Frequently asked questions

Yes, and we'd be glad to meet you. We welcome both individuals and business owners. The first step is creating a secure account in our client portal and telling us a little about what you need. We'll review it personally and follow up with the right next step.

Give the office a call and we'll find a time that works for you. We start booking tax-season appointments in mid-January. Appointments for planning, business services, or an IRS matter can be set up any time of year.

Our hours follow the tax calendar. From February 1 through April 15 we're open to the public on weekdays, with Saturday and after-hours appointments available. The rest of the year we work by appointment. The Contact page always has the full schedule.

Not at all. Most of our clients live in and around Winston-Salem, but we also work with people across North Carolina and beyond. With the secure portal and electronic signatures, you never have to come into the office unless you'd like to.

There are three. Pick the one that fits how you like to work.

In the office

Sit down with us, go through your documents together, and ask anything you like.

Drop-off

Leave your documents with us. We'll prepare the return and call you when it's ready, or sooner if we have a question.

Entirely online

Upload everything through the secure portal, then review, sign, and pay electronically from home.

It depends on how involved the return is, whether we have everything we need, and how close we are to a deadline. Drop-off and portal returns are usually finished within a few days, stretching to about a week during the busiest part of the season. If we're waiting on anything from you, we'll let you know right away so nothing sits.

It happens all the time, so don't worry. Let us know as soon as you can and upload the document through the portal. Late information can push back the timeline, especially close to a deadline, but we'd always rather have it than file without it.

Yes. Both spouses have to authorize a joint return before it can be filed. If you can't both come in at the same time, our electronic signature option lets each of you sign from wherever you are.

Yes, including situations with several unfiled years. We'll start by looking at what records are available and what the IRS has on file, then work out what actually needs to be filed and the best way to get you caught up. We've helped plenty of people in the same spot, and you won't get a lecture from us.

Fees depend on which forms your return needs and how involved it is, so we don't publish a one-size price list. We're always happy to talk through what to expect before we begin any work.

Cash, checks, and all major credit and debit cards, along with electronic payment through the client portal. Eligible clients can also have their preparation fee taken out of their refund.

For eligible returns, yes. Instead of paying when you file, the fee is deducted from your refund when it arrives. The bank that handles this charges its own processing fee, and we'll explain it before you decide whether it's right for you.

Please don't. Ordinary email isn't secure enough for Social Security numbers, bank details, and income records. Upload them through the secure client portal instead. It's encrypted from end to end, and the phone app can scan paper documents for you.

Anyone can drop off documents for you. Releasing information or discussing your return is different, and we may need your written authorization first. If you'd like us to talk with a family member, financial advisor, or anyone else, just let us know and we'll help you set up the right authorization.

Once your account is set up, you'll get an invitation email from us with an Activate Account button. From there you'll create a password, and your home screen will show anything that needs your attention. Our Client Resources page walks through each step.