Question 1

What do I need to bring to my tax appointment?

Accepted Answer

To ensure a smooth and accurate tax preparation process, please bring the following documents and information to your appointment:
Income Documents: All tax forms you've received, such as W-2s, 1099s (e.g., for self-employment, unemployment, or investment income), and any other income statements.
Dependent Information: Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for all dependents you are claiming. If you are claiming a dependent that has filed a tax return we will need a copy. 
Tax Credit Documentation: Proof to support any claimed tax credits, such as: 
Residency proof for dependents (e.g., school records, medical bills).
Receipts for energy-efficient home improvements (e.g., solar panels, insulation).
Estimated Tax Payments: Exact amounts and dates of any estimated tax payments you’ve made.
Self-Employment and Rental Income: 
Profit and loss statements or income and expense summaries for Schedule C (self-employment), Schedule E (rental income), and Schedule F (farming). For capital expense we need to know description of asset, date purchased, exact amount. 
Education Expenses: If claiming education credits for a child in college, bring Form 1098-T, which is often accessible on the child's online school account. Records of any additional school expenses purchased through the school (e.g., books, lab materials, etc.)
Investment Information: Consolidated 1099 for brokerage accounts (stock transactions, dividends, and capital gains/losses).
Homeowner Information: 
Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098).
Property tax statements.
Closing statements for any real estate transactions.
Health Insurance Details: 
Form 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C, if applicable.
If you are self-employed and carry health insurance for yourself or your family, please provide the total dollar amount of premiums paid for the year.
Retirement Contributions and Distributions: 
Documentation of IRA or 401(k) contributions or withdrawals (e.g., Form 1099-R).

Bringing these documents will help us maximize your deductions and ensure a complete and accurate tax return. If you’re unsure about any specific documents, feel free to contact us before your appointment!

Question 2

Where's my refund?

Accepted Answer

Federal Return:

Website: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
Select "Use refund tracker"

What you will need: 
Social Security Number or ITIN
Your filing status
Your exact refund amount
Tax Year

Allow 24-hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after you mailed your return.

IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, although some require additional time. You should only call if it has been: 
21 days or more since you e-filed
6 weeks or more since you mailed your return
OR if the "Where's My Refund" tells you to contact the IRS

Ohio Return: 
Website: https://tax.ohio.gov/individual/refunds/wheres-my-refund
Select "Check my refund status"

What you will need:
Social Security Number
Requested Refund Amount
Tax Year

Question 3

When will I get my refund if I claimed the additional child tax credit or earned income tax credit?

Accepted Answer

If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), federal law requires the IRS to hold your refund until at least mid-February. Most taxpayers who filed early, e-filed, chose direct deposit, and have no issues with their return can generally expect their refund in late February or early March. Check your status using the IRS Where's My Refund? tool.

Question 4

How do I make an IRS payment online?

Accepted Answer

Go to https://www.irs.gov/payments
Click "Bank Account (Direct Pay)"
There are no extra fees if you pay straight from your account
Select "Pay individual tax" or "Pay business tax"
Select "make payment"
Tax Information Section: (example for Individuals who file a Form 1040)
**Reason for Payment, select "Balance Due"
Apply Payment to, select "Income Tax - Form 1040"
Select Tax Year
Verify Identity Section:
Make sure to enter the correct tax year for "Tax Year Verification"
Before clicking "Continue" make sure to select the box "I accept the Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act"
Your Payment Information
Make sure you enter the correct payment amount
Your Bank Account Information
Email Confirmation Notifications:
Email Terms of Service, check box if you would like a receipt emailed to you
E-Signature
Print Receipt

**If you are unsure what your "Reason for Payment" is use this guide.

Question 5

How do I make Ohio state and school district payments online?

Accepted Answer

Go to https://tax.ohio.gov/individual/payments/pay-online-page
Click "Pay via Guest Payment Services"
Complete Tax Payer Information fields:
Last Name
SSN
Payment Type (Return Payment, Bill & Assessment Payment, Estimated Payment, Extension Payment, or Account Payments)
Email
Click "Next"
Complete Tax Account Types fields: 
Select the tax account (Individual Income Tax (State) or School District Income Tax)
Select the filing period (Tax Year for payment)
Click "Next"
Select "Electronic Check" to avoid fees. 
Complete Payment fields:
Amount
Routing Number 
Account Number
Bank Account Type (Checking or Savings)
Click "Next"
Review payment details and click "Submit"
Print Receipt

Question 6

How do I create an ID.me account?

Accepted Answer

ID.me is the IRS-approved identity verification system used to securely access your tax information online. Having an ID.me account makes managing your taxes easier, faster, and more secure.

Why We Strongly Recommend It 
Creating an ID.me account allows you to: 
Verify your identity securely with the IRS 
View balances due and payment history 
Make tax payments directly to the IRS and state agencies 
Access IRS notices and tax transcripts 
Track refunds and estimated payments 
Reduce delays and identity-theft related issues 
 
Many IRS services now require ID.me access, and having an account set up in advance can prevent last-minute problems during tax season. 
 
Important: Steinmetz Tax Service, LLC is not permitted to make tax payments online on behalf of clients. An ID.me account allows you to securely make required payments and manage your tax account directly. 
 
How to Create an ID.me Account 
Go to www.irs.gov 
Click “Create Account"
Select "Individual" or "Business"
Select "Create an account"
Enter your email address and create a password 
Verify your identity using: 
A valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport), and 
A selfie for identity verification 
The process typically takes 10–15 minutes. It is also recommended to create an account using a smart phone.

Question 7

How do I create an Ohio ID account?

Accepted Answer

Go to https://ohid.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ohid/ 
Click Create OH|ID Account
Follow to rest of the instructions provided on ohio.gov

Question 8

What do I do if I can't pay my taxes?

Accepted Answer

The IRS offers an Online Payment plan, click here to apply and learn more!

Question 9

How do I file my BOI online?

Accepted Answer

Click here for a quick reference guide.

Question 10

How do I file my BOI using the PDF method?

Accepted Answer

Click here for a quick reference guide.

Question 11

How do I know if what I'm doing is a business or a hobby?

Accepted Answer

The IRS looks at several factors to decide. It’s likely a business if you operate professionally, aim to make a profit, and keep good records. It may be a hobby if it’s mainly for personal enjoyment without a clear plan to earn income. No single factor decides—it's about the overall picture. For more information click here!

Question 12

What happens when I pay my taxes by check?

Accepted Answer

If you choose to pay your taxes by check, money order, or cashier's check, make it payable to "United States Treasury." Do not send cash through the mail.

Be sure to include the following information with your payment:
Your name and address
Daytime phone number
Tax year the payment applies to
Related tax form (such as Form 1040) or IRS notice number
Your Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

If you are mailing a payment with Form 1040-V (Payment Voucher), use regular U.S. mail and send it to the address listed in the form instructions or IRS notice.

Please note that when you pay by check, the IRS may convert your check into an electronic payment. This means the funds may be withdrawn from your bank account as soon as the IRS receives your payment, and your canceled check may not be returned by your financial institution.

For the fastest confirmation and processing, many taxpayers choose to make payments electronically through the IRS.

For more information visit https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-by-check-or-money-order

Question 13

What is a Trump Account?

Accepted Answer

A Trump Account is a tax-advantaged account that may be opened for eligible children by electing IRS Form 4547 when you file your tax return.

Who is eligible?

U.S. citizen children under age 18 (at the end of the tax year) with a valid Social Security number. While any child under 18 may have an account opened and funded by others, the $1,000 federal seed deposit is available only for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.

Is it required?

No. Opening a Trump Account is completely optional.

Is there a fee?

There is no IRS fee to apply.

What information is needed?

Accurate dependent information, including the child’s full legal name and Social Security number.

IRS Form 4547 – Trump Account Application
You can fill out the form online here: https://form.trumpaccounts.gov/

Question 14

Will the IRS still mail paper refund checks?

Accepted Answer

Beginning September 30, 2025, the IRS started transitioning away from paper refund checks for most individual taxpayers. Instead, refunds will generally be issued electronically through direct deposit or other secure electronic payment methods.

This change does not affect how you file your tax return. You can continue filing your taxes as you normally would.

If you are expecting a refund, we recommend providing direct deposit information on your tax return to receive your money faster and more securely.

If you do not have a bank account, alternative options such as prepaid debit cards and other electronic payment methods may be available. The IRS will also continue to provide limited exceptions for taxpayers who cannot receive refunds electronically.

If you do not provide banking information when filing, the IRS may contact you by mail and request updated payment information, which could delay your refund.

Please note that this change currently applies to refunds issued by the IRS. Taxpayers may still pay their tax balances by check or money order, although the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to use electronic payment methods whenever possible.

For more information visit https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers

Steinmetz Accounting and tax service

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