Page 24: Additional Questions & Filing Options

Nobody skips this page. Every client answers these questions, because the answers decide whether a separate form has to be filed alongside your return — and one of them, the foreign account question, carries severe penalties if it is missed.

What this page does. The top half asks the questions that trigger a separate form or filing if the answer is yes. The bottom half is where you choose the optional services and say how you want your return filed.

Before You Begin

Please gather any documents that may help you answer these questions, including:

• IRS notices or letters received during the year
• State tax notices or correspondence
• Statements for foreign bank or investment accounts
• Foreign pension or financial account records
• Information regarding large gifts made during the year

Having these documents available will make it easier to answer the questions accurately.

Answer Every Question

Please answer each question with either:

✅ Yes

or

✅ No

Leaving a question blank often results in follow-up requests and may delay the preparation of your return.

If you’re unsure about an answer, select your best answer and provide additional details in the comments section.

Gifts Made During the Year

Please indicate whether you gave more than $19,000 to any one individual during the year.

This threshold applies per recipient, not per gift.

Examples

✅ $12,000 to Child A and $12,000 to Child B

Generally does not require additional reporting.

✅ $25,000 to Child A

May require additional gift tax reporting.

If you answer “Yes,” please provide a brief explanation of the gift.

Prizes and Awards

If you received a prize, award, contest winnings, or similar recognition during the year, please answer “Yes.”

Include:

• What was received
• Approximate value
• Reason for the award or prize

This helps us determine how the item should be reported for tax purposes.

IRS or State Tax Notices

If you received any correspondence from the IRS or a state taxing authority, please answer “Yes.”

Please Provide:

• Notice number (such as CP2000, CP14, or similar)
• Date of the notice
• A brief description of the issue

Most Important

Please upload a copy of the complete notice, including all pages.

The notice itself often contains important information that may not be obvious from a summary.

Living or Working Outside the United States

If you lived, worked, or served outside the United States during the year, please answer “Yes.”

Provide:

• Country or countries involved
• Dates you were outside the United States
• Any additional details that may be helpful

This information helps us determine whether any foreign reporting requirements or tax benefits apply.

Foreign Accounts or Assets

If you owned, controlled, or had access to financial accounts outside the United States, please answer “Yes.”

For each account, provide:

• Financial institution name
• Country where the account is located
• Type of account
• Highest balance during the year (in U.S. dollars)

Examples may include:

• Bank accounts
• Investment accounts
• Foreign pension plans
• Certain foreign insurance policies

If you’re uncertain whether something qualifies as a foreign account, please include it and we’ll review it with you.

Tax Return Services & Filing Options

The bottom section of the page allows you to select optional services and filing preferences.

Audit Protection Plus

Provides additional support and assistance if your return is selected for examination or review.

Tax Document Storage

Additional document retention beyond the complimentary storage period already included.

Advanced Tax Planning

If you’d like to discuss strategies for reducing future taxes, simply select this option.

There is no obligation, and we’ll contact you to discuss planning opportunities that may apply to your situation.

Filing Method

Choose your preferred filing option.

Electronic Filing

• Fastest processing
• Included at no additional charge
• Recommended for most taxpayers

Paper Filing

• Mailed filing option
• Additional processing fee applies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Foreign Reporting Rules Consider Combined Balances

If you have multiple foreign accounts, reporting requirements may be based on the combined value of all accounts rather than each account individually.

When in doubt, provide the information and we’ll determine whether any filings are required.

Foreign Accounts Include More Than Just Bank Accounts

Foreign financial reporting requirements may apply to more than traditional checking and savings accounts.

Examples may include:

• Foreign pensions
• Investment accounts
• Certain life insurance contracts
• Accounts over which you have signature authority

If you’re uncertain, please list the account and we’ll evaluate it.

Use the Highest Balance During the Year

For foreign accounts, we need the highest balance reached at any point during the year.

This may be different from the year-end balance shown on your statements.

Reviewing your statements throughout the year can help ensure this information is accurate.

Send the Entire Tax Notice

If you’ve received an IRS or state notice, please provide the complete document rather than a summary.

The notice often contains:

• Response deadlines
• Appeal rights
• Detailed explanations
• Additional instructions

Having the full notice allows us to better assist you.

Gift Limits Apply Per Recipient

Remember that gift reporting thresholds generally apply to each recipient individually.

Giving amounts to multiple people is treated differently than giving the same total amount to a single individual.

Advanced Tax Planning Is Optional

If you’re interested in exploring tax-saving opportunities, checking the Advanced Tax Planning option simply lets us know you’d like more information.

We’ll reach out to discuss available planning strategies tailored to your situation.

A “Yes” Answer Doesn’t Automatically Mean More Tax

Many of these questions are designed to determine whether additional reporting or forms are needed.

Answering “Yes” does not necessarily mean:

• Additional tax is due
• A problem exists
• A penalty applies

It simply allows us to prepare your return completely and accurately.

When You’re Finished

Before moving on, take a moment to confirm that you have:

✓ Answered every question Yes or No

✓ Provided information about any gifts made

✓ Reported prizes or awards received

✓ Included details and copies of any IRS or state notices

✓ Reported foreign accounts or foreign activities, if applicable

✓ Selected any optional services you would like

✓ Chosen your filing preference

A complete Page 24 helps us identify potential filing requirements early, avoid delays, and ensure your return is prepared as accurately as possible. If you’re unsure how to answer any question, simply provide a brief explanation in the comments section and we’ll be happy to review it with you.