Tax Guides
Straightforward answers to the questions our clients ask most, from IRS Enrolled Agents and CPAs.
What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment: A Complete Checklist
Coming prepared is the easiest way to get an accurate return, a faster appointment and every deduction you're owed. Use this checklist before you meet your tax preparer, in person or online.
Read the guideGot a CP2000 Notice From the IRS? What It Means and What to Do
A CP2000 is one of the most common IRS letters. It's not an audit and it's not a bill — it's a proposal. Here's what it means and how to respond.
Read the guide2027 Tax Deadlines for Individuals and Small Businesses
These are the main federal and Texas deadlines for filing 2026 returns in 2027. When a date falls on a weekend or holiday it moves to the next business day, and the IRS sometimes extends deadlines after disasters — so always confirm with us or the IRS.
Read the guideDo I Need to File US Taxes on Income From Another Country?
If you live in the US and have a bank account, rental property, a business or family money in another country, the IRS may expect to hear about it — even if you already paid tax there. Here's what applies and how to stay compliant without paying tax twice.
Read the guideLLC vs. S Corp: Which Saves More Tax in Texas?
“Should I be an S corp?” is one of the most common questions small business owners ask us. The answer depends mostly on how much profit your business makes. Here's how the two compare for a Texas business.
Read the guideDo I Need to File a Tax Return for 2026?
Whether you have to file depends on your income, your filing status, your age and the kind of income you had. Here are the federal rules for 2026 returns, which are due in 2027 — and the reasons to file even when you're not required to.
Read the guideWhere's My Refund? How Long IRS Refunds Take and Why They're Delayed
Most refunds arrive within three weeks, but some take much longer. Here's how to check yours, what each status means, and the most common reasons a refund is held up.
Read the guideGot IRS Letter 5071C? How to Verify Your Identity
Letter 5071C means the IRS received a tax return with your name and Social Security number and wants to confirm you filed it before it processes the return or sends a refund. It doesn't mean you did something wrong. Here's how to respond quickly.
Read the guideTax Preparer vs. TurboTax: Should You Do Your Own Taxes?
Tax software like TurboTax works well for many people. For others, a professional catches deductions and avoids mistakes that cost far more than the fee. Here's how to tell which group you're in.
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