Tax Season FAQs

Here are the top questions our clients asked us during the previous tax year.

  • A typical tax return (Federal and State) can take 14 business days to process from arrival to completion.  Missing tax documents or information required to complete the return can delay this timeline.  Tax returns requiring additional tax forms can add to the overall processing timeline.  

  • Returns are completed on a first in / first out basis, with longer wait times closer to the filing deadline.

    Shaw & Associates takes time and care in preparing each tax return.  To ensure accuracy and completeness, each tax return goes through a review process. Once the return is reviewed, it is re-checked and finalized by your preparer.

  • The list below is a basic list of forms needed to prepare a tax return.  This list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on your specific income and tax related expenses.

    o   W-2s from employers

    o   Form 1099 from bank, issuing agencies and other payers to include unemployment compensation, state tax refunds, dividends, non-employee compensation, distributions from a pension, annuity or retirement plan.

    o   Schedule K1, Profit/Loss Statements of business activity, Rental Income and expenses.

    o   Form 1095-A/B/C to show proof of Health Insurance.

    o  Forms showing contributions or payments to Health Savings Account, Traditional or Roth Individual Retirement plans, Charitable Contributions, Child Care Costs, Clean Energy (Solar or e-Vehicles).

    o   Any forms that are received by mail or electronically that indicate important tax information.

  • Please turn in your tax documents as, as a whole, as soon as you have them. 

    If you are missing one or two forms, send or drop off what you have with a note of the forms you are still waiting for. The sooner we have your documents, the sooner we can complete your return.

  • No.  You can come to the office to drop off anytime during normal business hours.  No appointment is necessary.  The office remains open during the lunch hour as well. 

    We have a secure online portal for efficiency and convenience. The portal allows a safe and secure method of document sharing.

    Annual appointments for tax planning and client consultations can be scheduled between May and November each year.

    Please contact office@shawtax.net to schedule an appointment.

  • Starting on February 1, you can:

    o   Drop them off

    o   Mail them in

    o   Upload scanned PDF document to the secure portal

    o   Send through SafeSend along with your organizer.

  • There is a drop mail slot on the door that is near the end of the 2nd floor hallway.  It is marked with signage that says: Shaw & Associates After-hour Drop Slot.

  • After the third week of March, we cannot guarantee the filing of your return by the filing deadline. We will file an extension on your behalf. An extension incurs a fee of $50. We will complete your return at our earliest opportunity.

    Keep in mind that when an extension is filed, only the processing of the return is extended.

    Extensions DO NOT extend the time to make payments, if you owe.

    Be sure to submit payments owed on or before the filing deadline. Waiting until the extension deadline to pay will incur late fees and penalities.

  • No.  Emailing your tax documents is not secure.   Documents sent by e-mail will not be accepted.   

    You can use our portal to upload and securely send documents.  If you need access or assistance, please call the office.

  • Navigate to the top of this page and click on the Refund Tracker link.