Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about working with Weissgarber CPA.
The questions below cover our engagement process, fees, tax preparation, planning, communication, and what to expect when working with our firm.
For more information about the clients we work with and the services we provide, visit Who We Serve and Services.
Working With Weissgarber CPA
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Yes. You’ll work directly with Luke Weissgarber, CPA, who will get to know your tax situation, understand your goals, and discuss the tax decisions you’re considering.
For ongoing clients, that relationship provides continuity from year to year, so you can build on previous conversations as your circumstances change.
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We tend to work best with high-income professionals, business owners, and individuals whose tax situations are becoming increasingly complex.
Our clients often have multiple income sources, equity compensation, investment activity, business interests, multi-state considerations, or significant financial decisions with tax consequences. They generally value proactive guidance, an organized process, and a long-term relationship with their CPA.
Learn more about Who We Serve →
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Our tax preparation services are generally best suited to clients looking for an ongoing relationship with their CPA. We consider one-time preparation requests individually based on your needs, the scope of work, and our availability.
Standalone tax planning and consulting are also available if you need help with a specific decision or project.
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Yes. You can work with us on a standalone tax planning or consulting engagement without hiring us to prepare your tax return.
We begin by reviewing relevant prior-year returns, current financial information, and your goals. Depending on your needs, our work may include tax projections, comparing different scenarios, or evaluating the tax consequences of an upcoming decision.
Planning and consulting are scoped and billed separately from tax preparation. Before work begins, we’ll discuss the proposed scope, estimated fees, and timing so you know what to expect.
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We do not provide bookkeeping or investment-management services.
Our work is focused on tax preparation, planning, and consulting. For matters involving investments or equity compensation, our role is to evaluate the tax consequences and planning considerations. When broader portfolio or investment advice is needed, we can coordinate with the client's financial advisor or other professionals.
Fees & Billing
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Tax preparation for new clients starts at $1,500 per return. Individual and business entity returns are priced separately.
Fees reflect your filing requirements, the complexity of your tax situation, the condition of your records, and the scope of work involved. After reviewing your needs, we’ll provide an estimated fee or fee range before you commit to an engagement.
Tax planning and consulting are scoped and billed separately from tax preparation.
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Tax planning and consulting engagements are scoped around your goals, the decisions you’re considering, and the analysis required.
Services are currently billed at $400 per hour. Before work begins, we’ll explain the proposed work and provide an estimated total fee based on the anticipated scope. We’ll discuss any material changes to that scope and estimate with you before proceeding.
Standalone planning and consulting are available without engaging us for tax preparation.
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Yes. New client engagements include a $200 Client Acceptance and Onboarding Fee.
This covers the administrative setup required to establish the engagement and securely onboard the client into our systems. Tax preparation, planning, and other professional services are billed separately.
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Tax preparation fees are due before completed returns are filed or released. Planning, consulting, and other services are billed according to the terms of the applicable engagement.
Tax Preparation, Timing & Communication
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Once an engagement begins, clients receive access to our secure client portal for onboarding, document collection, and communication.
After the required information has been received, we prepare and review the return, provide the completed return for client review, address remaining questions, and obtain the required authorization before electronic filing.
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Yes. Tax preparation is a separate annual engagement. At the beginning of each filing season, clients complete the current-year engagement process before tax preparation begins. This allows us to confirm the scope of services, filing requirements, and applicable terms for each tax year.
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Timing depends on the completeness of the information provided, the complexity of the return, and the time of year.
Once all requested information has been received, we work to complete the engagement as efficiently as possible while allowing adequate time for preparation and review. During peak filing periods, returns received later in the season may require an extension.
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Yes, when appropriate.
An extension provides additional time to file a tax return but does not provide additional time to pay tax that is due. When an extension is necessary, we work with clients to address estimated payment considerations based on the information available.
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Yes. We establish internal document deadlines each filing season so there is adequate time to prepare and review returns accurately.
Information received after the applicable deadline may result in the return being extended.
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Sensitive tax documents are exchanged through our secure client portal rather than ordinary email whenever possible.
The portal is used for document collection, secure communication, electronic signatures, and delivery of completed tax documents. Meetings may also be scheduled when discussion or planning is needed.
Getting Started
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Begin by completing our brief consultation request so we can learn more about your situation and the services you are seeking.
We will review the information provided and determine the appropriate next step, which may include an introductory consultation to discuss your needs and whether Weissgarber CPA appears to be a good fit.
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You’ll meet with Luke to discuss your goals, the services you’re looking for, and whether working together would be a good fit. Luke will explain our approach and discuss the likely scope, fees, and next steps for tax preparation, planning, or consulting.
The introductory conversation helps us determine the appropriate services for your needs. Detailed tax analysis and recommendations are provided through a separate paid engagement, with the scope and estimated fees agreed upon before work begins.
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Earlier is generally better, particularly if you are changing CPAs, own a business, have equity compensation, anticipate a major transaction, or expect to need tax planning during the year.
Availability for new engagements may become limited as tax filing deadlines approach.
Still Deciding if We're a Good Fit?
Learn more about the clients we work best with, or tell us about your situation, and we'll determine the next step.
New client inquiries begin with a brief fit assessment.