Preparing for the 2024 Tax Season

Tax Season has officially commenced! As of Monday, January 29^th, the IRS began accepting tax returns for the 2023 Tax Year. Our firm has been preparing diligently to assist our clients and colleagues with the tax preparation process. Here are some helpful tips and reminders for our current and future clients and peers to help them get through the tax season smoothly.

The engagement letters are our yearly contracts that explain the terms and conditions of our services and is signed by the client confirming consent of the work that will be performed for the current year. Please be advised that we MUST have a signed engagement letter from each client before beginning any tax return preparation. If questions arise in regard to the tax organizers and/or engagement letters, please contact our office for more information. 

Organize & Submit 2023 Tax Documentation or File an Extension

Clients are advised to submit their tax documentation as promptly as possible. We understand that certain documents may be received at a later time, but submitting your tax information early can avoid delays during the tax preparation process. Tax documentation can be sent electronically, dropped off in the office or mailed in (regular mail, priority mail, certified delivery, etc.). If clients wish to submit secured documents electronically, our staff can send a secure link to upload their tax documentation upon request. Clients may also schedule a meeting with their respective tax preparers to deliver their documentation. 

We advise all clients to turn in their documentation as soon as possible before Friday, March 15^th. Any information received after March 15^th will not guarantee to be filed by the April 15^th deadline. 

If necessary, request to file an extension through October 15th to allow more time to gather documentation and file a return. Keep in mind that payments for expected amounts due on the tax returns are still required to be submitted by April 15th.

Stay connected with your Tax Preparer

Clients are encouraged to stay connected with their tax preparer in case any questions may arise. Clients may call our office to set up a time to meet with their corresponding tax preparer and drop off tax documentation. Some of our clients like to discuss their documentation in person or virtually with their preparer to let them know of any changes they expect for the filing season. If clients would like to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting to discuss their tax information, they should contact the office to set up an appointment as soon as possible. 

Also, clients should make sure to check their emails regularly as their tax preparer might send questions regarding their tax return.

Finalizing Tax Returns

Once a tax return has been completed, our office will either mail out a hard copy, email it out to the client or call the client to come by the office to pick up their return package. Upon reviewing and approving their tax return, the client MUST sign and return the Form 8879 – E-file Authorization Form to have their tax return electronically submitted to the IRS. Clients can mail, email, drop off, or fax back the authorization form to our office. A secure link can also be provided upon request if the client wishes to send it back electronically. 

Important Due Dates

Here are some Tax season due dates to keep in mind:

(Please note that any due dates that fall on a holiday or weekend will be due the next business day)

Making payments online via the IRS Direct Pay Portal

Please be advised that anyone who needs to make a 1040-V payment or estimated tax payment can either mail a check to the IRS with the corresponding payment voucher or go to the IRS Direct Pay portal to make a payment online. The website for the IRS Direct Pay portal is: www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay. 

How we can help!

We are here for our clients every step of the way! Do not wait, give us a call to schedule an appointment or drop off your tax information early. Our Griffing & Company, P.C. staff are ready to help you through this tax filing season. We look forward to hearing from you soon!