Your tax return should be understood before it is filed.
Cobb Accounting Firm prepares federal and applicable state returns with a defined scope, secure document collection, careful review, and an opportunity to ask questions before filing.
Know what happens next.
Scope and fees established first
Documents submitted securely
Questions addressed during preparation
Return reviewed before authorization
Final copy provided for your records
Services and fees explained before work begins
Sensitive tax records collected separately
See the completed return before authorization
The questions usually start before the forms do.
A change in income, family circumstances, self-employment, or filing history can leave you unsure about what belongs on the return and what records are needed.
“My family situation changed.”
A new dependent, a child in college, shared-custody arrangements, childcare expenses, or support provided to a relative can change the information needed for the return.
“I am behind or think a return may be wrong.”
Prior-year and amended-return work begins by identifying the years involved, what was filed, and which records are available.
“I earned income outside my regular job.”
Contract work, side income, and self-employment create additional reporting responsibilities and may affect estimated payments.
“I do not want to file something I do not understand.”
You have an opportunity to review the completed return, ask questions, and provide authorization before submission.
A tax return is not just a stack of forms.
Income changes. Family changes. Self-employment. Education. Retirement. Each detail can change what the return requires.
Careful preparation without the rushed handoff.
The process begins by understanding what changed during the year, which returns may be required, and what records are needed.
You receive a written scope before work begins, secure document instructions, and an opportunity to review the completed return before filing authorization.
Four filing situations, one clear process
Choose the service that best reflects your circumstances. The final scope depends on the returns required and the records available.
Individual Income Tax Returns
Your income, family circumstances, and year brought together in one return.
- Federal individual income tax returns
- Applicable state income tax returns
- W-2 and multiple-source income
- Retirement and investment income
- Dependent eligibility and applicable family-related credits
- Education-related tax information
- Itemized deductions when applicable
Self-Employed & Side Income
You earned the income. Now it has to be separated, supported, and reported.
- Schedule C return preparation
- Independent-contractor and 1099 income
- Business income and expense reporting
- Home-office and vehicle information review
- Estimated-tax payment guidance
- Coordination with available bookkeeping records
Prior-Year & Amended Returns
Being behind is easier to address once the missing pieces are identified.
- Previously unfiled federal and state returns
- Preparation of qualifying prior-year returns
- Review of a previously filed return
- Amended-return preparation when appropriate
- Identification of missing documents
- Scope confirmed after filing history is reviewed
Individual Tax Planning
A balance due should not be the first sign that something changed.
- Federal and state withholding review
- Estimated-tax payment planning
- Self-employment tax considerations
- Planning after relevant life changes
- Year-end tax planning conversations
- Recommendations based on available information
Five steps from first conversation to filed return
We identify the returns involved and what changed during the year.
You receive the services, fees, responsibilities, and next steps in writing.
After acceptance, you receive instructions for providing tax records.
Questions are addressed and the completed return is reviewed with you.
After authorization, eligible returns are electronically filed and a final copy is provided.
Clear expectations before anything is filed
Careful review, straight answers, and a complete record of what was filed.
A careful review
I read what you send and ask when something doesn’t line up. I don’t fill gaps with assumptions.
An explanation you can follow
You’ll see the completed return and get your questions answered before you authorize filing.
A copy for your records
You receive the full return and filing confirmation for your files.
A few things to start gathering
Your full document list depends on your return. These are a useful starting point.
Personal information
- Prior-year tax return
- Government-issued ID
- Dependent information, if applicable
- Current contact and banking details
Income & tax documents
- W-2 and 1099 forms
- Retirement and investment statements
- Self-employment income and expense records
- Estimated tax payment records
Please don’t send sensitive documents by email. Social Security numbers, tax forms, and banking information shouldn’t go through a website contact form or regular email. I’ll send you secure submission instructions once we’ve agreed on scope.
Individual tax preparation FAQs
Your full document list depends on your return. These are a useful starting point.
Do you prepare both federal and state returns?
Yes — federal individual returns plus applicable state returns, based on the scope we agree to.
Can you handle self-employment or 1099 income?
Yes. Schedule C and contractor income are included when the income and expense records are available.
Can you help with a prior-year or amended return?
These are reviewed case by case. I’ll look at the years involved and what records exist before we set scope.
How do I send my documents?
After you accept the scope of services, I’ll send instructions for submitting everything securely. Nothing sensitive should go through the website.
Will I see my return before it's filed?
Yes. You review the completed return and get your questions answered before you sign the filing authorization.
Can you help determine whether someone may qualify as my dependent?
Dependent and related credit eligibility is reviewed using the facts and records provided. Eligibility is not assumed solely because someone lives in the household or receives support.
Let's make your next filing easier.
Book a short call to talk through your situation, what returns you need, and what the next step looks like.