yes, and it is never too late to start. We prepare the past-due returns, deal with the IRS for you, and explain your options for any balance due. The sooner you file, the more options you have.

It depends on your profit, your state and how you will be paid. An LLC protects personal assets and is simple. An S corporation can reduce self-employment tax for some owners, but adds payroll and compliance cost. We compare the numbers for you.

Yes. We run payroll in every state, with county and city compliance where it applies, direct deposit, an employee portal and all the quarterly and year-end filings.

Yes. These are some of the groups we work with most. Each has special tax rules, and you will find a page for each under Who we serve.

If the combined balance of all your foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any time during the year, you generally must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). Higher thresholds can require Form 8938 with your tax return. We check which apply to you.

They are different reports with different thresholds, different forms and different places to file. An FBAR goes to FinCEN and is due April 15 with an automatic extension to October 15. Form 8938 is filed with your tax return. You may need one, both or neither.

Generally your worldwide income, your foreign bank and investment accounts, and certain foreign mutual funds, which the U.S. treats under special rules (Form 8621). Large gifts from relatives abroad may also need a form. We help you sort it out and avoid double tax.

Yes. We help you choose the structure, coordinate with local professionals where required, and handle the U.S. tax filings that foreign operations create.

Use our secure client portal. Please do not email Social Security numbers, account numbers or ID documents. We give you a private link to upload them safely.

Existing clients can choose to receive text messages from us for requests, reminders and documents to sign. It is optional and you can stop any time by replying STOP. See our text message terms for details.