Answers before you even have to ask

Most clients with simple W-2 returns finish in under 20 minutes. After you submit, a licensed professional reviews and files your return — usually within 24 hours, or same-day with our Expedited Review add-on.

At minimum: your W-2s, any 1099s, and last year’s return if you have it. We also accept brokerage statements, mortgage interest statements, and receipts for deductions — but start with the basics and we’ll tell you if anything else is needed.

Yes. We can import W-2s directly from participating employers, or you can snap a photo or upload a PDF. Our system extracts the numbers and a pro double-checks them before filing.

Don’t panic — file as soon as you can. If you owe, penalties grow with each month of delay, so filing an extension or getting the return in is almost always better than waiting. Contact us and we’ll work out the fastest safe path.

Yes. We file amended returns (Form 1040-X) for up to three years back — including credits you missed the first time. If we prepared your original return, the amendment is discounted.

Plans start at $79 for a simple return and include federal e-file, one state return, and a licensed pro review. Professional ($149) covers itemized deductions, investments, and self-employment income. Business plans start at $299. No hidden fees — ever.

After your return is complete and you’ve approved it — right before filing. You can also choose to have preparation fees deducted from your federal refund before it’s deposited, if you prefer.

One state return is included in every plan. Additional states are $29 each — a flat fee with no per-form surprise charges.

If we make an error on your return, we’ll fix it free within 60 days of filing — and cover any interest or penalties the error caused. If you’re not satisfied, we refund your preparation fee. That’s the whole guarantee, no fine print.

Yes. We use 256-bit SSL encryption for all data in transit and at rest, multi-factor authentication on every account, and follow SOC 2-aligned security practices. Access to your documents is limited to your assigned professionals and logged every time.

Never. Your tax information is used only to prepare your return and provide the services you’ve asked for. We don’t sell data to advertisers, data brokers, or anyone else — that’s a policy, not a marketing line.

Only the licensed professional assigned to you and the small support team at PayTheTaxes — all of whom pass background checks and annual privacy training. The IRS sees exactly what you approve and nothing more.

Yes. Our Business plan covers entity returns (1065, 1120-S), quarterly estimated payments with reminders, payroll reporting, and 1099 contractor filing — with bookkeeping sync to QuickBooks, Xero, or Stripe.

It depends on your income, how many owners you have, and how you pay yourself. An S-election can save self-employment tax once profits grow, but it adds filing requirements. Book a consultation and we’ll run the numbers both ways before you decide.

Claimed correctly, the home-office deduction is perfectly legal and routine. Most audit flags come from sloppy record-keeping, not the deduction itself. We help you document it properly from day one, so it’s never a surprise in April.

By chat inside your client portal (7 days a week), phone at 1-800-729-8293, or email support@paythetaxes.com. Questions in the portal get answers in under 5 minutes during business hours; email replies within one business day.

Audit Defense is included with our Audit Support service. Our licensed professionals respond to IRS correspondence, prepare your documentation, and represent you throughout. IRS notices are answered within 24 hours.

Absolutely. Upload whatever you have — including a draft or previously filed return — and we’ll take it from there. Many clients switch after a bad experience elsewhere; we make the transfer painless and free.