Joseph E. Companik, CPA, P.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some questions that often come up, specifically about your tax appointment and the processing of your return. If you have questions about deductions, credits, self-employment or other popular tax topics, please refer to the individual or business tax help pages.

How can I check on the status of my FEDERAL refund with the IRS?

The IRS requests that you wait until at least 4 weeks after filing your return to check the status. There are now 3 ways to check the status of your refund:

IRS Refund Hotline: 1-800-829-1954

On the web at https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp

Through the Tele-Tax system at 1-800-829-4477 (only if you filed using Tele-Tax)

How can I check on the status of my ARIZONA refund?

To check the status of your ARIZONA refund, the telephone numbers are: (602) 255-3381 (Phoenix) or you can call 1-800-352-4090 (Toll -free statewide, outside of Maricopa County).

What information do I need to bring with me for my tax return appointment?

Please see the letter that was sent to you with the tax organizer (Note: If you are a new client or you did not receive the organizer, you can download them from the Tax Organizers page.) The items we will need include:

All tax forms received by employers, banks and other financial institutions, such as:

Form(s) W-2 (wages, etc.)

Form(s) 1099 (interest, dividends, etc.)

Schedule(s) K-1 (income/loss from partnerships, S corporations, etc.)

Form(s) 1098 (mortgage interest) and property tax statements from County Treasurer

Details of any stock, bond, or mutual fund sales including dates, quantities and prices for both the sale and the original purchase

Settlement sheets for sale and purchase of any property (HUD-1)

List of charitable contributions - both cash and non-cash items

If the total of non-cash donations exceeds $500, we also need some details of the donations, including the name and address of organizations donated to, description of items donated, date given and approximate date originally purchased, your original costs and estimated value at date donated.

List of medical expenses including doctors, eye glasses, contacts, hospitals and prescription drugs

Vehicle registrations

Prior year tax return (new client only)

Any tax notices received from the IRS or other taxing authorities

All other supporting documents (schedules, checkbook registers, etc.)

I received your tax organizer in the mail. Do I need to fill out all the information?

The organizer is designed to assist you in preparing your records. I do not require it to be completed however, it does help us to understand your tax information. If you have other records that are clear, concise and list out all of your tax information then those will be fine. Also, when completing the organizer you only need to list out information for which you haven’t received a tax form. For example, W-2 information doesn’t need to be copied into the organizer; the W-2 form itself will be fine.

Beginning in 2007 I require the use of the organizer for self employed individuals, people with rental properties, reporting quarterly estimated tax payments and for itemized deductions. Using the organizer helps me to prepare the most complete and accurate tax return possible which is why I strongly encourage its use.

How long is the appointment?

In most cases, the initial appointment is approximately 30 minutes. However, if you are just dropping off info or picking up a completed return, it shouldn't require more than 10-15 minutes. Special cases and business tax returns generally require more time. We appreciate that your time is valuable so we will always do our best to be efficient with appointments. We also will always conduct complete and thorough appointments so that all of your questions and concerns are addressed.

I don't really have that much time. Do I really need an appointment?

No. You can drop off all of your documents to our office or even mail them in. We will work with you as best we can to fit our tax services into your schedule. If you plan to drop off or mail in your documents, please call us at (480) 777-8805 so we know to expect them. Once we receive your documents we will begin your return immediately and call you if we have any questions or need any further information. In many cases we will also call to discuss your return with you prior to its completion. We will also call you the moment your return is completed.

Where are you located?

We are located at 118 S Kyrene Rd Chandler, AZ 85226.

From the Intersection of Chandler Boulevard & Kyrene Road

South on Kyrene to 1st light -- Gila Springs Boulevard Right turn onto Gila Springs Right turn into 1st driveway to your right Bear right in parking lot and look for Building 118

From the 202 Santan Freeway

Exit at Kyrene Road -- North on Kyrene approximately ½ mile Left turn onto Gila Springs Boulevard Right turn into 1st driveway to your right Bear right in parking lot and look for Building 118

When are you open so I can drop off my tax information?

Generally, we are open from 9 am - 5 pm during the week. During tax season (January - April) those hours are extended to 7 am - 8 pm seven days a week so that we may be available to better serve you. It is always best to call to schedule an appointment for any times outside of the normal 9 am - 5 pm time frame. If you are ever unsure about whether we will be open at a specific time, or if these hours are not convenient, give us a call at (480) 777-8805 and we can make arrangements to have someone at the office for you.

When should I make the appointment? Should I wait until I get all my forms?

The earlier the better - beat the rush! Planning for early February would be ideal. You should wait for all the major forms before coming in, but small things that can be faxed or phoned in can always be added after your appointment. Let us get started earlier on your return so that way it can completed faster (which means you will get your refund faster!)

When should I be expecting my W-2's, 1099's and other forms from my employers, banks, etc.?

Employers, banks and all other tax reporting agencies are required to assemble and mail documents by January 31st, so you should expect these documents by mid-February at the very latest. If you have not received any of these documents by early February, it is a good idea to contact the business that is supposed to be sending it.

Schedule K-1s from partnerships and/or LLCs are typically mailed in late March. In this situation we still recommend scheduling an appointment in February so that the bulk of your return can be completed and the schedule K-1 can be added when it is received. This helps to ensure that your tax return will be filed on time.

How long does it take you to prepare my tax return?

The preparation of your return will normally take about 10 days. If special circumstances cause you to require a faster turnaround time, please let us know and we will do our best to meet your needs (additional fees may apply). Once your paperwork is started, you do not need to worry about checking the status of your return (we will call you the moment it is completed.)

I've heard people talking about E-Filing. Should I do that?

Filing electronically shortens the amount of time it takes for the IRS to process your return, meaning you would get your refund in about one half of the time it would ordinarily take. Also, the accuracy of the return may be improved and I am notified of any problems within a couple of days instead of a couple of months (common problems that can arise are: incorrect social security numbers or names, errors on W-2 or 1099 forms, other people claiming the same dependents, etc.)

What forms do I need to attach to my return?

If not filing electronically, then all W-2 forms plus any 1099 forms that report federal or state tax withheld are required to be submitted to the IRS or the State of Arizona. In some circumstances, if no tax was withheld, then not all of the forms you receive will be attached to your return.

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Joseph E. Companik, CPA, P.C. - Quality Tax and Accounting Services Since 1994.

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All tax-related information on this website is provided for general information purposes only

and does not constitute tax advice. Individual’s specific tax situations vary and in order to

provide specific advice a formal review of all of the relevant information is required.

IRS Circular 230 requires disclosure that any tax advice contained herein is not intended, nor can it be used, for the avoidance of any tax penalties the IRS may assess in relation to this matter.

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