Frequently Asked Questions

1. What documents do I need to file my taxes?
New clients must provide an unexpired state ID, Social Security cards for themselves and all dependents, and all income documents (W-2s, 1099s, SSA-1099, etc.). If Social Security cards are unavailable, an SSA receipt letter or a prior-year return listing full names, DOBs, and SSNs may be used. Existing clients only need an unexpired ID unless information has changed. For dependents, additional documents such as school or medical records may be required to verify residency if needed.

2. How does pricing work if I don't pay upfront and want my fees to come out of my refund?
If you choose refund deduction, backend fees apply: $114 transmitter fee, $89 service bureau fee, and $39 bank fee. These are separate from your preparation fee and are paid to third-party processors—not TSL. Optional protection products include Identity Protection ($49.95) and Audit Protection ($62). A full cost breakdown is provided before filing.

3. How much will I pay if I am paying from my refund?
Basic Return: $350 prep fee + backend fees + optional protection.
Schedule C Return: $450 prep fee + backend fees + optional protection.
Your final quote depends on whether you add protection products.

4. What happens after I upload my documents?
We review your documents for accuracy and completeness. If anything is missing, you will be notified immediately by email or SMS. You will receive a secure quote breakdown. Once confirmed, we prepare your return and send signature forms. After signing, we transmit your return to the IRS. Once transmitted, the service is complete, but we are still available for year-round support within our scope.

5. What documents do I need to verify my filing status or address?
The IRS does not require documentation to prove filing status or address in most cases. Verification is only requested if claiming certain credits or if inconsistencies arise. Additional documents may be requested when due diligence requires clarification.

6. How do I know if I qualify to claim a dependent?
Eligibility depends on IRS rules such as residency, relationship, age, financial support, and custodial arrangements. We determine this during your review and may request documents if details are unclear.

7. Why do you ask for school records or medical records for dependents?
These may be needed to verify residency if IRS due diligence flags inconsistencies. This is not required in all cases but may be requested to ensure compliance and prevent delays.

8. Why do you ask for additional documentation if I am self-employed?
Self-employed filings require proof of income and expenses. Bank statements, receipts, mileage logs, and summaries help ensure accuracy and compliance with IRS rules.

9. How long will it take to receive my refund?
Most refunds arrive within 7–21 days, but delays may occur due to IRS review, identity verification, credit eligibility checks, errors, or backlogs. TSL cannot control refund timing but will provide guidance.

10. What do I need if I am self-employed or a business owner?
You will need income totals, expense logs, receipts, 1099s, mileage logs, home office details, and business licenses if applicable. These ensure accurate deductions and compliance.

11. When is the tax deadline?
April 15th. Extensions may be filed for $65, which grants an additional six months to file and is applied toward your final tax prep balance. Extensions give extra time to file, not extra time to pay.

12. What happens if my return is rejected?
If TSL caused the error, we correct and resubmit at no cost. If incorrect or missing client information caused the rejection, additional fees may apply.

13. What if I owe taxes?
You must pay the IRS by April 15th to avoid penalties and interest. We can help you set up a payment plan or estimate taxes owed.

14. Why do I need Identity Protection or Audit Protection?
These products help prevent IRS delays, protect against identity theft, and reduce audit risk. TSL has maintained nine years with zero federal audits when clients purchase audit protection. Strongly recommended for gig workers, entrepreneurs, contractors, and business owners.

15. What if I don’t receive all my tax documents from my employer?
You must contact employers or agencies directly to request missing documents. We cannot legally file without required documents. We can guide you on who to contact and what to request.

16. What if I don’t file with Tax Service Live after receiving a quote?
If you choose not to file with TSL, the quote becomes billable and an invoice will be sent for the time and labor spent preparing your estimate. Quotes are only complimentary for clients who complete their return with us.