Read Our Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the tax preparation appointment work?
A. Step 1:Please contact us via email first with your basic information and what type of services you are looking for. If we are able to take you on as a client, we will provide you a fee estimate.
Step 2: If you are okay with the fees we will give you access to our secured portal where you can upload all your tax documents (any format). We will then review the documents and email you if we see any documents missing. For new clients, we will also send a link to collect the full or partial fees and we will true up this payment against our the final invoice once the return is prepared and before it is filed. Often times clients have a habit of not providing all the data at the time of getting the quote but we charge our fees based on the actual documents and not by the information provided by the client at the time of getting the quote.
If you contact us within the last week of the tax filing deadline, we do collect full fees before we even start the work . This fees is for our time and is non refundable whether you decide to use our services or not
Step 3: We will then schedule session via Zoom or Google Hangouts to review, finalize and file the tax return. We will can upload a draft copy of the return before the appointment for review upon payment of our fees. Jino Joseph meets with all the clients and not the staff who prepares the returns
Q: How do I gather all the relevant tax documents?
A. You can refer the link below to gather relevant tax documents. If you have covered California please make sure you upload all 1095-A and CA state form for preparing the return. Please refer to this checklist
Q: We used your services previous year(s). How come you don't give us an appointment for this year?
A. It could be a variety of reasons. Most common ones are:
- We are not too fond of your bargaining skills.
- Too aggressive on claiming certain deductions which we are not comfortable with
- Not being organized at the appointment and takes too much time for completing the return
- Personalities doesn't seem to fit based on prior year experience
- Makes multiple changes to the numbers and especially close to the tax filing deadline
- Constantly texting us with simple questions which you can find yourself on google. I will block such folks
Remember: A bus must accept everyone who is waiting at every bus stop. A CPA or a Tax Professional is NOT a bus.
Q: Do you offer free consultation?
We DO NOT offer free consultation services at any time. If you would like to get free tax consultation, you can call IRS at (800) 829-1040
Our consultation fees are :
Tax consultation - $300 / hour (Min $200/ half hour )
We collect the non refundable fee upfront prior to the appointment
Q: I have my W2. can you give us a refund estimate?
A. Please don't waster our time. Try online software like Turbo Tax , it is FREE!
Q : Do you prepare tax return if I am not local ?
A. We prepare tax returns for clients from all over the US. Due to Covid, we are only taking Zoom/Google Meet appointments even for local clients. No in person appointments at all. So your location doesn't matter
Q: Can I get a discount?
A. Unfortunately, not possible. Even car dealers are not giving discount these days!. So please don't waste both our time .
Q: I decided to file Taxes on my own, can you refund the fee that I paid?
A. Sorry! We do not refund any of our fees. Our fees are for our time whether or not you file with us.
Q: My tax return is very simple. What would be your fee ?
A. If it simple, please prepare it yourself. This way, you can save our fees.
Q: I have already prepared my tax return thru a software or another firm. Could you review my return for any errors?
A: Sorry, we don't offer this service.
Q: What are your fee for bookkeeping services?
A: We can only provide a quote once we have all your business bank and credit card statements. Please contact support at jinocpa.com for a quote
Q: I like to set up a business. Can you help?
A: Yes, absolutely. Our fees for Small Business Setup Services starts with $500 (includes EIN number, Filing all necessary forms with secretary of state for business formation and IRS filings)
Q: My Accountant is retiring, I am looking for a new CPA?
A: We are glad to assist you if you we both think we are the right fit each other. Please contact us and we can have a quick call to see if are able to work together. Remember we only take very limited new Individual clients to our practice.
Q: What is Your cancellation policy?
A: You can always cancel your appointment with us anytime.
Q: Do you represent in case of an IRS or State audit?
A: Yes, we do offer representation services for additional fees, Our audit engagement starts with retainer of $1500 which we will collect upfront.
Q: Does my Corporation or LLC needs to file a California Tax Return ?
Q: I scheduled auto payments to IRS/FTB at the time of tax filing and I need to cancel the payment
Once scheduled the estimated tax payments, we cannot cancel it at from our end. You may cancel the payments by calling them as below
- Call IRS e-file Payment Services 24/7 at 888-353-4537 to inquire about or cancel your payment, but please wait 7 to 10 days after your return was accepted before calling.
- Call FTB e-Programs customer service at 916-845-0353 at least 2 working days before the scheduled date of withdrawal
Q: I am a non US resident. How do I apply for ITIN?
Here are the instructions
https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/obtaining-an-itin-from-abroad
You will need to use one of these agents from India to obtain ITIN
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/acceptance-agents-india