Steinmetz Accounting and tax service
Frequently asked questions
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!
Federal Return:
Website: https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund
What you will need:
Social Security Number or ITIN
Your filing status
Your exact refund amount
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://myportal.tax.ohio.gov/TAP/_/
Call: 800-282-1780
What you will need:
Social Security Number
Date of Birth
Refunds for EITC or ACTC claims are usually not issued before February 27th. For more details, visit the IRS website by clicking here.
Go to IRs.Gov
On the homepage, select "Pay"
Click "Bank Account (Direct Pay)" then click "Make Payment"
There are no extra fees if you pay straight from your account
Tax Information Section:
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
Go to Ohio.gov
Click "Services for Residents"
Scroll to the bottom of the page, under "Income Taxes" select "Tax Services"
Click "Pay Online"
Click "Pay via Guest Payment Services"
Fill out the fields provided, choose which type of payment
Choose which tax account you are paying from using the drop down box (Income Tax or School District Income Tax) YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY EACH PAYMENT SEPRATELY
Fill out payment information to complete payment
Gather your forms of identification, please note this varies per person what will be asked. Forms may include: social security card, drivers license, marriage license, birth certificate, etc.
Go to irs.gov
Click "Sign in to your account"
Select individual or business, then select "sign in to your online account"
Click "Create a new account"
Select a username & password
Follow all prompts and questions it may ask to verify your identity. Please note, if you are selected to do a video conference it may take up to 2 hours.
Click Create OH|ID Account
Follow to rest of the instructions provided on ohio.gov
The IRS offers an Online Payment plan, click here to apply!
Click here for a quick reference guide.
Click here for a quick reference guide.
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!
When you send a check for your tax payment, it will be converted into an electronic fund transfer (EFT). This means the amount will be withdrawn from your bank account electronically—usually within 24 hours, which is faster than traditional check processing. By submitting your signed check, you authorize this process. You won’t get your original check back, as it will be securely destroyed, but a copy will be kept for records. Make sure you have sufficient funds in your account; if not, the IRS may attempt the transfer up to two times and charge a $20 fee, also collected electronically. The payment will show on your bank statement, possibly under "other withdrawals" or "other transactions." If you believe there’s been an error or unauthorized transaction, contact your bank right away—protections under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act apply.