
What Happens Next: Your Tax Prep Journey
Welcome to a better way to manage your taxes! Whether you're new to our service or looking for a fresh start, we're here to guide you through a seamless process to get everything on track. Forget confusing jargon and unnecessary stress—we offer a clear, step-by-step approach tailored to your unique needs.
We typically begin by reviewing your prior-year tax return. This helps us build a strong foundation for your current return and plan for your financial future. If you don't have a copy, no worries! We can request transcripts from the IRS electronically or via snail mail, ensuring we gather all the details needed for a complete and accurate picture.
And here's the best part: this is just the beginning. Looking ahead to next year, our Financial Gravity Family services will streamline and simplify your entire tax and financial life. Our holistic approach proactively manages your taxes, financial planning, and other ongoing needs under one cohesive strategy, so you'll feel confident and in control every step of the way.
Your Seven-Step Tax Preparation Process
Step 1: Gathering the Prior Year’s Return or Transcripts
We'll kick things off by reviewing a copy of your prior-year tax return, which gives us a clear overview of what's needed to build your current return. If you don’t have a prior-year copy handy, relax—we can request transcripts from the IRS on your behalf.
If the IRS mails these transcripts directly to you (don't worry, it's nothing scary!), please hold onto that envelope; it contains the documents we need. Once you have them, share these valuable papers with us! You can upload, drop them off, or even send them via carrier pigeon—whatever works best for you so we can dive into the details.
Step 2: Rebuilding Your Tax Picture
Using the transcripts (or your prior-year return, if available), we'll recreate your tax return in our system. This helps us understand what's important to carry forward and provides a clear roadmap for preparing your current return. Think of it like assembling a puzzle, but with less frustration and no missing pieces!
Step 3: Taking Stock of What We Have
Next, we'll compare the documents you’ve already shared with us against the transcripts or the recreated return to see if anything is missing.
Don’t worry if we find any gaps—it could simply be something from the past that no longer applies (like a W-2 from a previous job or a closed bank account). We'll sort it all out. It’s a bit like doing a closet purge, but for your tax documents!
Step 4: Filling in the Blanks
For any missing or unclear items, we’ll connect with you (via chat, email, or your preferred method) to determine what’s needed. We’ll also confirm if certain details, such as past accounts or income sources, are irrelevant for the current year.
Step 5: Drafting the Return
Once we’ve gathered all the necessary pieces, we’ll draft your return and review it thoroughly. This is where we dot the I’s, cross the T’s, and double-check that every number makes perfect sense (get it? Bad accounting humor!).
Step 6: The Grand Review
Before anything is filed, we'll walk you through the draft return. We’ll explain everything in plain language, free of jargon, and answer any questions you have. This is your chance to say, “Wait, what about this?” or “What does that mean?”
Step 7: E-Filing Magic
Once you're confident and give us the green light, we’ll e-file your return with the IRS and IDR. Voilà! You’re officially done with taxes for this year. Time for a happy dance (or at least a big sigh of relief!).
A Quick Note About Timing
Sometimes, things might take a little extra time as we wait for documents or process all the necessary information. But rest assured, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. You can always check the status in Tax Dome, our secure client portal, which shows whether we're preparing, reviewing, waiting on you, or waiting on the IRS/IDR.
And if you ever feel lost in the process, please reach out. We're here to answer your questions, keep things moving, and most importantly, make this as stress-free as possible.
What If the IRS Has Questions? (A "Worst-Case Scenario")
While we don't expect this to happen, occasionally the IRS or IDR might have a different record of what's on file than we do. If something from your return doesn’t perfectly align with their expectations, here’s what you can anticipate from us:
You’ll Get a Notice. The IRS will send you an official letter. Please let us know if it arrives—we should also receive a copy, but mail delivery isn't always predictable.
We’ll Investigate. We'll thoroughly research the issue to understand exactly what the IRS/IDR is asking for.
We’ll Handle the Response. Once we've gathered all the necessary information, we’ll draft and submit a comprehensive response to the IRS, including any recalculations needed.
Where We Go From Here
Our process begins with an investment analysis—a step we call ‘Taxes First Then Math.’ By combining your tax and financial strategy, we’ll ensure long-term clarity and success.
If you haven’t already, please send us your prior-year tax returns and detailed investment reports to get started. These documents will help us create a clear picture of your financial situation and ensure everything connects seamlessly.
For now, let’s focus on wrapping everything up smoothly! If you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Want more information on how we can help? Contact us https://www.jaydadvisors.com/contact