Frequently Asked Questions

Income taxes raise a lot of questions. Whether your question is about what information we need to prepare your return or how to handle an IRS notice, we can help. Some questions have clear answers. Other questions require more information. If your question is not listed here, or there are special circumstances, please give us a call at 442-6227.

Table of Contents

1. Questions about McIntire Income Tax Center
2. Electronic filing and refund/balance due questions
3. Tax Questions
4. Problems

Questions about McIntire Income Tax Center:

Where are you located?

119 West 5th Ave. in Arkansas City, KS.



Red dot shows actual location.

 

Do I need an appointment?

An appointment is always a good idea if you want to see a preparer. We do accept drop-off returns at any time.

 

What is a drop-off return?

At McIntire Income Tax center, we take the time to visit with our clients when they bring in their tax information. This quickly allows us to note changes and ask questions that can lead to a more accurate return. However, sometimes this is not practical and a client just leaves (drops off) their tax information. MITC then prepares the return and contacts the client when it is ready.

 

What do I need to bring in?

We need all W-2's, 1999's, and income received. If you have a business, rentals, itemize deductions (long form) we will need these expenses. Personal information, such as SSNs and dates of birth on everyone on the return. If you are in doubt, bring it in. But if you forget something generally you can call it in.

 

Do I need to bring in a copy of last year's return?

If you are a new client, it might be helpful for us to see it. This is especially true if there is any depreciation or carryovers from a prior year. It is also nice to have for a comparison with this year's results.

 

Do I need to bring in the receipts to prove my expenses?

No, we do not have to see them. But you are should keep them for 5 years. What we need is a breakdown by category and type. For example, medical expenses would include doctor, medications, miles; repairs would be broken down into building, equipment, ect.

 

How much does it cost to prepare a return?

Our prices begin at $60 for a one W-2 return for both Federal and Kansas. The actual price depends on the forms we have to complete. Accurate pricing is hard to do until the return in completed, but we can give you an estimate if you call.

 

Do I have to pay for the return when I come first come in?

No, payment is not required at the time of preparation, but you are welcome to pay then. We will not, however, release the return for mail or electronic filing until the preparation charges have been paid.

 

How can I pay for the return?

We accept cash, personal check, debit or credit card. We also have programs which allow the preparation fees to be withheld from your federal refund. There are additional fees involved for those programs, however.

 

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Electronic filing and refund/balance due questions:

What is the quickest way to get my refund back?

We have a loan program that can get your refund, less the fees, back in AS LITTLE as 2 days. There are special qualifications for this program.

 

What is electrically filing a return?

When we electronically file a return it is sent from our computer to the IRS's computer.

 

What are the advantages to electronically filing?

The advantages are accuracy and increased speed of refund. In order to be electronically filed, a return must be mathematically correct. The IRS also checks all SSN's and EIN for accuracy and previous use. Most of these problems can be quickly resolved and re-submitted. Once accepted by the IRS, the refund takes about 3 weeks to reach you.

 

Can I electronically file my Kansas return also?

Yes, generally it is transmitted at the same time as the federal return.

 

I have a refund coming back, can you tell me when it will be here?

Once we know how and when your return is being filed, we can generally give you an idea based upon information the IRS gives us.

 

Is there a way to check on my refund?

Yes, the IRS has two toll-free phone numbers you can call. This year they have added the ability to check on your return on their web site www.irs.gov. Kansas also has a toll free number. You will need to have the first SSN on the return, the refund you are expecting, and for the Federal number you will need to know the filing status. Click here to go to the phone number page.

 

Can I have my refund direct deposited to my account

Yes, the Federal refund can be direct deposited whether you file electronically, telefiled, or by mail. Kansas must be electronically or telefiled

 

I owe, can I pay by credit card?

Yes, but not directly. Please check this site for more information.

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Tax Questions

Do I have to file a return?

That depends on your age, filing status, and amount of income. The rules are also different for each state involved. The specifics can be very complicated. Please give us a call at 442.6227. It is also important to understand that while you may not be required to file a return you may want to file to get withholding back or if you qualify for Earned Income Credit.

 

What is Earned Income Tax Credit?

EITC is a refundable credit. The amount of the refund is based on the amount of income from a job or self employment received during the year and whether there is no, one, or more qualifying children in the home. The definition of a qualifying child and refund amounts change each year.

 

I don't have the money to pay all my tax now. What can I do?

The IRS allows you to make installment payments. You will need to file form 9465 with the return or notice. There are some special requirements for this form. It will stop the non-payment penalties but interest will continue to build. There is a set up charge. And while under this agreement, you can not make any other installment agreements.

 

Can't I just file an extension?

An extension only gives you more time to complete the return. It does not put off paying the amount you will owe. The form requires that you estimate the tax you will owe and sent that in with the extension. If you need more time to pay, the installment form is a better choice.

 

I know I will get a refund, but I don't have all my information yet.

If you are getting a refund then there is not a problem and no need to file an extension. All penalties and interest are based on the amount you owe.

 

What is the underpayment of estimated tax penalty?

This is a special penalty the IRS and the states add to a balance due when you owe more than they think you should owe. For the IRS, the limit is $1000. Kansas adds the penalty when you owe more than $200. There are some special exemptions and calculations in figuring this penalty.

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Problems

I was not happy with the service I received.

Please let us know. We are very serious about providing quality service and we will work to solve any problem.

 

What is your guarantee?

We are confident in the quality of our service. Should a problem arise, we will back you to the full extent allowed by law. The tax is your responsibility, but we accept financial responsibility for any additional charges accessed. Please see our Guarantee Page.

 

What if I get a letter from the IRS or a state about my taxes?

Please call or bring it in. Let us double check with your file. Do not assume that the letter is correct. Even if it is correct, there may be other options to take.

 

I have a refund coming back, can you tell me when it will be here?

Once we know how and when your return is being filed, we can generally give you an idea based upon information the IRS gives us.

 

Is there a way to check on my refund?

Yes, the IRS has two toll-free phone numbers you can call. This year they have added the ability to check on your return on their web site www.irs.gov. Kansas also has a toll free number. You will need to have the first SSN on the return, the refund you are expecting, and for the Federal number you will need to know the filing status. Click here to go to the phone number page.

 

How do I get forms

We use computer generated forms so we don't have forms to give out. During tax season, check with the public library, post office, or Dillons. Forms are also available by phone or on the internet.

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