As another tax season comes to a successful conclusion, Tricia and I were talking about how things went. It occurred to us that a key part of why people choose me as their tax consultant is all the things they don't see. At the top of the list is the letters from IRS that don't come in the mail.

There is nothing more stressful than a letter from IRS. I can't eliminate them totally, but I am careful not to make mistakes that bring on IRS questions. I also have the knowledge and experience to show things on the tax return in a way that avoids scrutiny. "Show IRS what it wants to see. Don't show any more than you have to." Following these two rules keeps IRS out of your mail box.

You also don't have to wait weeks to find out your results. Returns are prepared promptly and efficiently. I call each client with results as soon as I am done. Another thing you don't have to wait for is your refund. Electronic filing and direct deposit gets your money in the bank in less than two weeks. Clients have brought in their tax info on a Monday morning and had their refunds by Friday. There are no refund loan fees. There are no extra fees for electronic filing. Filing your tax return with no errors and carefully verifying the direct deposit information keeps the process running smoothly and quickly.

Other things that don't happen include leaving messages for me. I answer the phone. You get your questions answered promptly and accurately. You also won't have trouble finding information in your copy of the tax return. I organize all your documentation and attach it to your copy of the return. It is all there in good order when you have to find something.

You won't find mistakes in the preparation of your return. (Where is some wood to knock on!!) I am not perfect, and mistakes sometimes happen, but they are few and far between. I am careful in entering data into the computer. I ask all the right questions when interviewing clients so that I am not bothering you with several follow-up questions.

Perhaps the most important thing you won't have is stress. I work with people to explain things and help get them organized. I talk about next year and what they should expect. I give all clients an "Items Needed Letter" in December. This is a checklist of what I need from them. It makes the whole process easier and less stressful. Clients who have been coming to me for a couple years find the entire process painless and routine. They know what's coming and there are no surprises.

Thank you to all of my current clients. It has been an excellent tax season. For those of you who have not tried my services, I am happy to assist you in any way possible.