Individual Tax Preparation
We prepare and file your individual tax return. You don’t need to be an advisory client. After a short intro call, we quote a fee and send a document checklist. We then prepare the return, review it with you, and e-file it. A mid-year check-in is part of the work.
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants their individual federal and state tax return prepared and filed.
People with equity pay (RSUs, stock options, ESPP shares) whose withholding rarely matches what they actually owe.
People nearing or in retirement whose return includes Roth conversions, withdrawals, or Social Security.
People who sold, or are about to sell, a business or a large position.
What’s included
Your federal and state income tax return.
A mid-year check-in, usually in the summer or early autumn, to look at income so far, withholding and estimated payments, and the tax effect of anything planned before December 31.
A document checklist, and a place to upload what we need.
A short walk-through of the finished return before it is filed.
How it works
Intro call. We talk about your situation and whether this is a fit. We quote your fee once we know what the return involves.
Documents. We send a checklist and you upload what we need.
Preparation. We prepare your federal and state return.
Review. We walk you through the finished return before anything is filed.
E-file. We file the return electronically once you have approved it.
Mid-year check-in. Later in the year, usually in the summer or early autumn, we look at income so far, withholding and estimated payments, and anything still ahead before December 31.
Timing
You can start with an intro call at any point in the year. If we begin during tax season, we go straight to the documents, the return, and the filing. The mid-year check-in then happens later in the year, usually in the summer or early autumn. If we begin earlier, the mid-year check-in comes first, while there is still time to adjust withholding or estimated payments. Individual returns are generally due in mid-April, or in mid-October if you file an extension.
Fees
Your fee is quoted after a short intro call, once we know what your return involves. It includes the mid-year check-in and is billed separately from any advisory fee.
Questions
Who prepares my return?
Herman Schroeder, CFA, prepares returns himself and brings in a specialist preparer for complex returns. Either way, you work with us from the first call through to the filing.
Do I need to be an advisory client?
No. You can work with us on your tax return without being a financial advice client. Tax work does not include advice about your investments; that is a separate advisory agreement.
Can you guarantee a tax result?
No. We prepare the return carefully, but no one can guarantee a tax result.
What documents should I have ready?
We’ll send a checklist after the intro call. It usually includes last year’s return, W-2s, 1099s, and records for any deductions or credits that apply to you. You can upload the documents once we start. If we already manage your portfolio, we may already have your investment tax forms.
Which states do you file?
We prepare your federal return and the state returns your situation requires. We’ll confirm which states apply on the intro call.
If you later want help with financial planning or investment advice, we can talk about that separately.