Below, we walk you through the general process for preparing individual tax returns at West Winds Tax. This guide is designed to inform new clients and serve as a helpful refresher for our existing clients.
INDIVIDUAL PROCESS
NEW CLIENTS
Step 1: Sign Up
Begin by signing up through the link provided below. Don’t worry—signing up is completely free, and we won’t charge you until you agree to move forward with our services. This step simply allows us to collect the necessary information securely to get started on your tax preparation.
Step 2: Answer Questions and Upload Prior Year Tax Returns
Once you've signed up, you'll be prompted to answer a few questions. The first question will ask you to select "Individual Tax Return."
After that, please upload your prior year’s tax return. If you’d like, you can also upload your prior three years of tax returns to help us gain a better understanding of your tax situation.
Then, answer any additional questions relevant to the current tax year.
Step 3: Review and Provide a Quote
This step is on us!
Within 24 hours, we will review your prior year’s tax return and any information you’ve provided to give you a quote for our tax preparation services.
Please note, this quote is based on the details you’ve shared. If we uncover any additional information during preparation, the cost may increase accordingly.
Additionally, if we identify any material errors or missed tax-saving opportunities in your prior three years of returns, we’ll notify you and offer to amend those returns under a separate quote.
Step 4: Review Our Offer
Take a moment to review the provided quote and the details of our tax preparation services. Once you're ready, you can either accept or decline the offer.
If you accept, you'll sign an engagement letter to formalize our partnership and be prompted to pay a deposit fee, which will be applied to your total fee.
If you decide not to move forward, simply decline with no obligations.
Step 5: Upload Your Documents
Once you’ve accepted the offer, it's time to upload the necessary documents to help us accurately prepare your tax return.
You don’t have to upload everything all at once, however, we won’t begin processing your return until we’ve received at least 80% of the required documentation. This ensures we have enough information to proceed efficiently.
Step 6: Review Uploaded Documents
This is on us!
After you’ve uploaded your documents, we’ll carefully review everything provided.
We process client returns on a FIFO (first-in, first-out) basis, meaning we prioritize returns based on when the majority of your documentation is received.
If we find any missing information, we’ll promptly send you an open items list to ensure we have everything needed.
If all relevant documentation is in order, we’ll move forward with preparing your tax return.
Step 7: Prepare Tax Return
This is on us!
Once we have all the necessary documentation, we’ll begin preparing your tax return with the utmost attention to detail. Our goal is to ensure everything is accurate, complete, and optimized for the best possible outcome.
Please note, if we do not receive all your required documents by March 31st, we cannot guarantee that your return will be filed by the April 15th deadline. In such cases, we may need to file an extension on your behalf, which will incur an additional preparation cost.
Step 8: Review Tax Return
Once your tax return is prepared, we will carefully review it to ensure accuracy. A draft copy will be uploaded for your review. Take your time to carefully go over the details, and if everything looks good, let us know and we’ll proceed with the final step!
Step 9: Final Step
After you approve your tax return, we will send the final invoice along with the e-signature authorization form. Please make the payment and sign the e-file authorization forms electronically so we can file your return.
Step 10: Recordkeeping
This is on us!
Once filed, you’ll receive a confirmation, and we will upload a final copy of your tax return for your records. If any further actions are required, we will notify you.
EXISTING CLIENTS
Step 1: Login and Answer Questions
Log into your account here and answer a few questions related to the tax year. This helps us understand your unique situation and ensures we have the right information to prepare your return accurately.
Step 2: Review and Provide Quote
This step is on us!
We will review the information you’ve provided to ensure there are no significant changes to your tax situation. Based on this, we’ll provide you with a quote for preparing your tax return.
Please note, this quote is based on the details you’ve shared. If we uncover any additional information during preparation, the cost may increase accordingly.
Step 3: Review Our Offer
Take a moment to review the provided quote and the details of our tax preparation services. Once you're ready, you can either accept or decline the offer.
If you accept, you'll sign an engagement letter to formalize our partnership and be prompted to pay a deposit fee, which will be applied to your total fee.
If you decide not to move forward, simply decline with no obligations.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
Once you’ve accepted the offer, it's time to upload the necessary documents to help us accurately prepare your tax return.
You don’t have to upload everything all at once, however, we won’t begin processing your return until we’ve received at least 80% of the required documentation. This ensures we have enough information to proceed efficiently.
Step 5: Review Uploaded Documents
This is on us!
After you’ve uploaded your documents, we’ll carefully review everything provided.
We process client returns on a FIFO (first-in, first-out) basis, meaning we prioritize returns based on when the majority of your documentation is received.
If we find any missing information, we’ll promptly send you an open items list to ensure we have everything needed.
If all relevant documentation is in order, we’ll move forward with preparing your tax return.
Step 6: Prepare Tax Return
This is on us!
Once we have all the necessary documentation, we’ll begin preparing your tax return with the utmost attention to detail. Our goal is to ensure everything is accurate, complete, and optimized for the best possible outcome.
Please note, if we do not receive all your required documents by March 31st, we cannot guarantee that your return will be filed by the April 15th deadline. In such cases, we may need to file an extension on your behalf, which will incur an additional preparation cost.
Step 7: Review Tax Return
Once your tax return is prepared, we will carefully review it to ensure accuracy. A draft copy will be uploaded for your review. Take your time to carefully go over the details, and if everything looks good, let us know and we’ll proceed with the final step!
Step 8: Final Step
After you approve your tax return, we will send the final invoice along with the e-signature authorization form. Please make the payment and sign the e-file authorization forms electronically so we can file your return.
Step 9: Recordkeeping
This is on us!
Once filed, you’ll receive a confirmation, and we will upload a final copy of your tax return for your records. If any further actions are required, we will notify you.
OUR NAME
The origin of our name dates back centuries and is rooted in the Patwin language, spoken by the Patwin people, who were part of the larger Wintun language family in Northern California. The Patwin were deeply connected to the land, with a culture centered around fishing, hunting, and gathering, and a strong emphasis on community and environmental stewardship.
Our firm name, "West Winds," pays homage to our founder's hometown of Suisun, which translates to "where the west wind blows." The Suisunes, the indigenous people of this land, have long held a deep spiritual bond with the region, and this name reflects that timeless connection. Just as the west wind is a guiding force in nature, we aim to bring clarity and direction to our clients, honoring the legacy of the land and its people.
