A lot of people can file their own taxes, and they should. Others pay for help they didn't need, or find out halfway through that their return is more than they bargained for. Office hours is a short, free conversation to sort out which one you are before you start.
What We Cover in 20 Minutes
Can you file this yourself?
A straight answer. If you can, we'll say so and you're on your way.What's in your return?
The forms, the kinds of income, and the dates that matter for your situation.What would help cost?
If you'd rather have it done, you'll know the price before anything starts.Pick a Topic When You Book
- New side gig or 1099 income
- Sold something: stock, crypto, a home or a rental
- Life change: married, divorced, new baby or moved states
- Haven't filed in a year or more
- Got an IRS letter (we'll explain what it means and what handling it would cost)
- "Know your real number": a check on your withholding and what you actually pay in tax
What Office Hours Is Not
- A review of a return you've already prepared. If you want someone to check your finished return, ask us about tax preparation or use your software's paid review option.
- Hands-on help in your tax software. We don't open your software or look at your screen.
- A place for documents. Please don't send Social Security numbers, account numbers or tax forms.
- A response to an IRS letter. We'll tell you what it is and what it takes; the reply itself is paid work.
Why Times Are Limited
We're a small practice, so we set aside a few office-hours slots at set times each week, and fewer during the February to April rush. When the week's slots are gone, they're gone. You can still send us your question and we'll try to answer it.
Common Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. No card, no catch. Most people who book leave with an answer and nothing to buy.
Who will I talk to?
Steve, who runs FL Tax Experts with Melissa. The person you talk to is the person who would do your return if you choose to hire us.
What should I have ready?
Just your questions and a rough idea of your income sources. You don't need to send anything ahead of time.
What if I need more than 20 minutes?
We'll tell you that up front, along with what it would cost, and you decide. There's no pressure either way.
Disclaimer: Free Tax Office Hours is a general conversation, not tax advice, and it does not make you a client or us your tax preparer. We don't review, prepare or sign returns during office hours. Any paid work starts only after we agree on the scope and price in writing.