Question 1

When is the deadline for submitting my paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Paperwork is due 45 days before the deadline (either federal or state). Documents submitted after the deadline are not guaranteed to be filed on time.

Question 2

What is Onvio? Do I have to use it?

Accepted Answer

Onvio is a secure portal we use for exchanging documents electronically. It’s far superior to emailing sensitive information, so we highly recommend you use it year after year to upload tax documents as you receive them.

Question 3

Why was my return extended?

Accepted Answer

It is our standard practice to extend all returns that we engaged with the previous year.

Question 4

Isn’t an extension a red flag for the IRS?

Accepted Answer

It is not a red flag. This is a standard practice for a firm of our size. We do this as proactive protection for our clients so their return does not miss the original filing deadline. According to the New York Times, 15 million Americans filed an extension for their 2018 tax returns in 2019.

Question 5

Will I have penalties & interest due to the extension?

Accepted Answer

There is no penalty for receiving an extension. However, extending your return does not impact when your taxes are due. If you owe money, you are still expected to pay by the original deadline. If you do not pay by the first deadline, you will accumulate interest.

Question 6

How do I know if my return was extended?

Accepted Answer

Do we have a relationship with you already concerning your tax returns, i.e. did we do them last year or did you sign a flat package? Have you communicated with Ann that Sweeten CPA will be filing your tax return this year? Did you respond to her engagement email this spring? If the answers to these is yes, then you are on our list to extend. For your peace of mind, you can always call in to confirm or request the electronic confirmation.

Question 7

How can I get a copy of my return?

Accepted Answer

The final draft of your return is your electronic copy for your records. We can easily send that again at any time. If you want a hard copy printed by us, you can request it for a printing fee.

Question 8

How soon will my return be completed after I give my documents?

Accepted Answer

Your tax returns are added to our queue as we receive your tax documents and final (i.e. completely reconciled) bookkeeping work. The queue grows longer the closer we get to the deadline. The tax return process is heavily impacted by your communication with our tax drafting team. Your quick responses can expediate the process!

Question 9

How can I get my return filed sooner?

Accepted Answer

Talk to Ann or your CPA first thing in the year! They can provide you with our tax return checklist. This will open communication between you and the tax return drafter who can keep you updated on what is needed to file early.

Question 10

When will I get my refund?

Accepted Answer

We do not have access to that information. You can check the status of your refund here.

Question 11

Is the tax return included on my flat package?

Accepted Answer

Most Sweeten CPA relationships are based around a flat package with a bookkeeping component, a tax return component for the business and the personal return(s), and an advisory component. Because we customize our service based on your needs, your flat package may not be our standard. Feel free to reach out to Karen Moore or Jackie Sweeten to learn more about your arrangement. If you have a more narrow flat package and you’d like it modify it to include the tax return(s), please reach out to the team and we can help update our relationship to meet your current needs.

Question 12

Should I form a separate entity for my business?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your specific financial situation. This is a conversation that our advisory teams dive into. Check out our Services page to learn more about advisory services.

Question 13

How do I access an encrypted email?

Accepted Answer

We have a step-by-step guide accessible here.

Question 14

How do I know who is assigned to my account?

Accepted Answer

We know it can be confusing with so many names and faces. We recently implemented a document with the roles, names, and faces of your team to address that! If you would like a copy of that, reach out to Mandi Ruth, our office manager, by phone or email to get a copy. We’re a cohesive team: each member is a specialized expert, but we work together as a whole to provide you with what you need. We know it can feel overwhelming to be greeted by such a big, friendly group, so feel free to call or email to be directed to the correct individual for the circumstance.

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