The 2024 Tax Filing Season
2024 Tax Season: Changes to Serve You Better!
Embracing Change for Improved Services
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As we look ahead to the 2025 tax season, Apple Blossom Tax Service is making exciting updates to improve how we work with you. We’ve introduced new service levels that cater to a wider range of needs—from basic tax preparation to year-round assistance and comprehensive financial planning. Our streamlined approach will improve service efficiency, speed up turnaround times, and maintain a balanced workflow. Extensions will continue to be a common part of our process, ensuring we manage your taxes comprehensively.
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To better understand the process, we invite you to view our step-by-step guide, which outlines what to expect at each stage of your tax preparation.
2024 Apple Blossom Tax Service Engagement Process:
December
Review and Sign Your Engagement Letter
Confirm your spot on our client list by reviewing and signing your engagement letter. This step must be completed by January 15, 2025, to guarantee service. After this date, we will extend openings to clients on our waiting list.
Your engagement letter will be sent via email for electronic signature. If you haven’t received it by December 15, 2024, please contact our office promptly.
Important Notes:
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Limited Availability: Spaces for tax preparation services are limited. Secure your place by signing the engagement letter by January 15, 2025. After this date, we will offer available spots to clients on our waiting list.
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Extensions Are Common: Due to the high volume of clients, many returns will be filed under an extension, with a final filing deadline of October 15, 2025.
Introducing Our Enhanced Services for the 2025 Tax Season
At Apple Blossom Tax Service, we’re excited to offer a range of updated services to meet your needs for the 2025 tax season. Whether you're looking for simple tax preparation, year-round support, or in-depth financial planning, we've got you covered. Our goal is to make your tax experience as smooth and efficient as possible. Below you'll find an overview of our new service levels, designed to give you the support and flexibility you need.
COMPLIANCE
For those clients that just need their tax return prepared and do not have any tax and accounting questions during the year.
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Will the tax laws change for 2025?As of now, the tax code for the 2025 filing season remains unchanged. However, the current tax laws are set to expire at the end of 2025, meaning Congress will need to update or extend the existing provisions. While we don’t yet know what those changes will look like, tax updates are expected. Rest assured, we are staying informed and will notify clients if any changes impact their tax situation. For now, your 2024 tax filing remains the same.
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What should I bring to our first meeting with Apple Blossom Tax Service?1. A copy of last year's tax return. 2. Birthdates and social security numbers for Tax payer, Spouse, and dependents
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When will my Federal and State Tax Returns be ready?1. Our office will notify you by telephone after receipt of all your tax information (individual returns only) 2. Please wait 14 days after you have provided us with all of your tax data before calling our office to inquire about the status of your return
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What if I have additional information regarding my return after my appointment?1. If you need to provide additional information after your appointment, please upload into Smart Vault, fax, mail or drop it off to us as soon as possible. Due to liability, we cannot accept your important information by phone. 2. If you have additional information for your return after your appointment and your return is in process or completed, there could be a rerun charge of $125, plus cost of any additional time required.
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Do I need to make an appointment to pick up my return?1. You may come in any time during our office hours to pick up your completed tax return. 2. Our receptionist will assist you with where to sign your returns and what is included in your tax package 3. Upon receipt of payment, your client copy and backup information can be mailed at your expense. We will bill you for the postage under separate invoice.
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What do I do after I pick up my returns?1. You are responsible for reviewing your completed tax return immediately upon receipt. DO NOT WAIT until April to review it 2. You are responsible for returning the electronic filing authorization forms to our office. We cannot transmit your tax return until we have these forms back, and your invoice has been paid in full.
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When do I pay my tax preparation fee?1. Payment for your return is due upon completion of your tax return or you can prepay for your services. Once we have received signed 8879's we will process your payment.
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What happens if I have any questions?1. Please call our office with any questions you may have. Your preparer may not be available immediately but our receptionist can set up a consultation. 2. If you receive any taxing authority correspondence, please bring it or fax it to our office immediately and call for an appointment. DO NOT EMAIL 3. We are open all year for appointments to assist you in any way we can.
MOST POPULAR
COLLABORATION
For those clients that want year around access to their Tax Team, Perfect for small business owners or clients with multiple investment properties or accounts.
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Will the tax laws change for 2025?As of now, the tax code for the 2025 filing season remains unchanged. However, the current tax laws are set to expire at the end of 2025, meaning Congress will need to update or extend the existing provisions. While we don’t yet know what those changes will look like, tax updates are expected. Rest assured, we are staying informed and will notify clients if any changes impact their tax situation. For now, your 2024 tax filing remains the same.
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What should I bring to our first meeting with Apple Blossom Tax Service?1. A copy of last year's tax return. 2. Birthdates and social security numbers for Tax payer, Spouse, and dependents
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When will my Federal and State Tax Returns be ready?1. Our office will notify you by telephone after receipt of all your tax information (individual returns only) 2. Please wait 14 days after you have provided us with all of your tax data before calling our office to inquire about the status of your return
-
What if I have additional information regarding my return after my appointment?1. If you need to provide additional information after your appointment, please upload into Smart Vault, fax, mail or drop it off to us as soon as possible. Due to liability, we cannot accept your important information by phone. 2. If you have additional information for your return after your appointment and your return is in process or completed, there could be a rerun charge of $125, plus cost of any additional time required.
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Do I need to make an appointment to pick up my return?1. You may come in any time during our office hours to pick up your completed tax return. 2. Our receptionist will assist you with where to sign your returns and what is included in your tax package 3. Upon receipt of payment, your client copy and backup information can be mailed at your expense. We will bill you for the postage under separate invoice.
-
What do I do after I pick up my returns?1. You are responsible for reviewing your completed tax return immediately upon receipt. DO NOT WAIT until April to review it 2. You are responsible for returning the electronic filing authorization forms to our office. We cannot transmit your tax return until we have these forms back, and your invoice has been paid in full.
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When do I pay my tax preparation fee?1. Payment for your return is due upon completion of your tax return or you can prepay for your services. Once we have received signed 8879's we will process your payment.
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What happens if I have any questions?1. Please call our office with any questions you may have. Your preparer may not be available immediately but our receptionist can set up a consultation. 2. If you receive any taxing authority correspondence, please bring it or fax it to our office immediately and call for an appointment. DO NOT EMAIL 3. We are open all year for appointments to assist you in any way we can.
CONCIERGE
For the clients that want to have multiple touch points throughout the year for tax planning and strategy.
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Will the tax laws change for 2025?As of now, the tax code for the 2025 filing season remains unchanged. However, the current tax laws are set to expire at the end of 2025, meaning Congress will need to update or extend the existing provisions. While we don’t yet know what those changes will look like, tax updates are expected. Rest assured, we are staying informed and will notify clients if any changes impact their tax situation. For now, your 2024 tax filing remains the same.
-
What should I bring to our first meeting with Apple Blossom Tax Service?1. A copy of last year's tax return. 2. Birthdates and social security numbers for Tax payer, Spouse, and dependents
-
When will my Federal and State Tax Returns be ready?1. Our office will notify you by telephone after receipt of all your tax information (individual returns only) 2. Please wait 14 days after you have provided us with all of your tax data before calling our office to inquire about the status of your return
-
What if I have additional information regarding my return after my appointment?1. If you need to provide additional information after your appointment, please upload into Smart Vault, fax, mail or drop it off to us as soon as possible. Due to liability, we cannot accept your important information by phone. 2. If you have additional information for your return after your appointment and your return is in process or completed, there could be a rerun charge of $125, plus cost of any additional time required.
-
Do I need to make an appointment to pick up my return?1. You may come in any time during our office hours to pick up your completed tax return. 2. Our receptionist will assist you with where to sign your returns and what is included in your tax package 3. Upon receipt of payment, your client copy and backup information can be mailed at your expense. We will bill you for the postage under separate invoice.
-
What do I do after I pick up my returns?1. You are responsible for reviewing your completed tax return immediately upon receipt. DO NOT WAIT until April to review it 2. You are responsible for returning the electronic filing authorization forms to our office. We cannot transmit your tax return until we have these forms back, and your invoice has been paid in full.
-
When do I pay my tax preparation fee?1. Payment for your return is due upon completion of your tax return or you can prepay for your services. Once we have received signed 8879's we will process your payment.
-
What happens if I have any questions?1. Please call our office with any questions you may have. Your preparer may not be available immediately but our receptionist can set up a consultation. 2. If you receive any taxing authority correspondence, please bring it or fax it to our office immediately and call for an appointment. DO NOT EMAIL 3. We are open all year for appointments to assist you in any way we can.
Key Tax Changes for Wildfire Relief Payments and Other Disaster Victims
If you’ve been impacted by a wildfire or another federal disaster, recent tax changes may help you. The Senate, under President Biden, passed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5863). This bill offers significant tax relief for individuals who received wildfire relief payments. As part of this law, wildfire relief payments will no longer be counted in gross income. If you received PG&E Fire Victim Trust (FVT) payments and included them in your income, Apple Blossom Tax Service will review your return. We’ll amend your returns in January 2025 or when preparing your 2024 Federal Income Tax Returns. For further details, you can read the full text of the bill at Congress.gov.
Key Reminders:
Sign Engagement Letter:
Your service slot is confirmed only upon signing the engagement letter due to limited capacity.
Complete your Organizer:
Filling out the organizer thoroughly aids our preparers immensely, particularly the questionnaire and estimated tax payments.
Adhere to Deadlines:
To maintain our quality of service and schedule time for your returns, it's crucial to stick to the communicated deadlines.
Late Submissions:
Documents received past deadlines necessitate an extension, which does not increase your audit risk.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together to get your extension filed!
Or send us a message.
Secure Document Upload with Smart Vault
We’ve implemented Smart Vault to make managing your tax documents easier and more secure. This trusted platform allows you to upload, review, and edit your files from the comfort of your home. During tax season, you’ll use Smart Vault to receive organizers, submit requested documents, and access your final returns—all in one secure location.
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Click the button below to access Smart Vault and upload your documents now.