Answers to your Tax and Business Questions
Top Tax FAQ's
We know you have questions. We want to come alongside you and help you get an idea of how to best plan for your tax needs.
For potential clients:
I have a simple tax return--two W-2's, a mortgage, and a few student loans. Should I have bring my taxes to RCG? We are happy to help anyone who brings their taxes to us. However, our expertise is with more complicated tax returns. You might find that it makes more sense for you to use your own tax software or have your taxes prepared by a national chain that specializes in basic returns.
How much do you charge for preparing a tax return? Our fee schedule is a form-based fee; which means that we have set prices for each form we need to use in completing your taxes, including 1040's, K1's, and Schedules C, D, & E. Our prices typically range from $350 to $2,000.
For existing clients:
Do I need to make an appointment to come into the office if I am a new client? If you are a new client, it is helpful to have an initial in-person meeting. During your initial meeting, your tax preparer will be able to go over all of your documents with you, let you know what documents are still missing (if any), and answer any initial questions you might have about our process. If you are unable to make an in-person meeting for any reason, we are fully capable to handle all of your onboarding needs remotely.
Do I need to make an in-person appointment if I am a returning client? No, an in-person meeting is not necessary if you are a returning client. However, if you have any major changes since last year, any questions about your 2021 return, or if you would just like to see our faces, we'd love to schedule a meeting with you.
Should I bring in my tax documents as I get them? No, please hold on to all of your tax documents until you have everything you need. Once you have everything you think you need, either send it in using our secure file sharing program, ShareFile, or bring paper copies to our office. (One exemption is the K1 for businesses--we know these sometimes are delayed in getting to you.) Not sure what exactly you need? Our tax organizer is a very helpful guide.
What is your typical turn-around time? Once we have all of the documents needed to complete your tax return, our goal is to have it completed within two weeks. We follow the "First In, First Out" rule, and work hard to make sure we are getting your returns completed in a reasonable time frame. "Missing Documents" is the most common reason for a delay in completing our clients' tax returns.
Can you help me file both my business and individual tax returns? Sure thing! We do this for many of our business clients.
Tax Filing Best Practices:
How do I send in my documents? Our preferred method is that you electronically upload your documents using our secure ShareFile site. If you are unable to do that, you're welcome to mail them or bring them to our Antioch office.
Can I just email my documents to my tax preparer? Please do not email your documents, as that is not the most secure way to send them to us.
After your finished with my taxes, how do I file with the IRS? We will file electronically for you, provided that you give your signatures on your tax return through DocuSign. After we complete your taxes, you will receive an email from DocuSign requesting an electronic signature. If filing jointly, both taxpayers need to sign. Some clients have had their DocuSign email go to their junk folder, so make sure you're on the lookout for it.
What if I don't want to file electronically? We can work with you to file a paper form. Please let our office staff or your tax preparer know when you send in your documents that you plan to paper file.
How do I pay the IRS? If you owe the IRS money, you can pay electronically through IRS web pay. You'll receive immediate confirmation of payment--no more wondering if your check got lost!
How do I pay you? You may pay us by either mailing in a check or by paying online through our secure Quickbooks site.
I sent in my originals. Will I get them back? Yes. We prefer that clients send us copies of their tax documents or upload their documents online, but if you sent us your originals, we will make sure they get back to you.
Top Business FAQ's
We have experience working with businesses of all kinds. Chances are, we've helped someone with the same questions you have.
For potential clients:
I have been using my own Desktop version of Quickbooks for a long time. What's the benefit of switching to Quickbooks Online? Quickbooks Online (QBO) allows for both your bookkeeper and your business owner to view the same Quickbooks file at the same time. If you use RCG for your bookkeeping needs, we can help you with your books from our office while you are looking at your books in your office. The software is always up-to-date, secure, and user-friendly.
Do you do both tax and bookkeeping services for the same clients? We specialize in being an all-encompassing bookkeeping and tax service for our clients. When we are familiar with a tax client's books, we are able to help them strategize for their best possible tax outcome. When we are familiar with a bookkeeping client's taxes, we can assist them in making choices for their business needs now that will serve them well at tax time.
What kind of services do you offer your bookkeeping clients? Our services range from simply serving as an overseer of our clients' books (helping with reconciliation and quarterly reporting) to being our clients' full-service bookkeepers (tracking accounts payable and receivable, managing assets, running payroll, filing 1099's, and the like). We work with our clients to deliver the package that fits their needs best.
For existing clients:
How do I sign up for automatic billing for my recurring monthly bill? Simply call our office or reach out to Christa Prill. Fill out a short form, and you're set!
What's the best way to set up an appointment if I have questions? Please call our office administrator, Shaney, and she will be able to set up an appointment if needed.
I heard you moved. What's your new address again? We are conveniently located off of Lone Tree Way in Antioch, about halfway between Lowe's and Wal-Mart at 5141 Lone Tree Way. We'd love for you to stop by and say hi!
What's the best way for me to get some tax strategy advice? You can either set up an individual appointment with us (charged by the hour), or we recommend upgrading to a plan that includes yearly or quarterly tax planning.
I basically know what I'm doing with my books, but I have a few questions. Can you help? Absolutely! Remember, we work with lots of businesses like yours, and you're probably not the only one to have those questions. We are happy to help by setting up a training meeting so that you can fully understand and make use of all the benefits of your Quickbooks software. Training sessions usually last 1-2 hours and help our clients move forward with confidence in their bookkeeping.
