2026 Tax Engagement FAQ

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We changed how we structure our services, and we get that raises questions. We have answered the ones we hear most often below.

If your question is not here, reply to the email Kyle sent you or reach out to tax@dominickconsultingllc.com.

The model change

  • The work we do for clients does not actually happen only at tax time. IRS monitoring, planning sessions, and answering questions throughout the year are all things we have been doing informally for years without a structure that reflects that. In that time we have consistently seen opportunities clients could have taken to reduce their tax bill, but because we were only engaged to file it was already too late to act on them. This model formalizes what good tax service actually looks like and makes sure every client has the opportunity to make smart tax decisions throughout the year. We want to be a strategic partner, not just the bearer of bad news every filing season.

  • The monthly amount is not a payment plan for your tax return. It covers year-round access to our team, IRS account monitoring, and at least one planning session before year-end. Spreading that across twelve months makes it more manageable than a lump sum and ensures the service is active all year rather than just during filing season.

  • We have grown as a firm, invested in our team and systems, and the level of service we deliver has changed. Our pricing reflects that. We are also reaching out in July specifically so you have time to review your options, ask questions, and make a decision that works for your situation before filing season begins.

Enrollment and commitment

  • Nothing changes immediately. We will continue to offer traditional tax return preparation for the 2026 filing season. Pricing and availability for standalone engagements will be confirmed in December based on our capacity at that time. Clients on a monthly plan receive priority scheduling. Remaining slots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • The monthly plan is a 12-month commitment. The subscription fee covers availability, access, monitoring, and preparation services as a package, not each service individually. The full terms are outlined in the proposal and engagement letter.

  • That option will still be available for the 2026 filing season. Pricing and availability will be communicated in December. See the answer above for more detail.

  • Yes, as long as you schedule promptly after signing. The session must be completed before September 30, which gives you at least eight weeks from the enrollment deadline. That is enough runway to complete the preparation work and get on the phone with time to act on anything we identify. We recommend booking your session immediately after signing rather than waiting.

The planning session

  • The planning session is not a phone call where you ask questions and we answer them on the spot. Before we get on the phone our team requests your documents, pulls your IRS transcripts, and builds a projection of where your return is headed by year-end. We identify every action item available to reduce your tax liability before December 31. During the session we walk through that work with you and make decisions together. After the session every action item gets logged and carried forward into your return preparation and every question that comes up throughout the year. Every plan includes at least one of these sessions and we strongly recommend scheduling it as early as possible. The session must be completed before September 30. After that point there is not enough time left in the year to act on anything we identify.

  • No. The preparation work that makes the session meaningful requires us to already know your file and have an active authorization on your IRS account. A one-off session without that foundation produces a surface-level projection rather than a meaningful one. The Prepared tier is the most straightforward way to access the planning session and includes your tax return preparation, IRS account monitoring, and email support alongside it.

  • The Q3 session must be scheduled and completed before September 30. After that point there is not enough time left in the year to act on anything we identify. If you sign up and do not schedule your session before September 30 it expires unused for that year. The Q4 session is included in the Optimized tier and takes place in November or December. By that point we have a much clearer picture of where your year ended up and can calculate accurate estimated tax payments before the January 15 deadline.

  • Rescheduling is fine as long as the session is completed before September 30. If you need to move your appointment, reach out to us as soon as possible and we will do our best to find a time that works. If we are unable to get you rescheduled before the deadline the session expires unused for that year. We recommend booking early so you have flexibility if something comes up.

Ongoing services

  • We access your IRS account on your behalf using a signed authorization form called Form 8821. We monitor your account for any changes, notices, or activity and alert you before a formal notice ever arrives in your mailbox. In some cases we can identify and resolve issues before the IRS even sends a letter. This requires an active Form 8821 on file, which we collect as part of your onboarding.

  • It is a professional service benefit, not an insurance policy. If the IRS or a state taxing authority issues a notice or opens an inquiry related to a return we prepared, we apply the coverage amount toward the professional fees required to respond. The coverage amount varies by service plan and is outlined in your proposal. It does not cover taxes owed, penalties, or interest. It covers our time in responding on your behalf.

  • If you have a question or something comes up during the year, you will hear back from our team the same business day. This applies to emails, calls, and texts. It is not a guarantee that every issue will be resolved same-day, but you will not be waiting days for a response while something time-sensitive is unresolved.

  • That is exactly what the planning session and year-round access are designed for. If something changes materially, reach out to tax@dominickconsultingllc.com and our team will assess whether it affects your projection or requires any action before year-end. Significant changes in scope may require a separate engagement depending on what is involved.

Logistics

  • Our team handles all client communication through a shared inbox that the entire team monitors. For general questions, document submissions, scheduling, and anything related to your account or billing, reach out to us at tax@dominickconsultingllc.com. Sandy, our client services coordinator, handles triage and will route your question to the right person.

  • Yes. We are a remote firm and are recognized to file in any state. Multi-state returns are a regular part of what we do including situations involving partnership income allocated across multiple states.

  • Monthly payments are processed automatically on the same calendar date each month beginning on the date you sign your proposal. Payments are handled through our billing platform and charged to the card on file. If a payment does not go through you will receive a notification and we will work with you to resolve it. Services may be paused if a payment remains outstanding beyond 10 days. If you have questions about a charge or need to update your payment information, reach out to us at tax@dominickconsultingllc.com.

  • That depends on the service plan you select. Our team handles day-to-day communication, document requests, and planning session delivery across all service plans. Kyle reviews work product and is involved at the level appropriate to your engagement. If you have specific questions about who handles what at your service plan, reach out to us at tax@dominickconsultingllc.com and we will walk you through it.

Your return

  • Turnaround time depends on your service plan. Prepared clients can expect three or more weeks from the time we receive your complete document package. Protected clients can expect 12 to 15 business days. Optimized clients receive fast-pass priority and are first in line when documents are received.

  • As tax season approaches we will send you a document request through your Karbon client portal outlining exactly what we need based on your situation. All documents should be submitted through the portal. If you are a new client you will receive instructions for accessing your portal shortly after signing.

  • We need your complete document package no later than March 15. This ensures we have enough time to prepare your return by the April 15 filing deadline. If documents arrive after March 15 we may not be able to complete your return by the original due date and an extension may be filed on your behalf.

  • Once your draft is ready we will send it to you through your Karbon portal for review. Look it over, and if you have questions or edits send them our way. Once you approve it we will file on your behalf.