2027 season: dates, timing, and how we work

The season's terms

• Extended season

  Extended returns take 10–15 business days from file complete, May through September. Files complete by Friday, September 17, 2027 will be ready for your signature by October 8 and e-filed by October 15 once you sign.

• Turnaround

  From the day your file is complete: 7–10 business days for files complete by February 26; 10–15 business days for files complete March 1–12. Returns finished before the IRS opens e-filing in late January are transmitted on opening day. We tell you your expected delivery date the day your file is complete.

• Extension

  An extension extends the time to file, not the time to pay. If your file is complete after March 12, we will file a federal extension (Form 4868) and prepare your return in the order files become complete, May through September. Arizona accepts the federal extension. If you owe Arizona tax, we file Arizona Form 204 with your payment. We will give you a balance-due estimate for both returns. Arizona expects at least 90% of your 2026 tax paid by April 15, and we build that into the estimate. Extension fee: $75.

• Rush

  If your file becomes complete between March 15 and April 1 and you want April 15 filing, ask. We will confirm within one business day whether we have capacity. Rush fee: $200. After April 1, we file an extension.

• Late documents

  A document that arrives after we deliver your draft reopens the return: $50. A document that arrives after e-file means an amended return: from $400 for a return we prepared. We tell you which applies before we do the work.

• If we lose touch

  If you have signed our engagement letter and your file is still incomplete on April 15, we file your extension so the deadline is met. The $75 extension fee applies. If we have not heard from you by June 30, we send a closing notice and return your documents. You are welcome back in the extended season if capacity allows.

• Payment

  We confirm your fee from this schedule before we start. Your fee is due when we deliver your return for signature, before e-file. Card or bank transfer. We do not deduct fees from refunds.

• Status

  Every upload and message is acknowledged within one business day, even when the answer takes longer. If anything delays your return, we tell you early, name the impact, and give you the revised date.