Tuesday Tax Tip

NOTE: Any return dropped off after March 25th - your return is under extension. These returns are being competed and processed in the order of when they were received. We had a large volume of late drop offs and we are working as diligently as possible to complete with a limited tax staff still onboard. Please be patient. You will receive a phone call when your return is completed for pick up.

Your tax return has been filed - check the status of your refund HERE

Please Take our Quick Survey on Tax Tip Tuesday - HERE

What do I do if I get a tax notice? Don't ignore it. Don't panic. Don't reply unless instructed to do so. Do take timely action. Do review the information. Do respond to a disputed notice. Do avoid scams. Do remember there is usually no need to call - but if you request a call here are the numbers - IRS: 800-829-1040; Ohio State: 800-282-1780; RITA: 800-860-7482

Remember: If you paid for our Audit Fee Protection Program bring the notice straight to us to handle 

Your tax return has been filed - check the status of your refund HERE

FREE Shred Event - April 23, 2022

Wishing you and your family a beautiful Easter, with plenty of chocolate and the beauty of spring all around you. 

We will not have office hours on Saturday April 16, 2022.

FREE Shred Event - April 23, 2022

REMINDER: If you received your taxes back via FedEx or Portal, WE CANNOT FILE YOUR RETURN UNTIL WE RECEIVE YOUR 8879 BACK. This is the form that authorizes us to electronically file your taxes. If you received your return via FedEx, the form would have been on the left side of the folder. If you received your return through the Portal, you can electronically sign using the “signature” tab in the Portal. Please sign as soon as possible to avoid any further delays in processing your return. You can also find the form HERE

Your tax return has been filed - check the status of your refund HERE

FREE Shred Event - April 23, 2022

We are now past our drop off deadline. Any returns dropped off after March 25^th we will be filing an extension to file.

Extension of Time To File Your Tax Return

An extension of time to file your return does NOT grant you any extension of time to pay your taxes. You should estimate and pay any owed taxes by your regular deadline to help avoid possible penalties.

Extensions extend time to file federal, state and local taxes until OCTOBER 17^th.

With under a month to go, we are nearing the end of tax season! The last day to submit your taxes to our office for preparation will be FRIDAY, MARCH 25^th by 5 PM.

Note: Any return received after this deadline will be automatically placed under extension. 

Help Protect Yourself Against Cyber Attacks and Fraud

At JL Smith, we take security seriously and  consider it a partnership. We follow strict protocols to help protect your information. Here are some cybersecurity tips and best practices to follow:

• Keep software up to date
• Use strong passwords
• Avoid opening suspicious emails
• Disable Bluetooth when you don't need it
• Keep hardware up to date
• Avoid using public networks
• Send files using secure tools
• Use anti-virus and anti-malware
• Check links before you click

Read more on how to protect yourself

FREE Shred Event - April 23, 2022

Recap of our Tax Process

Tax document drop box 📬 is located at our Avon Office (36610 Detroit Road, Avon, OH 44011) outside the main entrance. It is secure (locked and grounded) as well as monitored (under 24/7 video surveillance).

We are strongly encouraging all clients to use our Tax Portal 💻 again this year. If you need to review how to use please review the Portal Instructions.

PLEASE make sure to review your checklist that ALL documents are included before dropping off. Please review our Tax Preparation Checklist  📝 to make sure all your documents are included. Reminder: uploading documents as you receive them WILL cause delays in the processing of your return.

FREE Shred Event - April 23, 2022

Return status

Paperwork turned in ✔️

Taxes Prepared ✔️

Taxes Filed ✔️

Now check the status of your return - HERE

2022 tax filing has begun

IRS outlined the refund timing and what to expect with the April 18 tax deadline. Read the article HERE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What documents do I need to bring for my taxes?

This tax checklist will help you organize everything you may need to bring us for tax preparation. We also need a completed drop off sheet  and the APP form. Please refrain from dropping off or uploading until you have all your documents. This will prevent delays in the processing of your return.

How do I submit my tax documents to you?

We are strongly encouraging everyone to use our secure Portal. However, if you would prefer to physically drop off, there is a drop box outside the office.

Where is my refund?

After your return has been electronically filed and accepted, you can check the status using the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool.

How long will it take to receive my refund?

Most taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit will get their refund within 21 days. However, the IRS is experiencing delays again this tax season which you can read more about HERE: 

I received an IRS, OH or RITA notice, what should I do?

If you are enrolled in our Audit Protection Program, please bring us the notice to review and handle on your behalf. If you are not participating in the protection program, you will want to read the notice thoroughly and respond in a timely manner with any/all information requested. Once again, the IRS is experiencing processing delays so any information sent may take an extended period of time to process. It is important to note that receiving a notice does not necessarily mean there was an error.

Tax Season is Here!

Please wait until you have ALL your documents ready to drop off or upload to the Portal. Uploading documents as you receive them WILL cause delays in the processing of your return.

Click here for the Tax Preparation Checklist

Audit Fee Protection Program (AFPP)

The Internal Revenue Service, the Ohio Department of Taxation and Regional Income Tax Agency have been much more active in selecting individuals and companies for exam. Technology and updated statistical information have made our government entities much more efficient in increasing the number of tax  returns that are being examined.

Please include this form with your tax documents and answer Yes or No. You can access the from by clicking AUDIT FEE PROTECTION PROGRAM (AFPP)

Tax Season is Here!

Start dropping off your documents. Please make sure to check your checklist (and check it twice) and that ALL documents are included before dropping off. 

Click here for the Tax Preparation Checklist

Our tax document drop box is located at our Avon Office (36610 Detroit Road, Avon, OH 44011) outside the main entrance. It is secure (locked and grounded) as well as monitored (under 24/7 video surveillance).
We are strongly encouraging all clients to use our tax Portal again this year. Portal Instructions.

It’s almost tax time again! Ready to drop off? Gather and Organize your documents because we will start accepting drop-off returns February 1, 2022.

Video of what does the IRS say are the top 5 things you should do to make sure your tax return goes smothly - WATCH VIDEO

The upcoming tax-filing season is shaping up to be a chaotic one - Read the CNBC article on how to avoid delays

HOW TO USE THE PORTAL 

Used the Portal last year and need a refresher? New to the Portal and want to learn more? Watch our video for everything you need to know - Portal Instructions.

If you used the Portal last year, you will use the same account information to upload and receive documents again this year. If you did not use the Portal last year but would like to this year, please email Tax@jlsmithgroup.com to receive an activation link.

Overview of email: Some important dates* to remember:

• February 1, 2022 - Tax Season Starts
• April 1, 2022 - Last Day for Drop off's
• April 15, 2022 - Tax Season Ends

*Dates subject to change 

Overview of email: Welcome & what documents are needed to be dropped off in our drop box (or poral).

Please do not drop off until you have received all the documents we will need to prepare your return. You can reference Tax Appointment Confirmation Letter/Checklist for a general list of documents that we need for tax preparation or review your records from last year.

IMPORTANT: We also need the below forms filled out and included with your tax forms when you drop off or upload to the Portal.

Drop-off Sheet

Audit Fee Protection Program (AFPP)