Individual return
- Prior-year federal & state returns
- W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, SSA-1099
- 1098 mortgage interest, property tax
- Brokerage 1099-B with cost basis
- Charitable contribution records
- Childcare provider info & EIN
- HSA & retirement contributions
For clients and visitors
Deadlines, checklists, and answers to common questions.
Everything below is what we send to new clients in their first week. We have made it public because none of it is proprietary, and most of it solves problems before they reach our inbox.
Filing calendar
2025 federal filing deadlines.
State deadlines mostly mirror these, but Oregon, Washington, and Idaho each have a few exceptions. Ask us about your specific filings.
- Jan 15 Q4 2024 estimated tax payment for individuals and self-employed filers Form 1040-ES
- Jan 31 W-2s to employees and 1099-NEC to contractors W-2 / 1099-NEC
- Mar 17 S-corporation and partnership returns (calendar year) 1120-S / 1065
- Apr 15 Individual returns, C-corporation returns, and Q1 estimated tax 1040 / 1120 / 1040-ES
- Jun 16 Q2 estimated tax payment for individuals and self-employed Form 1040-ES
- Sep 15 Extended S-corp and partnership returns, Q3 estimated tax 1120-S / 1065 / 1040-ES
- Oct 15 Extended individual and C-corporation returns 1040 / 1120
- Jan 15, 2026 Q4 2025 estimated tax payment Form 1040-ES
What to bring
Document checklists for your first appointment.
Pull together whatever you can. Anything missing is something we will ask you for, but having most of it on day one saves a week of back-and-forth.
Small business / Schedule C
- P&L and balance sheet for the year
- Vehicle mileage log
- Home office square footage
- Equipment purchases & dates
- 1099-NECs issued to contractors
- Payroll reports if applicable
- Health insurance premiums paid
S-Corp / partnership
- Prior-year return & K-1s
- Trial balance for the year
- Bank & loan year-end statements
- Fixed asset additions & disposals
- Officer compensation summary
- Distributions by shareholder
- State apportionment data
Frequently asked
Questions we hear in almost every first call.
How are your fees structured?
Every engagement is fixed fee, quoted in advance and billed monthly or annually. We do not bill hourly for phone calls or quick questions, those are part of the relationship. We will give you a fee range on the first call and a firm quote after a one-hour scoping conversation.
Do I really need a CPA, or can I do this myself?
If your situation is a single W-2 and the standard deduction, software is fine. If you own a business, have rental property, hold equity comp, file in multiple states, or your household has more than a few moving parts, the math almost always works in favor of a CPA. We will tell you honestly on the first call.
I am behind on my books or my returns. Will you take me on?
Yes. A large share of our new clients come in behind. We have caught up six years of unfiled returns more than once. The first step is a no-judgment review of what is outstanding and a fixed quote to bring you current.
Can you work with my financial advisor or attorney?
Yes, and we prefer it. Coordinated advice produces better outcomes than three professionals working in isolation. With your written authorization we share information and meet jointly as needed.
How does the client portal work?
Every active client gets a secure portal account. You upload documents, sign engagement letters and returns, and pay invoices there. We post your monthly financials and tax returns to it. It is encrypted, audited, and does not use email attachments for anything sensitive.
Do you handle IRS or state notices?
For our clients, yes, included. If we prepared the return that generated the notice, responding to it is part of the fee. If you are not yet a client and need representation on an audit or collections matter, we can take that on as a stand-alone engagement.
What is the fastest way to become a client?
Book a 30-minute call on our scheduling page. We will tell you within that call whether we are a fit, what the fee would be, and what we would need from you to start.
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