Client Intake and Tax Preparation Process

  1. Have a conversation with us about your tax situation and needs

  2. Complete the client intake form

  3. Sign engagement letter and pay deposit

    • You will receive a link to the engagement letter via Basil chat or email.

    • The deposit is typically 50% of the anticipated return preparation cost. Payment options include credit card, bank transfer, Venmo, Cash App, Paypal, and Zelle.

  4. Accept your invitation to Basil and upload required documents

    • Identification for everyone listed on the return

      • Please use a US state-issued ID if you have one that’s not expired (details are used to validate electronic tax returns)

      • If you’ve submitted IDs previously, you don’t need to resubmit if they’re still valid

    • Social security cards, social security statements, Medicare cards, or ITIN letters for everyone listed on the tax return

      • Please provide these if possible. May be required for certain refundable credits.

    • A copy of last year's tax return, if we didn't prepare it for you

    • Any tax forms you received including W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, 1095s, K-1s, Social Security statements, HSA forms,

    • US property tax statements, if applicable

    • Income and expense summaries from gig economy apps, if applicable

    • Trade summaries from cryptocurrency exchanges, if applicable

    • Profit and loss statement, if you have a small business and did not complete the expense section of the questionnaire

    • Any income tax declaration(s) you filed in another country for the current tax year

  5. We’ll start preparing your return and be in touch with you with any questions

  6. You’ll receive a draft of the return to review

  7. Sign and submit the return

    1. If we’re filing electronically, you’ll sign Form 8879 (IRS e-File Signature Authorization) via Basil

    2. If you need to file by mail, you’ll receive detailed instructions for signing and mailing the return to the IRS.