January onward
Once your W-2s and 1099s arrive. Earlier means a calmer process and more time to look for what you are owed.
Process
How it goes
Six steps, no surprises, and no question along the way that is too small to ask. The same sequence whether it is a single 1040 or a partnership return with six K-1s.
- 01
The first conversation
Call, text, or email and describe your situation in ordinary words. You do not need to know which forms apply. Maritza will tell you which returns are involved and roughly what the work looks like.
- 02
A quote, before anything starts
Once she understands the scope, you get a price. If something later turns out to be more involved than it first appeared, you hear about it before the work continues.
- 03
A short document checklist
She sends a list built for your situation, not a generic packet. Documents can come by email, text photo, or in person, whichever is easiest for you.
- 04
Preparation and questions
She prepares the return and comes back with any questions. Questions are a good sign: they are usually where a missed deduction or a cleaner filing position gets found.
- 05
Your review
You see the finished return before it is filed, with an explanation of anything that changed from last year or that you asked about. Nothing is filed until you say so.
- 06
Filing, and then the rest of the year
She files, you get copies for your records, and the line stays open. Letters, mid-year changes, and next-year planning are all part of the same relationship.
Timing
When to start
Earlier than you think
Partnership and S corporation returns are generally due a month before personal returns, because their K-1s feed the owners' 1040s.
As soon as you can
Estate deadlines run from dates specific to the estate rather than the usual April calendar. An early call is worth it just to learn your dates.
Already late?
Late returns are common and they are fixable. The situation generally does not improve by waiting, and it is not a conversation you need to be embarrassed about.