Individual Membership – Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about how our CPA-led individual membership works—including what’s included, how billing is handled, and which tax year is covered.
Membership Basics
What is an Individual Membership?
A flat-fee, CPA-led program for individuals who want expert preparation of their Form 1040 with optional audit representation, mid-year planning, and proactive IRS transcript monitoring—under one relationship and one predictable fee.
Who is it for?
W-2 earners, self-employed taxpayers, investors, and business owners who value proactive planning, predictable billing, and timely responses (instead of a once-a-year filing rush).
When does the membership start and how long is a “year”?
Rolling start: Your membership begins the day you sign. We onboard immediately and bill every 28 days from your start date ( 13 cycles per year).
Included Return & Scope
Which tax return is included in my membership?
We include the tax year that ends inside your 12-cycle membership window. For calendar-year filers, that’s the current calendar year (filed the following season). Federal + one state are included at each tier.
What if I join mid-year?
No need to wait for “tax season.” We start now. Onboarding begins immediately, and your included tax year follows the rule above (the year that ends inside your 12-cycle window).
What’s included at every tier?
- Preparation & e-file of your Form 1040 (Federal + one state)
- Secure client portal, e-signature, and e-file
- CPA review & oversight
- Accuracy + On-Time Guarantee: If a penalty/interest is caused by our error, we pay the penalty and fix it.
What’s the difference between tiers?
- Basic ($99/mo): 1040 (Fed + one state), portal, standard filing-season Q&A after documents are received.
- Early Retainer ($149–$175/mo): Everything in Basic plus the Audit Representation Benefit(for returns we prepare; within 3 years; excludes issues caused by client non-disclosure/missing info) and priority support.
- Peace of Mind ($199–$249/mo): Everything in Early Retainer plus a Mid-Year Tax Planning Session, IRS Transcript Monitoring, and up to 3 quick questions/month(≤10 minutes each) via portal/email, plus notice response for returns we file.
Are prior-year or amended returns included?
Not by default. Prior-year, amended, additional states, multi-K-1, rentals, and equity compensation are quoted case-by-case. We’ll confirm any added scope/fee in advance.
Pricing & Billing
How much does it cost?
Published tier pricing: Basic $99/mo, Early Retainer $149–$175/mo, Peace of Mind $199–$249/mo. All tiers are billed every 28 days(13 cycles/year). Complexity may affect scope/fees (additional states, complex schedules, etc.).
How are payments handled?
Autopay every 28 days from your signup date. No invoices are sent by default. If a payment fails, we’ll notify you and retry; continued failure may pause services until resolved.
What is the Return Deposit?
We collect a one-time Return Deposit at signup and credit it back in cycles 10–12 if you complete 12 cycles. Cancel early and the deposit is forfeited. If you cancel in cycle 10 or 11, only credits already applied are honored; remaining balance is forfeited.
- Basic: $400–$500
- Early Retainer: $600–$750
- Peace of Mind: $900–$1,200
Credits reduce or pause your auto-draft in those cycles; no refund checks are issued.
Is there a long-term commitment?
Month-to-month with the Return Deposit structure described above. You can also ask about annual prepay after 6–12 weeks (may include a savings incentive). Membership renews on your anniversary; a small one-time rate-protection renewal fee (typically up to one 28-day cycle) may apply.
Portal, Support & Planning
How do I send documents and receive my return?
Everything runs through our secure client portal—document requests, uploads, e-signature, and e-file confirmations. Please avoid sending sensitive information by text/email.
Do I get planning meetings or unlimited questions?
Peace of Mind includes a Mid-Year Tax Planning Session and up to 3 quick questions/month(≤10 minutes each). All tiers receive portal/email Q&A with responses in 24–48 business hours. Longer items are scheduled as consults.
Is this fully virtual?
Yes. We operate virtual-first with secure systems and serve clients nationwide. Video or phone meetings are available as needed.