Frequently asked
Questions people usually ask before we start.
If yours isn't here, just email me at amanda@handledtax.com and I'll answer personally.
Do we need to be local?
Nope. I work with clients in all 50 states. Everything runs through TaxDome, my secure client portal. I'm in Northwest Arkansas, and I've had clients in California, New York, Florida, Texas, Washington, and pretty much everywhere in between. Location isn't a factor for us.
How do we exchange documents?
Through TaxDome. You'll have your own secure portal with a clean upload area, a message thread, and an e signature flow. No sensitive documents over email, no faxing, no dropping things off. You can do it from your phone at the kitchen table.
Do I need an advisory membership to work with you?
Not at all. Tax prep on its own is completely fine. The membership is for people who want year round access, planning calls, and a more hands on relationship. Plenty of clients just do taxes with me, and we're great.
What's the difference between tax prep and advisory?
Tax prep is the return we file for the year that just ended. It's historical work: gather the numbers, run the return, file it.
Advisory is forward looking. It's about planning the year ahead so next April looks better than this one. Quarterly estimates, timing on big purchases, entity elections, retirement contribution strategy. Different work, different deliverables.
How do I schedule a consult?
Fill out the short form on the contact page. I read every submission personally and reply within one business day to set up a call. You can also email me at amanda@handledtax.com.
How much does it cost?
I price on complexity, not hours, and I give you a flat fee in writing before I start any work. You'll never get a surprise invoice.
I'm not the cheapest tax person around and I don't try to be. I'm the one who's still answering your email in August. If rock bottom price is the priority, we're not a fit and I'll tell you that on the first call.
Do you work with bookkeeping clients who don't need taxes?
Yes. Plenty of my clients hire me for monthly bookkeeping only. Some already have a CPA they love, some are DIY on the tax side. Clean books help either way, so I'm glad to just do that part.
Am I the right fit?
Let's be honest about this one. You're probably a great fit if you want a long term tax partner, you value relationships over price, and you want someone who's still around in five years.
You're probably not a fit if you're only looking for the cheapest option, you only want a quick one time filing with no ongoing contact, or you expect instant replies at 10 pm on a Sunday. I'll tell you honestly on the first call.
Are you taking new clients?
Yes, for the 2026 season. I keep the practice small on purpose, so slots fill up. Booking early gets you the best planning window and a calmer tax season.
What happens if I'm behind on filings or bookkeeping?
I handle it. Cleanups are a normal part of what I do. Multi year catch up filings, QuickBooks that hasn't been reconciled since 2023, small businesses that never kept real books. We start where you are, get current, and build from there.
Do you send Christmas cards?
Yes. Actually. I want to watch your family grow up the way I hope you'll watch mine. It's a small thing, but it tells you exactly what kind of practice this is.
Will I work with you directly, or get passed to someone else?
Me. Always me. I'm a solo practitioner by design. No junior staffer prepping the return, no assistant answering your questions. The person who files your taxes is the person who knows your situation.
What industries do you specialize in?
Service businesses, consultants, trades, creatives, e commerce, remote professionals, 1099 contractors, real estate investors, and families with complex returns. If your situation is weird, I probably like it.
How do you handle sensitive documents?
Everything goes through TaxDome, which encrypts documents in transit and at rest. Two factor authentication is standard on your account. I never ask you to email sensitive items like SSNs or full W 2s. If someone claiming to be me ever asks you to, it isn't me.
What's your turnaround time?
During tax season, typical turnaround is one to three weeks once all of your documents are in the portal. Off season, it's faster. Complex multi state or entity work takes longer, and I'll tell you up front.
If something's taking longer than expected on my end, I let you know before you have to ask.
Didn't see your question?