Privacy Policy - Walker Total Financial

cup of coffee on wooden tabletop on computer

How We Work

We’re delighted to have you with us! Whether you’re an individual filer or a small business owner, our goal is to make the process as easy and transparent as possible. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect during tax season, how to reach us, and how to keep things moving efficiently.

STEP 1:

If you are a new client, we will add you to our secure client portal.

STEP 2:

Each year, for each engagement, and for each client, we send an Engagement Letter for you to review and sign. We will upload the Engagement Letter for clients who utilize the portal, and send a copy via postal mail for clients who aren't online. Clients who come into the office can sign the Engagement Letter in person.

Clients typically receive the new tax year engagement letter by January 20th after the tax year end.

STEP 3:

We provide a Checklist for clients of the documents they need to to gather for their tax preparation, based on last year's return. We also provide a New Client Questionnaire for new clients, and a Returning Client Organizer for returning clients, to capture necessary information and/or changes from the prior year.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR REMOTE/MAIL CLIENTS
When to submit tax organizers and upload tax documentation to Walker Total Financial's secure client portal:

The IRS generally begins processing tax returns at the end of January or early February each year. We advise our tax clients to complete the tax organizers and upload tax documents for us as early in the tax season as possible. The sooner we prepare and file your tax return, the sooner you can get a refund if one is due. Additionally, with the proliferation of identity theft and fraudulent tax returns, it is a good practice to file tax returns as early in the season as possible, because the IRS will generally only accept the first e-filed tax return, whether fraudulently filed by identity thieves or a real one filed on your behalf.

For Individual Tax Returns: please submit tax organizers and upload tax documentation as early as February 1 and no later than March 25.

For Partnership and Corporation Tax Returns: please submit tax organizers and upload tax documentation as early February 1 and no later than March 1.

TAX EXTENSIONS:

Please NOTE – at the beginning of April, and as needed, we will file tax return extensions for all tax clients who have signed an engagement letter but have not submitted all of the necessary information to complete their tax return. We do this as a precaution in the event the information does not arrive by our cut-off date. While we aim to complete all returns by the tax filing deadline, any tax returns with information submitted after the dates outlined above are subject to completion after the April 15 tax deadline.

As a reminder, an extension gives you additional time to file, but not additional time to pay. If you owe taxes on your return, penalties and fees accrue starting the day after the tax deadline, even if an extension is filed. Generally we will file the extension with the same tax due as last year, and will instruct you on any payments you should make at the time of the extension. If you expect your tax situation to be different from the previous year you can pay a different amount.

STEP 4:

Once we receive your signed Engagement Letter, completed tax organizer, and all applicable tax documents and information, we will begin working on your return. Our general turn-around time is around 1 week in February and 2 weeks in March. These are guidelines, not guarantees, and are based on the date we receive everything we need to complete your tax return.

STEP 5:

Once we have completed your tax return we will upload a copy to the secure client portal for you to review. If you request a hard copy of your return, we will contact you to pick it up or we will mail it to you (via FedEx Ground for those clients outside of Northville).

STEP 6:

After you have reviewed your return, you will need to sign E-File authorization (Form 8879) and pay your invoice. Both items will be included with your return copy.

Please NOTE: Per federal regulations, we cannot e-file your return without a signed authorization form. In the case of a Married Filing Jointly return, both spouses must sign before the return can be e-filed.

STEP 7:

Once the 8879 is signed, we will e-file your tax returns with the IRS and State (if applicable).

Please NOTE: In some cases, there may be a need to file local tax forms. We will prepare those forms; however most cities do not participate in the e-file program (Detroit is the exception). For other city returns, we will upload or mail to you a filing copy of the return along with instructions on where and when to file.

STEP 8:

We will monitor the e-filing to ensure it is successfully processed, and will notify you in the secure client portal when it has been accepted by the IRS and State. At that point, our tax preparation engagement with you is complete.

If you are enrolled in our Client Care Program, we will continue to monitor your IRS account throughout the year, and will notify you if any items of concern arise.

Thank you for your business and we look forward to working with you next year!

If at any point during this process you have any questions, please email us at admin@walkertotalfinancial.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Your current-year return is covered for as long as it can be audited—generally 3 years for the IRS and 4 years for the state.

Yes. Returns filed on extension and amended returns are covered under the package. (Preparation fees for an amended return may be separate.)

All related state returns tied to your covered filing are included.

Yes. You may cancel within 30 days of signup for a full refund of the package fee.

Guide for Tax Preparation Clients

How We Work

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

STEP 3:

STEP 4:

STEP 5:

STEP 6:

STEP 7:

STEP 8:

Plans & Pricing

Painless, transparent pricing.

Basic

Gold - Best Value

Silver

Frequently Asked Questions