Clear scope. Fixed fee. No surprises.
The same six steps for every engagement — whether it's a standard 1040 or a multi-year Streamlined catch-up. Below is the long-form version of how we work.
Predictable process, predictable fee.
US tax preparation has earned a bad reputation for two things: hourly billing that runs over and surprise notices from the IRS three years later. We’ve built our practice around fixing both. Every engagement starts with a written scope and a fixed fee, and every return ships with EA representation if anything follows it.
Here’s exactly what working with us looks like, from first email to filed return.
From first email to filed return.
Same six beats whether you’re filing one return or catching up on six. The fixed fee gets quoted at step 03; no work starts until you confirm.
- 01
Tell us your situation
Share a few details via the Get Started form — your status (US citizen, GC, NRA), the tax years involved, rough income level, and any known complexity (ISAs, rentals, a UK Ltd).
- 02
Scoping call
A 20-minute call to understand the shape of the engagement. We confirm which filings apply, flag anything we'd want to investigate further, and answer your initial questions.
- 03
Written fee quote
Within 2 working days you receive a written scope and fixed-fee quote. No work starts until you confirm — no open-ended billing, no surprises mid-engagement.
- 04
Document upload
Secure client portal for W-2s, P60s, 1099s, broker statements, pension documents. We send a tailored checklist per filing so nothing important gets missed.
- 05
Preparation & review
Preparation by ACCA-qualified accountants. Every return is second-reviewed by an Enrolled Agent before release — and we add plain-English commentary on every position taken.
- 06
Signature & filing
You sign electronically. We e-file federal and FBAR; state returns where applicable. Confirmation of IRS / FinCEN acceptance is sent to you the same day.
In every engagement.
- Written engagement letter setting out scope, fees, and timeline
- Plain-English commentary on every meaningful position taken on the return
- Carry-forward and election tracker that follows you year to year
- EA representation on any IRS notice that follows our work, no extra fee
- Same-day replies to email during filing season (Jan-Apr)
The starting document set.
- Last 2 US tax returns (1040 + all schedules + FBARs)
- UK P60, P11D, and self-assessment if you file one
- Brokerage and pension statements for every account abroad
- Notes on any prior elections (FEIE / FTC / PFIC) and treaty positions
- Heads-up on any major events in the tax year — relocation, sale, inheritance, marriage
Four commitments we hold for every client.
Fixed fee quoted upfront
No open-ended hourly billing. The fee in your engagement letter is the fee, full stop — adjustments only if scope changes and you sign off.
Two-pair eyes on every return
Every filing is prepared by one practitioner and second-reviewed by an Enrolled Agent before it leaves the office.
Same-day reply policy
Email replies in 24 hours during the off-season, same-day in filing season (Jan-Apr). If we miss it, we own that.
EA representation included
If the IRS sends a notice on a return we filed, we respond on your behalf — no separate engagement, no surprise invoice.
Ready to start step 01?
Tell us your situation. Most scoping calls are booked within 2 working days.