Question 1

What documents do I need to file my taxes?

Accepted Answer

Typically: photo ID and SSN/ITIN for everyone on the return, W-2s and 1099s, forms for mortgage interest, education and retirement, and last year's return if you have it. After you contact us, we send a checklist tailored to your situation.

Question 2

Can you help with previous-year tax returns?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare prior-year and late returns. Filing sooner can help limit penalties and interest, and you generally have three years from the original due date to claim a refund.

Question 3

Can you amend my tax return?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare amended federal returns (Form 1040-X) and amended state returns to correct errors, report missed income or claim credits you missed.

Question 4

What is FBAR?

Accepted Answer

The FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) is a report of foreign bank and financial accounts. U.S. persons generally must file it if the combined value of their foreign accounts exceeded $10,000 at any time during the year.

Question 5

What is FATCA?

Accepted Answer

FATCA requires certain U.S. taxpayers to report specified foreign financial assets on Form 8938, filed with their tax return, when those assets exceed thresholds that depend on filing status and where you live.

Question 6

Who needs an ITIN?

Accepted Answer

People who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but aren't eligible for a Social Security Number — such as nonresident spouses and dependents claimed on a U.S. return, or nonresidents with a U.S. filing requirement.

Question 7

Can you help with IRS notices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We review the notice, explain what it means, and help you prepare a response before the deadline. If your return is selected for audit, we assist you through the process.

Question 8

Do you provide LLC services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We help with LLC formation, EIN applications, tax classification (including S corp elections) and annual LLC tax filings, including for foreign-owned LLCs.

Question 9

Do you provide bookkeeping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer monthly bookkeeping, reconciliations, catch-up bookkeeping and financial statements, along with payroll services.

Question 10

Do you support Indian/NRI tax requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our dedicated India processing team helps with Indian income tax returns for NRIs and residents, and we coordinate your Indian and U.S. filings — including FBAR and FATCA reporting of Indian accounts.

Question 11

When is the federal filing deadline?

Accepted Answer

For most individuals the federal deadline is April 15. An extension (Form 4868) gives you until October 15 to file, but any tax owed is still due by April 15.

Question 12

Can you file returns for previous years?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can prepare prior-year and late returns. Filing sooner can limit penalties and interest, and you generally have three years to claim a refund.

Question 13

Do you prepare returns for nonresidents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We help determine your residency status and prepare Form 1040-NR when it applies, including for many visa holders.

Question 14

Will I see my return before it's filed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We review the return with you and file only after you approve it.

Question 15

Do I need to file in more than one state?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. If you moved, or earned income sourced to another state, you may need a part-year or nonresident return. We'll confirm exactly which returns you need.

Question 16

Will I be taxed twice on the same income?

Accepted Answer

Most states offer a credit for taxes paid to another state. We apply these credits where they are available.

Question 17

My state doesn't have an income tax. Do I need to file?

Accepted Answer

Usually not for that state, but you may still need to file in another state where you earned income. We'll check.

Question 18

What is the FBAR threshold?

Accepted Answer

You generally need to file if the combined maximum value of all your foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any time during the calendar year — even if each account was smaller.

Question 19

When is the FBAR due?

Accepted Answer

The FBAR is due April 15, with an automatic extension to October 15. No separate extension request is required.

Question 20

Is FBAR the same as FATCA?

Accepted Answer

No. FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) is filed with FinCEN. FATCA reporting (Form 8938) is filed with your tax return and has different thresholds. Some people need to file both.

Question 21

I missed FBARs in earlier years. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Talk to us. There are IRS procedures for late filings, and the right path depends on your situation. We'll help you understand your options.

Question 22

What are the FATCA thresholds?

Accepted Answer

For single filers living in the U.S., generally more than $50,000 on the last day of the year or $75,000 at any time. For married filing jointly, $100,000 and $150,000. Higher thresholds apply if you live abroad.

Question 23

Do I file FATCA separately?

Accepted Answer

No. Form 8938 is attached to your federal income tax return. The FBAR is filed separately with FinCEN.

Question 24

Do I need both FATCA and FBAR?

Accepted Answer

Many people with foreign accounts need both. We'll check your thresholds and handle both filings together.

Question 25

Who needs an ITIN?

Accepted Answer

People who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but aren't eligible for a Social Security Number — for example, a nonresident spouse or dependent claimed on a U.S. return, or a nonresident with a U.S. filing requirement.

Question 26

How long does an ITIN take?

Accepted Answer

IRS processing times vary and can be longer during filing season. Submitting a complete application with correct documents helps avoid delays.

Question 27

Do ITINs expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An ITIN generally expires if it isn't used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years, and some older ITINs have expired on a set schedule. We can help with renewals.

Question 28

How long do I have to amend?

Accepted Answer

To claim a refund, generally within three years from the date you filed the original return or within two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.

Question 29

How long does an amended return take to process?

Accepted Answer

Amended returns usually take longer than original returns. The IRS provides a 'Where's My Amended Return?' tool to track status.

Question 30

Do I need to amend my state return too?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes — if the change affects your state taxable income. We'll handle both.

Question 31

What should I do first when I get an IRS notice?

Accepted Answer

Don't ignore it. Read the response deadline, keep the notice, and contact us with a copy so we can review it before the deadline.

Question 32

Does a notice mean I'm being audited?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Many notices are automated and relate to a single item, like unreported income or a math correction.

Question 33

Can you speak to the IRS for me?

Accepted Answer

With a signed power of attorney (Form 2848), a qualified professional can communicate with the IRS on your behalf.

Question 34

How is an LLC taxed?

Accepted Answer

By default, a single-member LLC is disregarded (reported on the owner's return) and a multi-member LLC files as a partnership. An LLC can elect to be taxed as an S or C corporation.

Question 35

Can a non-U.S. resident form a U.S. LLC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs typically must file Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 each year. We can help with formation and filings.

Question 36

Should my LLC elect S corp status?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your profit level, payroll and goals. We'll walk through the trade-offs with you.

Question 37

LLC or corporation — which is better?

Accepted Answer

Neither is best for everyone. It depends on your income, owners, investors and plans. We'll compare them for your situation.

Question 38

Can I change my entity later?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes — through tax elections or conversions — but some changes have tax consequences, so it helps to start right.

Question 39

When are business returns due?

Accepted Answer

For calendar-year entities: partnerships and S corporations generally by March 15, C corporations by April 15. Form 7004 extends the time to file.

Question 40

Can you help if my books aren't ready?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our bookkeeping team can clean up and reconcile your books before we prepare the return.

Question 41

Can you catch up on past months?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer catch-up and clean-up bookkeeping to bring your books current.

Question 42

Which accounting software do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with common small-business accounting tools. Tell us what you use and we'll confirm.

Question 43

Can you handle payroll for just one employee?

Accepted Answer

Yes — including S corporation owners who are the only employee.

Question 44

Do you file W-2s and 1099s?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare and file year-end W-2s for employees and 1099s for contractors.

Question 45

Do NRIs need to file an Indian tax return?

Accepted Answer

Generally, if your taxable Indian income exceeds the basic exemption limit, or if you want to claim a refund of excess TDS, you should file. We'll review your situation.

Question 46

Will I be taxed twice on Indian income?

Accepted Answer

The India–U.S. tax treaty and foreign tax credit rules are designed to reduce double taxation. We coordinate both returns so credits are claimed correctly.

Question 47

Do I need to report Indian accounts in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

If you are a U.S. person, your Indian accounts may need to be reported on the FBAR and/or Form 8938 (FATCA). We handle both sides.

Frequently asked questions

General questions

Federal Tax Filing

State Tax Filing

FBAR Filing

FATCA Reporting

ITIN Processing

Tax Amendments

IRS Representation

LLC Services

Entity Formation

Corporate Tax Filing

Bookkeeping

Payroll

Indian Tax Services

Ready to Get Your Taxes Sorted?