Prepare a 1040 tax return

Take a tax season client from organizer to e-filed Form 1040.

1. Send the tax organizer and engagement letter
2. Collect W-2s, 1099s and deduction records
3. Prepare the federal and state returns
4. Review the returns (Reviewer signs off)
5. Get the signed e-file authorization (Form 8879) (Client signs off). Most people forget this: You cannot e-file until the client signs Form 8879; waiting on it is what pushes returns past April 15.
6. E-file and confirm acceptance
7. File an extension if records are late. Most people forget this: Form 4868 extends time to file, not to pay; tax owed is still due by April 15 or interest and penalties apply.
8. Send the client copies and next year's estimates

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