Frequently Asked Questions

All documents are uploaded through our secure client portal. We do not recommend emailing tax documents. Once you log in, you can upload documents, complete questionnaires, sign your returns, and pay invoices all in one place. The portal uses bank-level encryption to protect your information.

The earlier you submit your documents, the smoother the process will be. We encourage clients to upload documents as soon as they are available. Submitting earlier helps avoid last-minute issues and allows more time for review before filing deadlines.

Below are the cutoff dates for submitting documentation for your return: 

This general checklist is designed to help you gather the information and documents needed to prepare your tax return accurately and efficiently. Not all items will apply to every client. If you are unsure whether something is relevant, it is usually best to upload it and we will review.

Personal Information

Photo ID for taxpayer (and spouse, if filing jointly)
Social Security numbers (or ITINs) for Taxpayer, Spouse, and Dependents
Dates of birth for all dependents
Current address and contact information
Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit or payment)

Income Documents

Employment & Wage Income

Forms W-2 (all employers)
Forms 1099-NEC (nonemployee compensation / contractor income)
Forms 1099-MISC (other income such as rents, prizes, or royalties)

Self-Employment / Business Income

Income records (1099s received, sales reports, invoices)
Expense records (receipts or summaries), including:
- Advertising & marketing
- Office supplies & software
- Mileage or vehicle expenses
- Meals (business-related)
- Professional fees
- Prior-year depreciation schedules (if applicable)

Investment & Other Income

Forms 1099-INT (interest)
Forms 1099-DIV (dividends)
Forms 1099-B (brokerage transactions)
Forms 1099-R (retirement distributions)
Forms SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
Forms 1099-G (unemployment or state tax refunds)
Cryptocurrency statements (purchases, sales, trades, or rewards)

Rental Property Income

Rental income records
Expense records (repairs, utilities, insurance, HOA fees, etc.)
Property tax statements
Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)

Adjustments, Deductions & Credits

Education

Forms 1098-T (tuition)
Student loan interest statements
Receipts for qualified education expenses

Child & Dependent Information

Childcare provider name, address, and EIN/SSN
Amounts paid for childcare

Health & Insurance

Forms 1095-A (Marketplace insurance)
Forms 1095-B / 1095-C (if provided)
HSA Forms 1099-SA and 5498-SA
Medical expense totals (if itemizing)

Retirement Contributions

Forms 5498 (IRA contributions)
Records of retirement contributions not on a tax form

Charitable Contributions

Cash donation receipts
Non-cash donation records (with descriptions and values)

Homeownership

Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)
Property tax statements
Home sale documents (closing statements)

Taxes Paid

Prior-year state and local tax payment records
Estimated tax payment confirmations (federal and state)

Prior-Year Information

A copy of your most recent tax return (federal and state), if new to our firm
Any IRS or state tax notices received

Other Items (If Applicable)

Foreign income or foreign bank account information
Trust or estate income documents (Schedules K-1)
Partnership or S-Corp K-1s
Alimony paid or received (pre-2019 agreements)

Helpful Tip

If you receive a tax document and are unsure whether it applies, please upload it anyway. Providing complete information upfront helps avoid delays and ensures your return is prepared accurately.

We strongly prefer not to receive original source documents (such as original W-2s, 1099s, or receipts). Please submit copies or electronic versions whenever possible. Using our secure client portal is the safest and fastest way to share documents.

If you are unable to use the portal, you may submit copies via mail or email. If original documents are mailed to us and need to be returned, we will charge for return shipping and handling.

That’s very common. You can upload the documents you have, and we can often begin reviewing your return. However, we cannot file your return until all required information is received. If a document arrives after filing, an amended return may be required.

Once we have all required documents and information, most individual returns are completed within approximately 2–3 weeks. Turnaround times may be longer during peak tax season or for more complex returns.

Our fees are based on the complexity of your tax situation, not a flat one-size-fits-all price. After reviewing your documents, we will provide a clear fee estimate before preparing and filing your return.

Yes. Returns that include self-employment income, rental properties, or additional schedules require more time and analysis and are priced accordingly. We are always happy to discuss fees upfront so there are no surprises.

Yes. We can prepare prior-year returns and amended returns when needed. These engagements typically require additional time and are billed separately from current-year tax preparation.

You will review your completed return electronically through our secure portal. Once approved, you can sign all required forms using secure e-signature, no printing or in-office visit required.

If you are due a refund, direct deposit is the fastest and safest option. If you owe taxes, payments can be made via direct debit, IRS Direct Pay, or state payment systems. We will walk you through your options before filing.

After your tax return is filed, the IRS (and state taxing authorities) control the timing of refunds, not your tax preparer. Most IRS refunds are issued within approximately 21 days of electronic filing, but delays are common due to identity verification, credits claimed, or IRS processing backlogs.

The fastest way to check your refund status is using the IRS’s Where’s My Refund? tool. Once your return has been accepted, we recommend checking directly with the IRS rather than contacting our office, as we receive the same information you do.

Yes. If additional time is needed, we can file a tax extension on your behalf. An extension gives you more time to file, but not more time to pay. Any estimated tax due must still be paid by the original deadline to avoid penalties and interest.

The client portal is the best way to contact us. Portal messages keep all communication tied to your account and allow us to respond more efficiently. You can also email our shared inbox admin@lakeview-fs.com or call our office at 773-871-1256. We strive to respond to messages as promptly as possible, especially during tax season. 

Yes. If you receive a notice, upload it to the portal as soon as possible so we can review it. Many notices can be resolved quickly. Representation services beyond basic clarification may involve additional fees.

We work best with individuals, families, and small business owners who value clear communication, organization, and proactive tax planning. Clients who use our portal and submit documents promptly tend to have the smoothest experience.

We use Drake, a professional-grade tax software, along with secure cloud-based tools, including our client portal, TaxDome, to streamline communication, document sharing, e-signatures, and payments while keeping your data protected.

Yes. In addition to tax preparation, we offer bookkeeping and payroll services for small businesses. These services allow us to provide more consistent, year-round support.

Yes. Protecting your data is a top priority. We use secure systems with encryption and access controls designed specifically for accounting and tax professionals.

Yes. Lakeview Financial Services LLC is led by licensed CPAs, and all work is performed in accordance with professional standards and ethical guidelines.

We combine personalized service with modern technology. Our goal is to make tax preparation clear, efficient, and stress-free while building long-term relationships with our clients, not just filing a return once a year.