2022 News

As we begin the 2023 year (and start the 2022 Tax Year filings), here are some things that might be helpful for you to know:
  • There is now an app available for my File Uploads site which makes sharing documents even simpler than before! Look for SecureFilePro in the App store (or Google Play).
  • My in-person appointments are back on the schedule but as usual, I prefer to reserve these for new clients so please keep that in mind.
  • It is also worth noting that many of the tax changes we saw the last couple of years have expired (for example, the Charitable Contribution outside of itemizing). You might want to check irs.gov External Link for updates.

2021 Product Changes

Beginning on January 1, 2022 I will no longer be offering bank products.  I have offered these for several years in order to be competitive and provide my clients with the same options as many other tax preparation facilities.  However, only one person (or less) has used this service over the years.  So what does this mean?  I will not be offering to cut refund checks in my office, I will not be offering the prepaid Visa card for refunds, and I will not be able to deduct my fees from your refund.  As I mentioned before, 99% of you didn’t use these services so this should not be an issue.  Thank you for your understanding!

2020 Price Increase

Beginning on January 1, 2020 my prices will increase for the first time in 9 years.  The pricing page has already been updated to reflect these pricing changes so you can plan accordingly.  More than one in three preparers raise prices every year and 32% every two years.  So since this is the first increase in nine years for me I hope you understand that it’s a long-time coming.  In addition, every individual tax return will now include audit protection and ID theft restoration automatically to increase the value of my services.
For your convenience, you may note that for 2020, the average Federal tax return (no itemizing and with only one state) will be $216.31 in the rest of the industry, which is more than double my price increase.  In addition, previous averages were: $115 in 2007, $176 in 2016, and $188 in 2018.  Also, you may notice that my hourly fee has increased for those who use other services.  But the industry average was $150 in 2016 and $158 in 2017 so I’m still less than half of the industry.

2018 Changes due to the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA)

On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law major tax reform in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). The TCJA made widespread changes to the Internal Revenue Code which will affect your 2018 tax return. Please see my TCJA Changes document for some of the more common changes.

Now Accepting Apple Pay!

So in addition to cash and checks, do you know that I also take credit and debit cards for my payment?  In general, I cannot deduct my fees from your refund (unless you use a bank product so see my Products page if you need that feature).  I accept PayPal, cards via Square by phone or in my office, and I can accept both swipe and chip cards as well as Apple Pay!  Apple Pay is a contact-less version of payment using your iPhone or iWatch.  When paying in my office, be sure to let me know you want to use Apple Pay!

New Mobile App Launch

I have officially launched an app in both the iTunes App store and the Google Play store.  Look for “April’s Tax Service”.  Using the app you can make appointments, access contact information and directions, send a quick snapshot of receipts (or other non-sensitive documents), and access the file upload system which will allow you to upload items from your mobile device or camera.  Feature requests are encouraged as this is my first launch.  I’m looking for ways to improve and update.
New Appointment Scheduling System

I recently transitioned my appointment scheduling from Google to Acuity Scheduling.  Now, you no longer have to have a Google account and the time zone issues are resolved.  Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new system and use it for booking appointments for preparation, drop-offs (if you need me to be home), consulting, and more.  Also, when referring your friends, please encourage them to use my new system to set up an appointment.  You can access the system by many links on my website or through my new mobile app!

April Maintains RTRP Status

Despite issues with the IRS regulating tax preparers, April continues to fulfill continuing education requirements and has once again passed the IRS exam allowing her to be officially referred to as a Registered Tax Return Preparer!
NOTE: The IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer.  For more information on tax return preparers go to IRS.gov External Link.