TaxRoute - Frequently Asked Tax Questions, Tax FAQs

If you filed your tax return through TaxRoute.com, then you can get a copy of your tax return by contacting us at 1-866- TAX -ROUTE. Otherwise, for any returns from previous years, you can request a photocopy of your return, or a computer transcript (a line-by-line listing) of the information on your tax return. Photocopies and transcripts can be obtained at no cost from the IRS. If you need an actual copy (not a photocopy), then you must complete Form 4506 and pay a $23 fee for your tax return, your W-2, your 1099 and all related tax information.

All employers are required to mail out completed W-2 forms to their employees showing their compensation and tax withholding amounts for the calendar year no later than January 31 of the following year. If you do not receive your W-2 by January 31, then contact your employer to confirm your address and find out when the form was mailed. If you still have not received your W-2 by February 14, then you should call the IRS for assistance at 1-800-829-1040. An IRS representative will assist you by completing a W-2 complaint on Form 4598.

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How do I get started?

Call us toll free at 1-866-TAX-ROUTE. We have flexible hours, so you can stop in or schedule an appointment to have your taxes prepared when it's convenient for you. Just complete our 2-page Tax Organizer and be sure to bring the following materials to your tax interview (Click Here Download Our Taxpayer Checklist):

1. Wage statements (Form W-2)

1. Pension, or retirement income (1099-Rs)

2. Social Security card(s)

3. Driver's license(s)

4. Dependents' Social Security numbers and dates of birth

5. Last year's tax return

6. Information on education expenses

7. Commissions received and/or paid

8. Sales of stocks and/or bonds

9. Self-employed business income and expenses

10. Lottery and/or gambling winnings and losses

11. State refund amount

12. Social Security and/or unemployment income

13. Income and expenses from rentals

14. Alimony paid or received

15. Record of purchase or sale of real estate

16. Medical and dental expenses

17. Real estate and personal property taxes

18. Estimated taxes or foreign taxes paid

19. Cash and non-cash charitable donations

20. Mortgage or home equity loan interest paid (1098)

21. Unreimbursed employment-related expenses

22. Job-related educational expenses

23. Childcare expenses and provider information

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How can you complete my return over the phone?

Step 1: Call TaxRoute at 1-866-TAX-ROUTE or visit our website to request or download a Tax Organizer.

Step 2: Complete the 2-page Tax Organizer.

Step 3: Fax in the completed Tax Organizer, your W-2’s, your 1099's, and/or other supporting documentation.

Step 4: Our tax professional will contact you for a brief phone consultation to review the refund amount, and to explore further deductions you may be eligible for.

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How long does it take to file my return?

Each taxpayer's situation is unique. But generally it takes about 20 minutes to complete and finalize the return. Just submit the completed Tax Organizer along with the appropriate documentation, either at our office or via TaxFone to begin. Once completed, we can E-file the return the same day and have a response from the IRS within 24 to 48hours.

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How much does TaxRoute charge to prepare and file my taxes?

Our fees are based on the complexity of your tax return. Complex tax returns take longer to prepare, so fees are higher. Generally returns start at $85.95 for the 1040EZ (with applicable discounts); and $125.00 for the regular 1040 form. Ask us about our $25.00 returning client discount!!

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When will I receive my refund money?

TaxRoute offers several refund options so you can have easy access to your refund money. And remember TaxRoute offers FREE e-filing with your paid tax preparation. Clients can choose from the following:

Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) options: TaxRoute offers 2 types of Fast Refunds, one which is available in 1 hour and the other which available in 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, customers can receive a fast refund in either 1 hour or 24 hours via TaxRoute Cash Card, TaxRoute Cashier Check, or TaxRoute Direct Deposit. With the above RAL options there are no out-of-pocket fees or upfront costs because the fee(s) are deducted from your refund proceeds.
Other Refund Options: IRS Direct Deposit and IRS Check. TaxRoute can facilitate these non-RAL (non-loan) options as well. A bank account is not required for the IRS Check option. Tax preparation fees would need to be paid upon completion by cash, or credit cards. Sorry no personal checks are accepted.

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Does TaxRoute offer Express or Fast Refunds?

Yes, we do!! TaxRoute has a number of express services available. Electronic filing is free with your paid tax preparation. Customers can get their money FAST with a refund anticipated loan (commonly called 'RALs' or 'fast refunds'. Once approved, customers can receive their refund money in as little as one to 24 hours. Your refund money can be disbursed on a TaxRoute Cash Card, in a TaxRoute Cashier Check, or via TaxRoute Direct Deposit. Express Refunds are usually received within 24-48 hours.

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Am I eligible for Earned Income Credit (EIC)?

To qualify to receive the EIC for tax year 2006, the taxpayer (& spouse, if married)

must have earned income for the year.
investment income that is less than $2,600.
must have earned income & AGI of less than $29,666 (or $30,666 for MFJ) with ONE qualifying child;

OR less than $33, 692 ($34,692 for MFJ) with TWO or more qualifying children.

OR less than $11,230 ($12,230 for MFJ) with NO qualifying children.

must be between 25yo to 64 yo by the end of the tax year.
cannot qualify as a dependent for someone else.
must file Single, MFJ, HOH, or as Qualifying Widower (cannot file MFS).
must have his/her main home in the U.S. for more than half the year.

2006 Earned Income Credit
# of Qualifying Children	Earned Income/AGI Less Than:	Maximum Credit
0	$11,230 ($12,230 for MFJ)	$382
1	$29,666 ($30,666 for MFJ)	$2,547
2 or more	$33,692 ($34,692 for MFJ)	$4,204
Note: Investment Income Limit is $2,600

Speak with your TaxRoute tax professional to determine if you meet the criteria for EIC listed above.

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Can I claim Child Care costs as a deduction?

In many cases the you can claim child and/or dependent care expenses for a qualifying individual. The taxpayer (& spouse, if married) must live in the same home as the qualifying individual(s), AND must pay more than half the cost of keeping up the home for the year. The taxpayer (& spouse, if married, must have earned income during the year. Child care expense must have been paid to enable the taxpayer to work or look for work. If married, the taxpayers generally must file a joint return. Be aware that is possible that a person can qualify for only part of the year, in which case the expenses would be prorated.

A qualifying individual, for the purposes of the child & dependent care deduction, can be the following:

A child under age 13 that the taxpayer can claim as a dependent.
A dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for self.
A spouse of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for self.
A Child who meets special dependency test for married/separated or divorced parents.

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They lived in my house this year, can I claim them on my taxes?

There are 2 types of exemptions, personal & dependent exemptions. Generally, you are allowed one personal exemption for yourself, and one for your spouse; then you are allowed one dependent exemption for each person you claim as a dependent on your return. If you are claiming dependent exemptions on your return it will usually impact your filing status. There are 5 Dependency tests that the person must meet in order to be considered a qualifying dependent. These tests include the Joint Return test; Relationship Test; Residency Test; the Gross Income Test and the Support Test. During your tax interview you should review this information in detail with your TaxRoute tax professional.

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What if I owe taxes this year? Or for last year?

The following are payment options are available to you if you owe taxes this year.

Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) - available for individuals and businesses; taxpayers can transfer funds electronically from a checking account, credit card or debit card.
Pay by Check - simply mail in a check with a voucher to the IRS.
90-day same-as-cash loan if approved.
Installment Agreement (or payment plan) - usually the IRS accepts installment agreements if the amount owed is $25,000 or less and you propose to pay it off within 5 years. TaxRoute can help you file the necessary form to the IRS to request approval for the installment agreement.

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Am I eligible for a Renter's Rebate?

The Renter's Rebate is quite simply a rebate given by certain states (like New Jersey, for example) to individuals who rent their homes. You may be able to claim a Renter's Rebate in your state if your income does not exceed certain limits and other conditions are met. Requirements vary from state to state. Locally, Contact your state's Department of Revenue to find out how to qualify for this rebate.

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Is there a discount if I refer a friend to TaxRoute?

You can receive a $10 discount for every new customer* you refer to TaxRoute Tax Service who did not have his or her taxes prepared at TaxRoute last year. That customer must pay for tax preparation services in order for you to receive the money. (Discount applied to next year's tax preparation fees).

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