RTP Accounting understands you have many options for preparing your income taxes:

• Do it yourself
• Use an off-the-shelf software package
• Have family/friends prepare your return
• Have a CPA firm prepare your return
• Have a franchise tax service prepare you return

RTP Accounting is proud of its record of personal service, experience, knowledge and integrity. We take the time to understand your situation and explain your taxes in plain English without over explaining them. We have been preparing taxes independently since 1994 as well as having six years experience with a leading international CPA firm. In additional to this experience, RTP Accounting uses one of the leading professional software applications (i.e. not retail product.) Unlike most tax preparers, RTP Accounting publishes its fee schedule so you can know fee in advance.

Importantly, we strive to provide the highest quality of service while maintaining the most reasonable fees. As such, while the office has a very nice view … and client seats are facing the windows … it is not as pretentious as an office where you might be charged $200/hr. Indeed, our typical return, including Virginia state return, is only $80 - $110 … typically half, or less, of what many of the alternative preparers charge.

The office is easily found … across from Mt. Trashmore on S. Independence Blvd, in Virginia Beach. (exit 17-A off I-264.) The office park is called “The Meadows” and shares parking space with “Bank @lantic” which is at the corner of Edwin Road and S. Independence (it is very visible.) The office building is shaped much like an “L” and at the vertex is a flagpole. The door to the office is in the breezeway to the right of the flagpole. The office is upstairs, Suite 208 B. Sorry, no elevator.

Supporting our troops Many people claim they support our troops. RTP Accounting goes beyond a bumper sticker. RTP Accounting offers a 50% discount to active military - and those active during the tax year - for those taxes related to their enlistment and the support of their dependents. DISCLOSURE: the discount might not apply to a civilian spouse’s commercial, investment or other activities, but we will make every reasonable effort to be accommodating. Regardless, the discount will apply to the basic Form 1040 preparation.

Alternatives

Do it yourself You already know why you don’t want to prepare your own tax returns.

Use an off-the-shelf software package.
No doubt, there a effective software packages on the market. Indeed, RTP Accounting uses a professional version of one. One problem for many users is that the interview process they use is not much easier than reading the instructions from the IRS. Another problem is that correcting or changing information can be difficult. Also, while the publishers of the software guarantee the accuracy of the calculations, they do not guarantee the accuracy of the data entry. If you make an error with the input or a judgment concerning what should be entered, you are on your own. (Please note, this is a pet peeve … “input” is a noun, not a verb.)

Have family/friends prepare your return.
That person might be talented, but how do you know? Moreover, you will need to reveal personal information to someone who may not have a commitment to confidentiality.

Have a CPA firm prepare you return.
Certainly, CPAs have the credentials to prepare income tax returns. Indeed, part of the CPA exam is Federal taxation. However, there are at least two important considerations. First, CPA firms tend to charge 3 times the individual preparer’s salary (who might not be a CPA) plus administrative costs plus a percentage of the controlling partner’s time. As such, the cost can be substantial. Moreover, you might not be getting what you think you are paying for. Second, CPAs are “Certified Public Accountants” … they are not certified tax accountants. While they have passed the exam - and have at least 3 years of experience - they are certified as auditors and their experience may be exclusively as auditors.

Have a franchise tax service prepare your return.
The well known franchise tax preparation services include H & R Block, Jackson Hewlett and more recently Liberty Tax. They are franchises in the same manner that McDonalds and Jiffy Lube are. The owner of the franchise need not have any tax background. Moreover, the actual preparers they hire are often part-time preparers with no experience other than a short course of as little as 20 hours.

E-Filing

E-filing is encouraged by Federal government (i.e. IRS.) It is also available for the Commonwealth of Virginia. RTP Accounting offers this service for both Federal returns and Virginia returns for only $5 (to cover our costs.) Sorry, e-filing is not available for state returns other than Virginia. According to the IRS, e-filing with direct deposit to your bank account will return a refund in 7 - 10 business days while a paper return filing with a paper check will take as much as 6 weeks or more.

RALs - “Instant Refunds”

Refund anticipation loans - also known as RALs or “Instant Refunds” - are not available through RTP Accounting. RTP Accounting refuses to participate in such programs. This is not to judge anyone’s behavior, but it is our experience that people seeking RALs have already spent the refund money or expect to do so soon. Typically, this is a way for the poor to become poorer. Moreover, overwhelmingly, the purchase is for a want, not a need. Never has RTP Accounting had a client with a true medical emergency or similar need. Moreover, the effective rate of interest of a RAL is as much as 300%, or more, than receiving an actual direct deposit. There is no financial justification for such an expense.

Confidentiality

As a small office and sole proprietor, your files are handled by one person and one person only. Also, RTP Accounting does not keep any client original documents. This adds to confidentiality. However, it also requires clients to maintain their own files for up to three years after the filing deadline.