Our clients frequently ask about a variety of tax-related topics. Here are some of the most common questions we receive:

When can I file my taxes? What documents do I need to bring you?

Do I really need to file if I didn’t make much money?

Can I file without my W-2 yet?

How long does it take to file? When will I get my refund?

Why is my refund smaller this year?

Can the IRS take my refund for old debt/child support?

What happens if I owe and can’t pay?

Can I get a payment plan with the IRS?

Can I claim my child if the other parent already did?

What are some tax concerns or misunderstandings you often encounter with new clients?

We often find that new clients have some common misunderstandings about taxes, including:

The IRS owes me a refund no matter what. Many clients think they’ll always get money back. In reality, refunds depend on withholding, credits, and tax liability.

My refund will be the same as last year. They don’t realize changes in income, dependents, or laws (like Child Tax Credit changes) can shrink or eliminate a refund.

You (the preparer) control how fast I get my refund. They don’t realize refund speed depends on IRS processing, not their tax pro.

I don’t need to report side income. Many think cash apps (CashApp, Zelle, PayPal) or cash side jobs don’t count.

If I didn’t get a 1099, I don’t have to report it. Huge misconception—all income counts, whether reported on a form or not. Receipts aren’t necessary for deductions.” They assume estimates are fine, not realizing audits require proof.

We both can claim the same child. Divorced or separated parents often assume both can claim dependents, which leads to IRS rejections.

I can claim anyone who lives with me. They don’t realize there are income and support tests for dependents.

I’ll automatically get the Earned Income Credit. Many don’t understand the income limits or qualifying child rules.

Everything I buy is a write-off. New business owners think personal spending (clothes, groceries, vacations) counts as deductions.

I don’t need to make quarterly payments. They’re surprised by IRS penalties when they owe at the end of the year.

An LLC means I don’t pay taxes. They don’t understand that an LLC is a legal structure, not a tax shelter.

“If I ignore IRS letters, they’ll go away.”

I can’t file if I owe money. (Many don’t realize you can file and set up a payment plan.)

The IRS will automatically fix mistakes for me. (Sometimes they do, but not always in your favor.)

Can you describe a few unique or unusual tax situations you've helped clients navigate?

We've assisted clients with a range of unique tax situations. Here are a couple of examples:

•Separated parents both tried to claim the same child. Guided one parent on how the IRS “tiebreaker rules” work and explained who legally qualifies to claim Head of Household, Child Tax Credit, and EITC. •A client drove Uber, did hair out of their house, and sold products online. They didn’t realize all three streams had to be reported. Helped them track income/expenses separately and coached them on quarterly estimated taxes.