Where's my refund? #1 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: Where's my refund? #1 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:

Where's my refund? #1 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: Where's my refund? #1 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:

Where’s my refund?

Here’s how to check on your refund with the IRS. Information is updated once a day, overnight.

What you need…

  1. Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)

  2. Your filing status

  3. The exact refund amount on your return

Tax Doctor

FAQs

  • At The Tax Doctor, we provide specialized tax and financial services tailored to a wide range of industries, ensuring businesses and professionals receive expert guidance on tax compliance, deductions, and financial planning. Below are some of the industries we serve, but we are not limited to these:

    Construction & Skilled Trades

    • Carpenters

    • Roofers

    • Framing & Sheetrock Installers

    • Tile Workers & Masons

    • Flooring Contractors

    • Plumbers

    • Electricians

    • Painters

    • HVAC Technicians

    • Paving, Excavation & Seal Coating Services

    • Pool Installation & Maintenance

    • Landscapers

    Personal Services & Retail

    • Barbers

    • Cosmetologists & Salons

    • Massage Therapists

    • Art Galleries

    • Retail Shops & Web Retailers

    • Sales & Commission-Based Professionals

    Automotive & Technical Services

    • Auto Shops & Dealerships

    • Bicycle Repair Shops

    • Computer Repair Specialists

    Real Estate & Property Management

    • Real Estate Agents

    • Hotels, Motels, & Bed & Breakfasts

    • Cleaners & Housekeeping Services

    Creative & Media Professions

    • Photographers & Graphic Designers

    • Musicians & Performers

    • Translators

    Agriculture, Fishing & Cannabis

    • Farmers

    • Fishermen & Lobstermen

    • Cannabis Industry Professionals (Cultivators, Dispensaries, Retailers)

    Restaurants & Hospitality

    • Food Trucks

    • Restaurants & Catering Businesses

    • Hospitality & Lodging Services (Hotels, Motels, B&Bs)

    Each of these industries has unique tax requirements and financial challenges, and The Tax Doctor is here to help. Whether you need business tax planning, IRS compliance, or financial strategy consulting, we ensure you’re set up for success. Contact us today to learn how we can assist your industry-specific needs!

  • Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. We are closed on Sundays.

  • To ensure personalized service and dedicated time for each client, we do not accept walk-ins. Please call or email us to schedule an appointment, and we’ll be happy to assist you at a time that works best for you.

  • The Tax Doctor accepts cash, checks, or debit/credit cards. Call us to pay by phone.

  • You can reach The Tax Doctor by phone at (207) 934-3997 or by email at taxdoctor@oobtax.com to schedule an appointment or ask any questions. You can also send us a fax at (207) 934-4110. For the fastest response, we recommend calling during business hours or emailing us anytime, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Resources

Tax Preparation

FAQs

  • Filing requirements depend on your income, filing status, and age. If your income meets the IRS threshold, you must file. However, even if you’re not required to file, you may still benefit from refundable credits or a tax refund. If you earned income through self-employment, received investment earnings, or had taxes withheld from your paycheck, filing may help you claim deductions and credits.

  • Eligibility for deductions and tax credits depends on factors like income, expenses, and family size. Common deductions include mortgage interest, student loan interest, and medical expenses. Tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and American Opportunity Credit, can significantly reduce your tax liability. We assess your situation to maximize deductions and credits to help lower your tax bill.

  • Refund processing times vary. If you e-file with direct deposit, most refunds are issued within 21 days. Paper-filed returns can take 6-8 weeks. Delays may occur if the IRS needs additional verification, if you claim credits that require extra review (such as EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit), or if there are errors in your return. Checking your refund status on the IRS "Where’s My Refund?" tool is the best way to track it. CLICK HERE!

  • Yes, if you earned income in multiple states, you may need to file state tax returns in each state where you worked. State tax laws vary, and some states have reciprocity agreements that may simplify the process. We handle multi-state tax filings to ensure compliance while minimizing unnecessary tax liabilities.

  • If you owe taxes, we help you explore payment plan options, IRS installment agreements, or penalty reduction strategies. The IRS offers short-term (120-day) and long-term (monthly) payment plans to make payments more manageable. We can also review your tax situation to identify deductions or credits that could reduce your tax liability in future years.

  • If you made an error on a past tax return, you may need to file an amended return. Common mistakes include missed deductions, incorrect income reporting, or forgotten tax credits. We help correct errors to ensure compliance and claim any additional refunds you may be entitled to.

  • Yes, you can deduct up to $2,500 per year in student loan interest, provided your income falls within the eligibility range. This deduction reduces taxable income and applies even if you don’t itemize deductions.

  • It depends on your income sources. Social Security benefits may be partially taxable if you have additional income from pensions, retirement account withdrawals, or investments. If you receive taxable distributions from a 401(k), IRA, or annuities, you may need to file. We help retirees develop tax-efficient withdrawal strategies to minimize taxes.

  • Self-employed individuals must report all income, even if they don’t receive a 1099 form. Income is reported on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business), and self-employed taxpayers must also pay self-employment tax (Social Security & Medicare). We help maximize deductions for business expenses such as home offices, mileage, and equipment purchases.

  • You should bring W-2s, 1099s, bank interest statements, mortgage interest statements, medical expenses, business income records, and investment earnings statements. If you have dependents, bring Social Security numbers and childcare expense records. Check our tax preparation checklist to ensure you have everything needed.

Financial Services

FAQs

  • Tax planning is a crucial part of financial planning because it helps you keep more of your money by legally minimizing tax liabilities. This includes strategic deductions, tax-efficient investment planning, retirement account contributions, and income timing to lower taxable income. At The Tax Doctor, we integrate long-term tax strategies into your overall financial plan to help you build and protect your wealth.

  • Reducing taxable income involves multiple strategies, such as maximizing retirement contributions (401k, IRA), taking advantage of tax deductions, contributing to Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and properly structuring investments. Business owners can also leverage deductions for expenses, depreciation, and tax credits to reduce taxable earnings.

  • The right savings strategy depends on the timeline and purpose of your purchase. For short-term goals, high-yield savings accounts and money market funds provide stability. For long-term goals, tax-advantaged investment accounts like IRAs or brokerage accounts may be more beneficial. Our team helps clients strategically allocate funds to ensure they meet their financial goals while optimizing for tax efficiency.

  • Optimizing income includes strategic tax bracket management, Roth conversions, deferring income when possible, and utilizing deductions. If you are a business owner, structuring salary vs. distributions wisely can reduce self-employment taxes.

  • It depends on interest rates, loan terms, and your financial situation. High-interest debt, like credit cards, should be paid off quickly, but low-interest debt like mortgages or student loans may be manageable while you build savings and investments. We create custom financial strategies to balance debt repayment and wealth accumulation.

  • Retirement income planning involves Social Security timing, withdrawal rate strategies, tax-efficient account distributions, and investment portfolio management. We help you build a retirement plan that ensures sustainable income throughout your lifetime.

  • Strategies like tax-loss harvesting, holding investments for long-term capital gains treatment, and using tax-advantaged accounts (IRAs, 401ks) can help minimize investment taxes. Properly structuring your investments within tax-efficient vehicles ensures you keep more of your gains.

  • Proper estate planning, gifting strategies, charitable contributions, and trusts can reduce estate tax burdens. High-net-worth individuals can also use strategic asset transfers and tax-efficient inheritance planning to protect their wealth for future generations.

  • Yes, if you have earned income, you may still contribute to traditional and Roth IRAs up to certain limits. Backdoor Roth contributions and other retirement tax strategies can help retirees continue to grow their wealth tax-efficiently.

  • Self-employed individuals should budget for taxes, track deductions, pay estimated taxes quarterly, and structure income effectively. A combination of retirement account contributions, health savings accounts, and tax credits can significantly lower tax burdens.

Corporate Structuring

FAQs

  • The best business structure depends on your income, liability concerns, and long-term goals. Sole proprietorships are simple but offer no liability protection. LLCs offer flexibility and liability protection. S-Corps help minimize self-employment tax, while C-Corps allow for business expansion and reinvestment. We analyze your business needs to help you choose the best structure.

  • Yes, businesses can convert from an LLC to an S-Corp or a C-Corp based on growth and tax strategy. We help navigate the transition to ensure compliance and maximize tax benefits.

  • S-Corps provide pass-through taxation, meaning profits are not subject to corporate tax. Owners can also save on self-employment tax by receiving a reasonable salary while distributing remaining profits tax-free.

  • Common deductions include office expenses, marketing costs, professional fees, travel expenses, and equipment purchases. Business owners may also deduct health insurance premiums and retirement plan contributions.

  • Yes, most business entities must file a return, even if they had no income, to maintain good standing with the IRS and state agencies.

  • Ensure that income, expenses, and deductions are properly documented with receipts, invoices, and supporting tax forms. Keep detailed records of business transactions, contracts, and tax filings. If audited, having organized documentation and professional guidance ensures a smoother process.

  • Business owners who expect to owe over $1,000 in taxes must pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid penalties. We help calculate accurate estimated payments to keep you compliant.

  • Yes, businesses can deduct up to $5,000 in startup costs, including legal fees, marketing expenses, and initial operating costs.

  • Maintain receipts, invoices, bank statements, payroll records, and mileage logs for at least three years to support tax filings.

  • For S-Corps and C-Corps, owners must take a reasonable salary to comply with IRS rules. We help determine appropriate compensation structures to maximize tax benefits.

Trust & Estate Planning

FAQs

  • If you own property, investments, or have dependents, estate planning ensures your assets are distributed efficiently, minimizing taxes and legal complications. Even if estate taxes don’t apply, proper planning prevents unnecessary delays and expenses.

  • Strategies include gifting assets before death, setting up irrevocable trusts, charitable donations, and leveraging tax exemptions. A well-structured estate plan helps reduce estate tax liability and preserves wealth for beneficiaries.

  • A trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Trusts allow for asset protection, tax efficiency, and controlled distribution of wealth. Unlike wills, trusts bypass probate, ensuring faster and more private wealth transfers.

  • Setting up trusts, life insurance policies, and structured inheritances ensures financial security for your children. Additionally, establishing clear legal directives can prevent family disputes.

  • Spousal estate planning includes joint ownership structures, trust planning, and ensuring beneficiaries on retirement accounts and life insurance are properly designated.

  • Yes, using trusts, payable-on-death accounts, and joint ownership helps assets transfer outside of probate, reducing time and costs.

  • Tax-efficient estate strategies ensure your beneficiaries inherit more while paying less in taxes and legal fees. Roth conversions, gifting strategies, and charitable trusts can optimize wealth transfer.

  • Gifting assets before death, utilizing tax-exempt transfers, and structuring inheritance through trusts help minimize tax burdens for beneficiaries.

  • Donating to charities can reduce taxable income and estate taxes. Donor-advised funds and charitable trusts offer tax-efficient ways to give while benefiting from deductions.

  • Including digital assets (cryptocurrency, online accounts) in your estate plan with clear instructions ensures heirs can access and manage these assets.

Tax Deadlines

April 15

October 15

Partnerships incl Multi-member LLCs, & S Corps

Individuals, Sole Proprietors & C Corps

File Deadline

Extension Deadline

March 15

September 15

File Deadline

Extension Deadline

A Note on Amended Returns: You have up to three years from your original filing date or three years from April 15 (whichever is later) to file an amended return, if your original return was submitted before April 15.

File Deadline

Extension Deadline