01/08/2025
Common FAQs
Q. Do you accept walk-ins?
No, we do not. All clients are seen by appointment only.
Q. Do you take new clients?
We are always happy to take on new clients if possible.
Q. How do I make an appointment?
You may call us at 256-494-9879, email us at [email protected], or send us a message through Facebook. When requesting an appointment through email or Facebook (or leaving a voice mesaage) please let us know what date, day, and time of day you are approximately interested in booking and we will do our best to accommodate you. We tend to book up fast, so we may have to adjust your request accordingly.
Q. What times are available for appointments, and when are you open?
During tax season, we are open Monday through Friday, 9AM until 6PM, and on Saturday from 9AM until 5PM, and we are closed on Sundays. We are closed for lunch from 1PM until 2PM daily. (If you have a 2PM appointment we will see you promptly at 2 and ask that you please do not bang on our door before then.) As a general rule we book appointments on the hour, every hour, but some special circumstances may exist. If special time accommodations are needed, we will try our best to help. Also, please be aware that schedules may vary between Mike and Kristi's particular availability.
Q. Do you have a cancelation or no-show policy?
We ask that once your appointment is set, you make every effort to keep it. If you must cancel, please try to do so with at least 24 hours' notice so we have a chance to fill the time slot. However, we understand that sometimes life just happens and situations come up. We will make every effort to reschedule you as soon as possible if you have to cancel. Although, if canceling/rescheduling becomes a habit, you do so more than once, and barring an emergency, there will be an extra fee added on. If you simply do not show up but choose to reschedule, again barring it was due to an actual emergency situation, there will be an extra fee added on for our loss of time.
Q. Do you have a waiting list for appointments?
Due to the sheer volume of customers, we see we do not have a set waitlist, and every appointment is made on a first come, first serve basis.
Q. What do you charge?
Our average tax return is around $65 to $75. We do not do set pricing, and our fee will vary based on the complexity of your return. Business returns generally start from $100 and go up. We try to adapt to each client's individual needs.
Q. Where are you located?
We are located at 302 Valley Street in Glencoe, AL 35905. If you are entering our business into any navigation system, we highly suggest you enter the address directly! If searching for us specifically in Apple Maps by business name, it will take you to the wrong location (despite our numerous attempts to have them fix this issue). Google Maps, Mapquest, and most others have the correct location already, but you should still verify by address. You may also visit this link to access written directions and a map.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MI9TfEf8_0nJMFZ1VSoLGluRf8MIlV05/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=108055732288800438274&rtpof=true&sd=true
Q. What forms of payment do you accept, and when do I have to pay you?
We accept cash, check, and credit/debit. Please note that there is a set $5 fee for all credit/debit transactions. If your check is returned for any reason, there is an additional $35 fee plus the original amount owed, and this must now be paid in cash. Payment is due at the time of your appointment. However, we will work with clients to the best of our ability, but payment must be made before any return is filed.
Q. What kind of information is required to file my taxes?
We have tried to simplify this for our clients by creating a Tax Information Worksheet. You can follow the links below or find them pinned in our featured section of the page. This worksheet will walk you through everything we require and any other information that's be useful to you in the filing of your return.
English version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11aaxbtOEbBMmkeFBxJTY-9HL6ndrTyLp/view?usp=drivesdk
Spanish version:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lioAXZ-0oy9dRPB4jMxnRXoz95KchyeT/view?usp=drivesdk
Q. Can I file my taxes with my last paycheck stub?
No, you can not. We may be able to start on your return with the information from a stub, but we MUST have the actual W2 in order to complete and submit your tax return. Oftentimes, the information will vary slightly, and that slight difference can make a big difference in your final tax outcome.
Q. Do you offer any type of advance refund?
No, we do not participate in any program that offers, nor do we personally offer any type of advance on your tax refund for any amount. We found in the past that the cost this passed onto our customers was not beneficial to them.
Q. How soon will I receive my refund?
According to the IRS, the standard turnaround time from the date of submission and processing is within 21 days IF you file electronically and elect to have your refund directly deposited. This process could take longer if there is anything that has to be corrected, is affected by identity theft, you are filing injured spouse, have earned income credit, or any additional child tax credit. Electing to file a return by mail could take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to process. If you file electronically but still choose to have a paper check mailed to you, it could take around 3 weeks for the refund to be issued. Usually, state refunds take longer and do not often guarantee any type of time frame. You can always track the status of your refund through IRS.gov and the “Where's My Refund” feature. State refunds can also be tracked through the appropriate state revenue website. (Example revenue.alabama.gov)
Q. Do you offer drop-off services ?
Yes, we do! We understand that sometimes you don’t have time to sit down for an appointment. Although, we prefer new and first-time clients to come in person if at all possible. If you need to drop your taxes off, please make sure you have ALL information and documentation together before doing so. It delays the process when you make several drop-offs because something was left out. Our turnaround time for drop-offs is approximately 2 to 3 weeks. In person, clients will take priority. If there are questions or issues, you will be contacted, so please make sure you include your correct contact information. When completed, you again will be contacted with the results, and they will be discussed with you. Once you have picked up, signed, and paid, your return will then be submitted.
Q. Can I mail or email my tax information to you?
Yes, you can! If you are not local, you can send us your documents by mail or email in order for us to prepare your return. Again, please try to make sure you have all appropriate documentation required so you only have to send things to us once. If we have to ask for more information we will contact you. When we receive things by mail/email, these will be considered the same as a drop-off, and the same timeline applies. We can send you an electronic invoice for our payment ($5 fee applies), or you can send us a check by mail.
Q. What if I don't live in Alabama or have income from another state?
We are equipped to prepare returns from all 50 states. We have many out of state clients already. We handle their returns as mentioned above through mail or email. If you live in Alabama but work out of state, no worries, we can help with that too.
Q. I am trying to get in touch with you but can't. What's going on?
Please understand we are usually very busy during tax season, and during the off-season, we do not keep regular office hours. If you call and do not get us, please leave a message, and someone will contact you back as quickly as possible to assist you. If you are calling to speak specifically with Kristi or Mike, know that in person clients take priority. If they happen to be unavailable, a message will be taken and given to them. They will then contact you at their earliest convenience to address your questions and/or concerns. Facebook messages and emails will be returned as quickly as possible as well. Amanda is our office manager and will assist you as best as she can with any issues within her control.
Q. What if I forgot something during my appointment or had to bring back additional information?
When additional documents or information has to be brought back or called in after your in person appointment, know we will get it taken care of as quickly as possible. Again, we stay very busy and may not get to it immediately. Whenever we do get to it, we will contact you. If it is something that requires an additional appointment (or the time equivalent to an appointment), an additional fee may apply.
Q. What if I have, or had, marketplace insurance (aka Obamacare)?
If you receive, or have received, any form of health insurance through the government marketplace (even if for only 1 day), form 1095-A is required, and your taxes can not be filed without it. You should receive this statement by mail (sometimes not until mid February) but if you do not, you may access it through your account on healthcare.gov. This applies to anyone listed on our return.
Q. What is an IP PIN?
An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number is required by the IRS for any individuals who may have experienced identity theft in any way. This number is required on your return, and the return will not be accepted by the IRS without it. If you have previously been required to have one, you will have to have one again. These numbers change yearly, so you must have received a new one through the mail or acquire one through the IRS.gov website. This applies to anyone listed on the tax return. You may visit this link for more information.
https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
