Is it possible that it is December already?  We hope everyone had a bountiful Thanksgiving remembering all of the things we have to be grateful for.  Of course, the Christmas shopping season tried to overwhelm us; but we managed to enjoy our turkey and football. 

Now we turn our attention to tax season.  Last year there was some confusion about electronic filing.  So, here are some facts we hope you will find helpful: 

1)     SME is required to file all individual and fiduciary returns electronically.

2)     We must receive a signed and dated authorization form from the taxpayer(s) before we can release the electronic return.  If it is a joint return, both parties must sign and date the form.

3)     If you have a balance due, you do not have to wait to sign the authorization form until you are ready to pay.  You can sign, date and return the form to us immediately (we just have to keep it on file), and wait until April 15^th to make your payment. 

4)     If you have a refund due, you can have it directly deposited into your account.  We need to know you want to do this prior to completing the return; so if you expect a refund, provide us with a deposit slip so we can enter the correct routing number on the return for direct deposit to your account.

5)     You can check the status of your refund 72 hours after the IRS receives the return.  Go to www.irs.gov and click on where's my refund?

We hope this helps with some of your questions.  Remember, we are here to help; so if you have a question, feel free to call on one of our team members for assistance.  Have a wonderful holiday and come see us early in 2012.

-Sharon Bragg