For New Clients
Whitewater Group is honored to be chosen to prepare your tax returns and will work closely with you to ensure your experience is efficient, comfortable, and that you pay the least amount of tax possible under current tax laws. Rest assured, we are here for you.
May I complete the tax filing process online or in-person?
Which states do you file tax returns?
What is the cost for filing a tax return?
May I get a tax preparation estimate?
How do I get started if I want to engage Whitewater Group to prepare my taxes?
Why choose Whitewater Group?
Whitewater Group provides excellent quality service by a highly experienced tax preparation team. From the first meeting we listen to you to hear how we can best serve you. We offer an electronic filing process which can be completed virtually or in-person. Our clients value having year-round access to our experienced preparers to assist with tax preparation, planning, and resolution if any issues arise.
Who will complete my return?
Whitewater Group is a team specializing in many different types of complex tax returns, providing exceptional value to our clients. Your return will be prepared by one of our highly experienced accountants or enrolled agents whose specialty aligns with your needs. All tax returns are reviewed by a second team member to check for omissions or errors.
May I complete the tax filing process online or in-person?
We enjoy meeting our clients both in-person and virtually. You may complete the entire process online using our secure client portal system. Otherwise, we look forward to meeting you in person at our office.
Which states do you file tax returns?
Whitewater Group files in all 50 states and maintains licensures where applicable.
What is the cost for filing a tax return?
Personal tax situations vary in complexity, which is why Whitewater Group’s first step for new clients is to identify your specific tax situation needs and ensure we are a good fit for the current and future tax seasons. We complete this process through the good faith estimate form and listening to how we can best serve you. The good faith estimate of fees will align with the needs for filing of your tax situation each year. Considered in the good faith estimate are the experience and knowledge needed to prepare the return to provide the best possible outcome. Other factors that impact the cost of a tax return include the type and number of schedules required, for example: rental properties, investments, cryptocurrency, and significant life events.
May I get a tax preparation estimate?
We will provide a free good faith estimate, basing the estimate on the last tax return filed and any substantial changes you tell us about in advance. If after your current tax year materials are received and additional work is required, you will be provided with a revised estimate.
What are your payment terms?
Whitewater Group believes in fee transparency. A $40 onboarding fee is required for new clients, which is fully credited towards the cost of tax preparation providing the tax return is filed by the end of the filing season. The onboard fee covers the initial secure client portal set-up and administrative fees. A retainer for 50% of the good faith estimate is required prior to the time preparation can begin. The remaining balance is due after the tax return results have been provided. Full prepayment is generally required for new clients whose documents arrive after February 20th and anticipate filing without an extension.
How do I get started if I want to engage Whitewater Group to prepare my taxes?
Thank you for the opportunity to serve your needs. You may start the onboarding process by completing the good faith estimate form. Please email us with questions.
What is the process to complete my tax return?
The process begins with collecting tax documents and other data so your tax situation and needs are fully understood. After the tax return preparation is finished and reviewed, you are notified the return is complete and receive the results. Prior to signing the tax returns, we meet with you to review and discuss the outcome of your tax return.
How should I get my tax documents to you?
Our goal is to make the tax preparation process convenient for you. Documents may be uploaded to the personal secure client portal, dropped off at our office or mailed. In order to best protect our clients’ information, we do not accept or send tax documents through email.
What information do you need from me?
You will be asked to provide all your current year tax documents, an Authorization to Prepare and a Client Organizer. A tax preparation checklist of common tax documents can be found here.
How long will it take for my tax returns to be completed?
After your materials are fully received, completion times are generally under two weeks during January through February and extend to three weeks in March. After around March 20th, it may be necessary to file an extension to ensure sufficient time to provide the quality of work to which our clients are accustomed.
How will I know my tax return has been filed and accepted?
As an IRS authorized Electronic Return Originator, Whitewater Group submits Declaration of Electronic Filings every business day. If there are issues with processing your tax return, we will contact you promptly.
Who should I contact with questions?
We are glad to answer your questions. You can email client_service@whitewatergroup.net or call us at 317-483-4200 x 105.
What happens if there are issues with my return?
Issue resolution is a high priority at Whitewater Group. If you receive a notice from a tax authority it is imperative to let us know promptly.
What happens if I owe tax?
If a balance is due towards a tax year, filing early provides advance notice to prepare for the payment and does not change the due date. Instructions with options to pay the balance due will be included with your tax return. At request, we will provide information on long-term payment agreements.
What if I need an extension?
We will file extensions for new clients electronically. There is a $150 extension fee payable at the time of the request to file the extension. Part of the fee may be applied to the cost of tax preparation. The amount applicable is determined when sufficient documents arrive to prepare the tax return, based on the following dates:
| Days past filing due date | Amount of extension fee to be applied to tax preparation fee |
| 1-30 | $100 |
| 31-60 | $50 |
| 61+ | $0 |