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Tax Season 2026
Ready to File?
Starting with the 2026 tax season, we're updating our service model to better reflect where we provide the most value: consultation and planning, not just tax return preparation.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all fee structure, we now offer three clearly defined service tiers so you can choose the level of access and advice that fits your needs and budget. Every tier includes a complimentary financial review meeting scheduled after June 1st, where you can ask questions about your overall financial picture and receive a personalized "report card" with recommendations (see FAQ below).
By aligning our time and pricing with personalized guidance, proactive tax planning, and year-round support, we can focus more deeply on helping you make smarter financial decisions—not just file a compliant return.
Click 'Get Started' below to select either Express, Standard, or Full Service
Individual 1040 Tax Return
Levels of Service
Express
Perfect for straightforward tax situations
- No review meeting
- Appropriate for returning clients with simple situations (e.g. no business, rental, or capital gain income)
- Submit your documents, we send you a tax summary page via encrypted email with a video explaining your tax calculation
- Approve via email, pay online, and sign electronically
- Includes a two-week revision period after which additional consultation fees apply
- Includes financial review meeting scheduled after June 1st (see FAQ below)
Standard
Comprehensive service for most individuals and business owners
- Complete tax return preparation for new and existing clients, including either in-person or telephone/virtual review meeting
- Includes a two-week revision period after which additional consultation fees apply
- Additional consultations throughout the year billed per-hour (see FAQ below)
- Does not include entity filing (Corp, S Corp, Partnership, Estate, Trust, etc)
- Includes financial review meeting scheduled after June 1st (see FAQ below)
Full Service
Complete solution for complex needs
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Up-front, bundle pricing - no additional per-form fees. A $1,200 - $1,500 value when purchased separately
- Priority tax return processing - skip the line
- Annual tax planning meeting included
- One hour of consultations included
- Does not include entity filing (Corp, S Corp, Partnership, Estate, Trust, etc)
Optional Add-On Services
Customize your engagement with additional support as-needed
Corporation / Partnership Tax Preparation
Preparation of federal and state returns (Form 1120, 1120-S, or 1065)
- Includes end-of-year compliance planning questionnaire
- 1120 ("C" corp) and 1065 partnership incurs additional $100 filing fee
Pricing: from $395
Tax Planning Consultation
Strategic review of your tax situation with specific, actionable recommendations.
- 30–90 minute in-person or phone/virtual consultation
- Scheduled June 1st through December 31st
Pricing: $400 per hour
Block of Consultation Hours
Flexible access for questions, planning, and advisory support throughout the year.
- Time tracked in 15-minute increments
- Discounted pricing available for blocks of 2 or more hours
Pricing: $400 per hour
Additional State Filing Fee
We primarily serve clients in our local community, so Illinois state tax returns are already included in the fees quoted elsewhere.
- Additional state tax return: $100 per state
- Separate $100 fee applies for each corporation or partnership filing
Pricing: from $100 per additional state
Investment Advisory*
Whether you are planning for retirement, looking to grow savings, or managing cash in your business, I can create a detailed plan.
- Hourly or AUM fee arrangements availaible
- Victor Karas, EA is a Series 7 and 65 licensed Investment Advisor*
Pricing: contact for details
Second Opinion Consultation
Professional review of your tax situation for new clients seeking a second opinion.
- Fee is fully credited toward your filing fee if we prepare your original or amended return.
- Use the 'Submit Additional Documents' link below to submit a PDF copy
Pricing: from $100+ depending on complexity
Per-Form Pricing
W-2 income and standard deduction are included in the base price. To reflect complexity, we charge a per-form fee for additional forms and schedules. Here are three examples of how pricing works:
Self-Employed with Rentals
- Base 1040 (Standard Level)$215
- Schedule C (Business)$50
- Schedule E (Rental #1)$25
- Schedule E (Rental #2)$25
- Estimated Tax Vouchers$25
Parents with Investment Income
- Base 1040 (Standard Level)$215
- Child Tax Credit$25
- Dependent Care Credit$15
- 1099-B (Interest/Dividends)$10
S Corporation Owner
- Base 1040 (Standard Level)$215
- Quarterly payroll reportingvaries
- K-1 (S Corp Distribution)$50
- Estimated Tax Vouchers$25
- 1120-S (under $250k gross income)$395
Resources
Helpful tools and documents to support your tax preparation
Tax Worksheets
Download our comprehensive PDF worksheets to help organize your tax information
Submit Additional Documents
Securely upload your tax documents and information through our portal
Where's My Refund?
Check the status of your federal tax refund directly with the IRS
Request an Extension
Need more time? Submit a request to file an extension for your tax return
2025 Tax Law Updates
Stay informed about important tax law changes affecting the 2025 tax year
Frequently Asked Questions
Our office is open Monday - Friday 10 AM to 6 PM. Saturdays meetings are by-appointment-only and the front desk is not staffed.
We strongly encourage clients to submit tax documents using our online form above, as this streamlines our data entry process. Documents provided in-person require additional processing and will result in delays.
[1] You will receive a confirmation e-mail and SMS when we receive your tax documents.
[2] If you selected 'Standard' or 'Full' service, we'll review and reach out via e-mail and SMS to schedule your appointment.
[3] If you selected 'Express' service, you will receive an email with a tax summary PDF attachment and a video explaining the numbers. You will confirm your contact information and reply 'Accept'.
[4] We will send you an invoice via e-mail - once paid, we will send you your e-signature authorization via email.
[5] We will send you an e-mail confirmation when your e-filing is accepted by the IRS.
[6] We will send you a questionnaire to prepare for your Complimentary Financial Review Meeting (see below for details).
Every tier of service now includes a complimentary financial review meeting conducted after June 1st. We'll look at your overall financial picture and provide a simple "report card" with clear, actionable recommendations.
[1] After your tax return is completed, we'll send you a brief online questionnaire.
[2] Once we've reviewed your answers, we'll prepare a PDF score card and schedule a meeting to walk through everything together and answer your questions.
Individual 1040: April 15th
Submit documents to us by March 20th for timely processing. Request an extension by April 1st (Click here).
S Corp (1120-S) & Partnerships (1065): March 15th
Submit documents to us by February 20th for timely processing. Request an extension by March 1st (Click here).
Note: Extensions extend filing deadlines, NOT payment deadlines. See 'Estimated Tax Payments' below for more details.
Revisions (Before Filing): We want you to feel confident in the accuracy of your return. If you discover an error that is the result of our work, we will correct it at no additional charge within the two-week window after we deliver your tax return summary.
If you request revisions or new scenarios that involve changing assumptions (for example, "What if I claim X instead?"), this may be treated as additional analysis and could incur an extra fee. We will always discuss any potential charges with you in advance.
Amendments (After Filing): If an amendment is needed due to an error on our part, we will prepare and file the amended return at no additional charge. If an amendment is required because of information that was omitted, incorrect, or unavailable when we prepared your original return, we will provide a case-by-case quote for the additional work involved.
Professional Standards: To ensure high‑quality work, we rely on the information and documents you provide to be complete and accurate. We cannot assist with or sign returns that involve knowingly false or misleading information, and we reserve the right to decline or discontinue services in those situations.
We are pleased to offer a $100 discount on our tax preparation services for:
[1] Senior citizens whose primary income is from Social Security or pension, and who do not have employment or self-employment income.
[2] Dependents of our active clients that are students or disabled.
In the US, we have a 'pay as you go' tax system. This means that if you pay tax with your tax return filing, it is likely already too late to avoid interest.
When you are an employee, the employer withholds estimated taxes for you from each paycheck. If you are self-employed or expect to owe at the end of the year, you are generally subject to pre-paying estimated tax.
To avoid underpayment penalties (interest), understand the IRS estimated tax rules:
[1] Pay your estimated tax evenly throughout the year, on a quarterly basis.
[2] Pay either 90% of your current year's tax liability or 110% of your prior year's tax liability, whichever is lower.
[3] If your income varies, use the annualized income installment method to adjust payments accordingly.
Make your payments on the following schedule: April 15th, June 15th, October 15th, and January 15th. For detailed instructions on how to pay, see the IRS and State Online Payments section below.
The IRS is transitioning to electronic-only payments. Paper refund checks are being phased out, and electronic payment requirements for taxpayers are expected by 2027. We strongly recommend setting up your electronic payment methods now.
[1] IRS – One-time Payment (Direct Pay)
Best for: Quick, one-time payments without creating a login.
- Go to: www.irs.gov/directpay
- Click "Make a Payment"
- Reason for Payment: Select "Estimated Tax" (for current year pre-payments) or "Balance Due" (for the return you just filed).
- Apply Payment to: 1040ES (Estimated) or 1040 (Balance Due).
- Tax Period: Select the current year for Estimated or the previous year for Balance Due.
- Identity Verification: Enter your name and address exactly as they appeared on a prior year return. (The IRS uses this information to verify your identity.)
- Enter banking information and save your confirmation number.
[2] IRS – Setup an Account (ID.me)
Best for: Viewing your full payment history, transcripts, and managing payment plans.
- Go to: www.irs.gov/account
- Click "Sign in to your Online Account" and select "Create a new account" via ID.me.
- Requirement: You will need a smartphone and a photo ID (Driver's License or Passport) ready. You will be asked to take a "video selfie" to verify your identity.
- Once verified, you can see all past payments and schedule future ones directly from your dashboard.
[3] Illinois – One-time Payment (MyTax Illinois)
- Go to: www.mytax.illinois.gov
- Click "Make an IL-1040, IL-1040-ES, or IL-505-I payment"
- Look up your IL-PIN: You will need your SSN and Driver's License number to find your PIN.
- Select "IL-1040 Estimated Payment" (current year) or "IL-1040 Payment" (balance due).
- Enter banking information and save your confirmation.
[4] Illinois – Setup an Account
- Go to: www.mytax.illinois.gov
- Click "Request a Letter ID" under the Individuals box.
- Note: Illinois will mail a physical letter to your home with a "Letter ID." This takes 7-10 days. You cannot finish setting up your account until this letter arrives.
- Once you have the Letter ID, return to the site to "Sign Up" and create your login.