Welcome to the 2026 Tax Filing Season

Welcome to the 2026 Tax Filing Season!

Dear Tax Client:

We are excited about this 2026 tax filing season and have prepared this message to help you gather the information we need to prepare your 2025 income tax return(s) (filed in 2026). Below, you will find helpful information to keep in mind this tax season:

APPOINTMENT or DROP-OFF PREPARATION

APPOINTMENTS: Due to the high volume during tax season, most individual tax returns are prepared based on document submission rather than appointments.

Appointments are generally reserved for business owners, self-employed individuals, and complex tax situations.  Appointments (when offered) are scheduled after documents are received so we can review your file and use your time efficiently. 

• We do not schedule appointments in April. (See “NEED MORE TIME?” section below.)
• From May through December 2026, appointments are available for business consultations, tax & retirement planning, tax representation, advisory, and other services. 

NOTE:  Tax preparation begins once all required documents and information have been received. Incomplete files may delay processing. 

DROP-OFF PREPARATION: You may choose to provide all your tax documents and information to us using one of the methods outlined below. (See the "HOW TO PROVIDE YOUR TAX INFORMATION" section.) Once your tax return(s) are completed, our office staff will contact you to review your return and arrange for payment, your signature, and the delivery of your tax return(s). Note: If any tax documents or information are missing, one of our staff members will reach out to you directly after reviewing your documents. Missing information may delay the processing of your tax return(s).*

TURNAROUND TIME:

During tax season, returns are prepared based on the date complete documents are received and the complexity of the return. Please keep in mind that during tax season’s very high volume of work, we must consider when our clients provide us with their complete tax packet and work to prioritize the needs of each client.

WHEN DO WE NEED ALL OF YOUR TAX DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION?

For Appointments:

• We must receive your complete packet of information 1 to 2 Weeks BEFORE your appointment, to avoid the need to reschedule.
• We reserve the right to request all your complete packet of information BEFORE booking your appointment.

Drop-Off Preparation:

• To allow sufficient time for preparation, we request that all tax documents be submitted no later than March 16.
• Documents received after this date will most likely require filing an extension, depending on our workload and the complexity of the return.
• We reserve the right to make some exceptions on a case-by-case basis, depending on the complexity of the return.

HOW TO PROVIDE YOUR TAX INFORMATION TO US:

Please submit your tax information as soon as you are ready using the following methods:

• CLIENT PORTAL (SmartVault):  Secure upload is available by invitation only. If you would like portal access, please request an invitation by calling our office number and an administrator will send your secure portal invite. (PDF format preferred)
• EMAIL: If you would like our email, please request it through the website chat, or call our office number and we will provide it directly. (PDF format preferred)
• OFFICE DROP OFF: Monday to Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM. You may also drop off documents under our private office door. (We recommend providing copies of your documents & keeping your originals for your records.)

NOTE:  
For security and privacy, please DO NOT message, call, text, or send tax documents or information to anyone on our team through their personal cell phone numbers or social media. Messages or documents sent that way may not be monitored or processed.  

WHAT TAX DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION TO PROVIDE:

See https://lopezco.com/tax-preparation-checklist for a comprehensive list of information and other information needed.

NEW CLIENTS:

We'd love to get to know you! Please download, complete, and provide the "NEW CLIENT INTERVIEW FORM".

EXISTING CLIENTS:

HAS ANY INFORMATION CHANGED FROM LAST YEAR? Please let us know of any changes in the following so that we can update our records:

• Address, Telephone Number, Email, Occupation Title, or Banking Information (If you have changed your bank account since January 1, 2025, please provide us with your updated banking institution, account number, and routing number, or a copy of a “VOID” check so we can update your file for smooth direct deposit of your tax refund or direct withdrawal of any balance due.)
• Dependent Changes? Please provide the following: Full Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, and your Relationship, OR which dependent(s) we should not include this tax year.

DEPENDENT/MINOR CHILDRENS’ TAX RETURNS:

There is no charge for tax returns of your dependent/minor children, except for a minimum fee of $100 for each of the following:

1) State return if required

2) stock or crypto sales needing Schedule D filed, and/or…

3) a small business requiring Schedule C filed.

Once your child is no longer a dependent, the normal tax preparation fee will be charged.

MISSING INFORMATION:   

A minimum starting fee of $100 will be charged if additional information is presented late or if changes are required AFTER the original return has been prepared and/or e-filed.

It is essential to provide all tax documents and information accurately!

BILLING & PAYMENT POLICY

Lopez & Company is a full-service accounting firm dedicated to providing our clients with professional and expert service at fair and reasonable prices. Our fees are determined by several factors, including the time required for the services rendered, the complexity, size, and nature of the project, the level of cooperation from the client, any rush or expedited turnaround times needed, and the overall value of the services we provide.

MINIMUM FEES:

• Personal Tax Returns: $250+
• Personal Return with Schedule C or E (Business or Rental): $450+
• Business Federal Returns (1120 / 1120S / 1065 and related forms): $850+

• Fees are based on time, complexity, and completeness of records.
• Final fees are determined after review. 
•  Starting prices assume records are complete and organized (all tax forms received and a summary of income/expenses).
• Cleanup and reconciliation are billed separately when needed. 
• Pricing is subject to adjustment per our Billing Policy.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES: Payment is required when our service is rendered or upon receipt of an invoice. For larger projects or those that face delays for any reason, we may issue progress invoices during the service period. For ongoing services, such as bookkeeping or payroll, invoices will be issued on a monthly basis.

TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS & EMAIL: Telephone calls and emails are treated the same way as any other time spent on a client’s behalf. If substantive matters are discussed, the time will be charged and billed to the client. If you contact our office with a general question that we can answer quickly, we consider that a courtesy service and you will not be billed. However, phone calls or emails requiring research, business or personal planning, or tax compliance will be billed according to our Billing Policy.

RETAINERS: For some projects, a retainer fee may be required upfront before work begins. This is standard practice for new clients, larger projects, or one-time engagements such as preparing delinquent returns.

TAX DEADLINE DATE

• April 15th, 2026 is the official Tax Deadline Date for personal federal returns.

NEED MORE TIME?

Please be aware that we do not book appointments from April 1st to May 1st, 2026. If you require an appointment and cannot schedule one before that date, we can file an additional 6-month extension to submit your 2025 tax return and schedule an appointment at a convenient time after the May deadline passes.

Important: This extension only allows more time to file your taxes and does not apply to any payments owed to the IRS. It’s important to pay any taxes you owe by the applicable tax deadline. The extension is solely for filing your return. We WILL guide you on making your payment to the IRS along with your extension.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us. A knowledgeable member of our team will be happy to assist you. We sincerely appreciate your trust in us for preparing your 2025 income tax return(s).

Cordially,

Ernest Lopez, Public Accountant

Lopez & Company Accountants and Advisors, LLC