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Frequently Asked Questions

Tax Filing FAQs – Mac Neal LLC
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GETTING STARTED

When does the 2025 tax filing season start?

The IRS begins accepting 2025 federal tax returns on January 26, 2026, with the standard filing deadline of April 15, 2026. You can sign up and upload documents before the season opens so your return is ready to file as soon as the IRS accepts submissions.

Do I need to be a current client to get started?

No. New and returning clients are welcome.

If you are:
• A new client
• Filing for the 2025 tax year
• Or haven’t received an Intuit portal invitation

You’ll start by requesting access to our new secure client portal.

Can I upload my documents now even if I’m waiting on a W-2 or 1099?

Yes. Upload what you have now. You can return to your portal later to add missing documents once they arrive.

The Mac Neal LLC 3-Step Tax Process

When does the 2025 tax filing season start?

The IRS begins accepting 2025 federal tax returns on January 26, 2026, with the standard filing deadline of April 15, 2026. You can sign up and upload documents before the season opens so your return is ready to file as soon as the IRS accepts submissions.
Step 1: How do I sign up to file my taxes?

Start by requesting access to our secure Intuit client portal.

All tax returns include:

  • Secure document handling
  • Audit & Identity Protection at no additional cost
  • A guided questionnaire to ensure accuracy

Once you submit the request, you’ll receive an email from Intuit on behalf of Mac Neal LLC with instructions to activate your portal.

I’m a returning client — where do I access my old returns?

Clients with tax years 2000–2024 can access the legacy client portal to:

  • Download prior-year returns
  • Save historical documents

⚠️ Important:
The legacy portal is read-only and will be retired after April 15, 2026. Please download any records you want to keep.

Can I upload documents to the legacy portal?

No.
All uploads must be completed through the new Intuit portal only.
For security reasons, the legacy portal does not accept uploads.

Do I need to be a current client to get started?

No. New and returning clients are welcome.

If you are:
• A new client
• Filing for the 2025 tax year
• Or haven’t received an Intuit portal invitation

You’ll start by requesting access to our new secure client portal.

Step 2: How do I upload my tax documents?

Once your portal is active:

  1. Complete the tax questionnaire
  2. Upload documents directly within the questionnaire

When everything is submitted, your file is automatically marked complete and routed to our team.

🔐 Security Reminder:
Tax documents should never be emailed. All uploads must go through the secure portal.

Can I upload my documents now even if I’m waiting on a W-2 or 1099?

Yes. Upload what you have now. You can return to your portal later to add missing documents once they arrive.

Step 3: What happens after I submit everything?

Once your documents are complete:

  • We begin preparing your return
  • Most returns are completed within 24–48 hours
  • You’ll receive an email when your return is ready

You’ll then be able to:

  • Review your return
  • Request changes if needed
  • Electronically sign for filing

After filing, your completed return remains available in your secure portal.

How do I check my federal tax refund?

You can track your federal refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool. It’s usually available:

  • 24 hours after your e-file is accepted
  • Updated once daily

Most refunds are issued within 21 days, though some returns may take longer.

How do I check my state tax refund?

Each state has its own system.

The easiest way:

  1. Google “Department of Revenue + your state + Where’s My Refund”
  2. Visit your state Department of Revenue website
  3. Enter your Social Security number (or ITIN) and refund amount

State refund timing varies by state and filing method.

2025 Tax Law Changes — What You Should Know

Are there significant changes for the 2025 tax filing season?

Yes. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced several meaningful updates. Highlights include:

For Individuals

  • Higher standard deduction
    • $15,750 (Single)
    • $31,500 (Married Filing Jointly)
  • $6,000 senior bonus deduction (below-the-line, income-limited)
  • No tax on tips
  • No tax on overtime
  • Car loan interest deduction (non-itemized)
  • Expanded HSA rules

Families & Dependents

  • Child Tax Credit increased to $2,200 per child
  • Dependent Care FSA limit increased to $7,500
  • “Trump Accounts”: $1,000 seed contribution for babies born 2025–2028
  • Expanded adoption credit provisions

Investments & Reporting

  • 1099-K threshold restored to $20,000 and 200 transactions
  • Increased crypto reporting requirements
  • EV tax credits ended after September 30, 2025

State & Local Taxes

  • SALT deduction cap temporarily increased to $40,000 (income-limited)

We review how these changes apply specifically to you during preparation and explain any impact before filing.

Will the new tax law affect my refund?

It depends on your income, filing status, deductions, and credits. Some taxpayers may see changes in:

  • Refund amounts
  • Tax owed
  • Eligibility for certain deductions or credits

We’ll explain any changes clearly when you review your return.

Pricing & Payments (Clear, No Surprises)

How much does tax preparation cost?

Pricing depends on the complexity of your return, forms required, and additional schedules. Below are starting prices for common filings:

Individual Returns

  • Basic Form 1040 — Starts at $400
    Standard deduction, up to 2 W-2s, no investments
  • Student Returns — Starts at $200 (simplified)
  • Senior Returns — Starts at $250
    Includes SSA-1099, RMDs, and retirement income

Business & Entity Returns

  • Standalone Business Filing — $425
  • Business Tax Filing — $375
    (1099s, quarterly filings, federal & state)
  • Partnership (Form 1065) — Starts at $1,300
  • S-Corp / C-Corp — Starts at $1,800
    Includes bookkeeping tie-out and 1 state return

🔹 Important:
You’ll always receive clear pricing before filing. No surprise charges.

Do prices increase with complexity?

Yes. Additional schedules, investments, multi-state filings, or cleanup work can affect pricing. We’ll explain everything up front before you approve filing.

Is audit protection included?

Yes. Audit & Identity Protection is included with every return at no additional cost.

Is audit protection included?

Payment is due before e-filing, after you’ve reviewed and approved your completed return.

Extensions, Corrections & Special Situations

What if I need to file an extension?

We can file an extension on your behalf if needed.
An extension gives you more time to file — not more time to pay.

What if I made a mistake on my return?

If corrections are needed before filing, we’ll update the return.
If changes are required after filing, we can assist with amendments.

Do you help with prior-year returns?

Yes. We prepare and review prior-year tax returns as needed.

Security & Privacy

Is my information secure?

Yes. We use:

  • Encrypted Intuit portals
  • Secure document storage
  • Identity protection safeguards

For your protection, we do not accept tax documents by email.

How long will I have access to my tax documents?

You’ll continue to have access to your completed return and uploaded documents through your secure portal after filing.

Common Tax Questions Clients Ask

Do I need professional tax help?

If you have:

  • Multiple income sources
  • Self-employment or a business
  • Investments or crypto
  • RMDs or retirement planning needs

Professional help can save time, money, and stress — especially under the evolving tax rules.

How can I reduce my tax bill?

There are three main tools:

  • Adjustments (reduce taxable income)
  • Deductions (reduce income subject to tax)
  • Credits (reduce tax dollar-for-dollar)

Common strategies include:

  • Contributing to 401(k)s or IRAs
  • Using HSAs or FSAs
  • Claiming credits such as the Child Tax Credit or Dependent Care Credit
What deductions do I qualify for?

Most taxpayers claim either:

  • The Standard Deduction, or
  • Itemized deductions (mortgage interest, SALT, medical expenses, etc.)

If you’re self-employed or own a business, you may deduct:

  • Home office
  • Supplies and equipment
  • Health insurance
  • Depreciation
  • Utilities and business expenses
What’s the difference between marginal and effective tax rates?
  • Marginal tax rate: The rate applied to your last dollar earned
  • Effective tax rate: Your average tax rate across all income

Your effective rate is almost always lower than your marginal rate.

Is a tax credit better than a tax deduction?

  • Usually, yes.

    • Credits reduce your tax dollar-for-dollar
    • Deductions reduce taxable income

    Example:
    A $1,000 credit saves $1,000.
    A $1,000 deduction may save only $100–$370 depending on your bracket.

Can I deduct medical expenses?

  • Yes — if unreimbursed medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI and you itemize.

    Eligible expenses include:

      • Medical and dental care
      • Prescriptions
      • Mental health services
      • Mileage and parking for medical visits
Should I itemize or take the standard deduction?

  • You should compare both each year. For 2025:

    • Single: $15,750
    • Married Filing Jointly: $31,500

    We automatically calculate the best option for you.

Do I need to worry about withholdings or estimated payments?

  • Yes. Over-withholding means giving the IRS an interest-free loan. Under-withholding can lead to penalties.

    We help you:

    • Review withholding
    • Adjust estimated payments
    • Avoid surprises at filing time

Have Questions or Want a Second Look?

Not sure if your withholdings or estimated payments are set up correctly? Over-withholding can mean giving the IRS an interest-free loan. Under-withholding can result in penalties and unexpected balances due. If you’d like added clarity, you can schedule a Tax Review Call after your return is filed. During this call, we can: Review your current withholdings Assess estimated tax payments Identify potential issues or opportunities Determine whether a separate tax planning session would be beneficial
Schedule a Tax Review Call

Thinking Ahead? Schedule a Tax Planning Call

Tax filing looks backward — tax planning looks forward.

If your income is changing, you’re self-employed, investing, or want to be more intentional about reducing future tax bills, a Tax Planning Call may be a good fit.

A planning session can help you:

  • Optimize withholding and estimated payments
  • Plan for retirement, business income, or investments
  • Reduce future tax surprises
  • Make proactive, tax-smart decisions

Tax planning sessions are optional and separate from tax preparation. We’ll help you decide if one makes sense for your situation.

Schedule a Tax Review Call

Ready to Get Started?

Everything is completed securely online. Simply submit your information and we’ll take it from there.
Start Your Secure Tax Filing
Have questions or want to walk through the process first? We’re happy to help.
Schedule a Quick 15-Minute Tax Chat