Engagement Model

You initiate the tax preparation process by providing us with critical information and documents.  Our secure client portal allow us to collaborate with you in preparing and reviewing the return.  If you have some paper documents you can drop them off at our office.  Here are the basic steps in this phase:

  1. Create an account in the client portal, if you don't have one.

  2. eSign the Letter of Engagement available in the client portal to get our service protection.

  3. Complete the Tax Organizer/Questionnaire to help us understand and address your tax situation for the year.
    • Your responses will be saved as you go through the questions. 
    • You will be able to upload your documents as part of completing the questionnaire. 
  4. Upload all your documents to preare your return accurately.
    • Don't worry about not knowing what documents to provide. Our questionnaire and interview process will help you with that.
    • You will be able to upload your documents either as part of completing the questionnaire or simply through the client portal (and outside of questionnaire). Check out this quick video for further help.  
    • If you are a new client please remember to upload your previous year tax return to ensure integrity and continuity in your tax returns.  
    • For business tax return prepration, we need your business docs such as P&L, Year-End bank statements if we are not providing the bookkeeping services.
    • Depending on your situation we might require some additional documents or information.
    • Please indicate completion of the document upload by checking off the task in the client portal. 
    • We need all your documents at least 3-5 business days before the scheduled appointment. 

 

If you are filing jointly, both you and your spouse will have individualized access to your account in our client portal. We will send an activation request to your spouse email id, if filing jointly based on the completed questionnaire. You will have an opportunity to enable two-factor authentication. We have a user-friendly mobile app on iOS or Android which make interacting with us easier and secure.

 

In this phase, we prepare your tax return. Be mindful of the following during the prepare phase:

  1. We send requests/messages via the client portal, in case additional information is needed. 
  2. As we get closer to the due dates our response to your messages in the client portal could be little later than we all want. Please be assured that we are working on your return.  
    • Our goal is to minimize the back and forth. You will have an opportunity to discuss and clarify any of the items during the review process. 
    • If for any reason you need to reach your tax advisor and not able to get hold of them please feel free to flag our customer service manager or reach out to office@rcstax.com. 
  3. Once we are ready with your tax return, we may request you to schedule a time to review your return. 
  4. If we determine an extension is needed then we will work with you in filing for an extension.
    • Filing an extension is normal and it ensures there will be no failure to file penalty by IRS. 

 

In this phase, we review and finalize your return. The Tax return is for the past year but engaging with us provides you an opportunity to get some tax planning for future years. During the review phase:  

  1. We go over the return with you and your spouse if filing jointly. 
  2. We discuss how to optimize your taxes for the future years and how you might plan for future years from taxes perspective.  
    • Some of our clients prefer to have an indepdent tax planning sessions. We encourage you to do that to avoid the rush during the peak tax season. 
    • If the situation warrants we may recommend a follow-up at a later time as well. 
  3. We upload the finalized tax return and send an e-sign request authorizing us to e-file your return.
  4. You will also receive the final invoice for our service.

 

In this phase, you will know the exact outcome of your return (getting money back or paying taxes) and, hopefully, have had all of your questions answered.

  1. You will be able to view your return on payment of the invoice.

  2. If you have any follow-up questions please message us through the client portal.

  3. If everything looks good, please sign the form 8879 (e-file authorization).

  4. We file your return on receiving the signature on form 8879 and payment to the invoice. You will receive communication once the return is aknowledged by IRS.