Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a QuickBooks backup?
- Once QB is open – Select: File
- Select: Back Up Company
- Select: Create Local Backup
- Select: Local Backup
- Select: Next
- Select: Save It Now
- Select: Next
- Save In: Select the thumb drive location (“Computer” - drive/device where the thumb drive is located)
- It will ask for a File Name – you can use the default name and “Save as Type” that automatically fills in
- Hit “Save”
- Safely Eject the thumb drive once the backup is complete.
- In the event of a death of a spouse or parent
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Your time is important to us. We strive to honor your time by providing opportunities to sit down together and talk about the issues you are concerned about. When you come to our office for an appointment we take the necessary time to answer your questions and focus on you without interruption. Therefore we ask that you call ahead to schedule an appointment so that the time you spend in our office is yours.
What's the status of my tax return?
When you bring your tax information into our office, one of the documents we require that you fill out is a request date form. That form allows you to select a date for your return to be completed. We do our best to honor the date you have selected within the parameters that are set on the form. You know ahead of time that your return will be completed on that date, so it is unnecessary to call and ask about the status of your tax return.
When can I bring in my information?
Your request date form allows you to chose the completion date for you return; however, the earlier you provide your information to us, the more dates that are available from you to choose from.
Do I have to bring my information in all at once, or can I bring it as I get it?
It is very difficult to work on a return until our office has received all of your necessary tax documents. You certainly can bring your information as you receive it, however we will not be able to complete your return until we have it all. Missing information can affect your completion date.
How long does it take for my phone calls to be returned?
We have unique methods for establishing clarity with our clients regarding responsiveness and timeliness in everything we do. In general, incoming calls on Mondays and Wednesdays are returned on the same day. Incoming calls on other days may not be returned the same day, but you should be informed either via the person answering the call or voice mail greeting when you can expect a return call.
In the event of a death of a spouse or parent, please be sure to keep the following items in mind:
- Please contact your attorney first and foremost.
- Please contact your CPA and loop the attorney and CPA in together to make sure communication lines are open, especially in cases where appraisals may need to be considered.
- The estate technically begins the day after the date of death, so keep in mind if there are any assets in the estate that are producing income, this may cause an estate income tax return filing requirement. Please discuss with your CPA and attorney. This requirement could produce K-1s Schedules for the beneficiaries that need to be reported on the beneficiaries’ individual tax returns.
- If you sell your home within 2 years of the death of your spouse and haven’t remarried at the time of sale, you may be eligible for the full $500,000 exclusion of gain on the sale of the home.
- Discuss date of death step-up in basis for assets, and where appraisals may need to be considered with your CPA.
- Determine if you would to transfer the deceased spouse’s unused exclusion amount to the remaining spouse. Please inquire with your CPA if you may be interested.