Step 1: Sign up or log in
Start by signing up as a new client or logging into your existing TFX account. Select the tax service you need — whether it is for a single year or multiple years, our team is here to help.
Step 2: Schedule a free consultation
New clients are eligible for one free 30-minute introductory consultation with a licensed tax preparer:
A $50 retainer is required to confirm your booking — it never expires and will be applied to future tax preparation fees.
During your consultation, we will review your tax situation, explain our process, and answer your questions.
Existing clients can schedule a free discovery call with our Customer Success team by clicking 👉 here 👈 to learn more about our services and how TFX can help with your unique tax needs.
Note: If your tax return cannot be prepared before the deadline, you can request an extension for additional time to file your personal and non-personal (partnerships, corporations, and trusts) tax return within your TFX account. However, it does not extend the time for paying the tax due. See Payment deadlines: Interest on tax owed.
Step 3: Complete your Tax Questionnaire
Fill out a Tax Questionnaire (TQ) to the best of your ability and upload all relevant documents. The TQ structures your information for efficient processing by your assigned tax preparer. You can save time by using our TQ import feature to complete multiple TQs at once. Refer to Why do I need to complete Tax Questionnaires?
Step 4: Submit your TQ and request an Engagement Letter
Once TQs are complete, submit them for review and click the "Send me an engagement letter" button. Refer to Missing some (or all) documents that should be uploaded to a TQ to learn how to proceed.
Within three business days, our tax team will review your questionnaire(s). If clarification or additional information is needed, we will flag items directly in the TQ and email you a secure link to follow-up questions.
Step 5: Prepay & sign the Engagement Letter
Once our tax team has enough information to prepare an Engagement Letter (EL), they will add it to your account. This letter outlines the scope of work and associated fees — it is not a bill.
If you agree with the terms, make a prepayment and sign the EL to begin.
⚠ Note: Any available credits will be automatically deducted from the prepayment amount. Prepayments are accepted and credited to the account as available credits.
If you disagree or have questions, simply reject the unsigned EL, and our tax team will revise it based on your feedback.
Step 6: We prepare your return
Once the EL is signed, a licensed tax preparer will be assigned to you who will assist you throughout the tax preparation process through unlimited email communication.
Our standard turnaround time for tax preparation is 15 business days per filing tax year from the date you sign the EL. Timelines may vary depending on the complexity of the tax situation, completeness of your documentation, and the responsiveness of involved parties.
At TFX, we prioritize quality over speed and unlike other firms, we don't work in silos. Every TFX preparer, whether an IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) or a CPA, collaborates with a supervisor (also a CPA or EA) to ensure that each return is accurately prepared and optimized to match our client's needs. Each return is reviewed by at least two licensed professionals (CPA or EA). You may see documents uploaded but unavailable for download — this simply means they are pending internal review. You will be notified via email and mobile app once they are ready for review.
Notes: If you need your return prepared urgently, we offer a rush service with a turnaround time of 3–5 business days per tax year from the date you sign the Engagement Letter, depending on the time of year and return complexity. Prepayment is required upon signing, and an additional charge of 50-100% may apply. Contact your assigned tax preparer for a personalized quote.
Step 7: Pay, review & approve your return
Once your tax return is complete, you will:
Receive a notification and a bill that needs to be paid or settled with available credits before you can view prepared tax documents.
After payment, download and review your return.
Verify that your personal details are correct.
Notes:
For multi-year filings, we may stagger filing and billing to make review easier and avoid errors flowing into future years. We won't ask you to review hundreds of pages of returns at once (which can be a daunting task), so that you can provide feedback and we can correct errors.
All tax years must be mailed together if you are filing under the Streamlined Procedures.
Step 8: We e-file or send mailing instructions
Once your return is finalized and approved, your tax preparer will:
Proceed with e-filing or provide you with mailing instructions if the IRS requires a paper filing (e.g., amended returns, Streamlined Procedures).
Upload the Final Instructions with details on how to pay any taxes owed online.
⚠ Note: The amount of taxes owed will be published in your TFX account. Navigate to Documents > Documents TFX prepared > Tax returns folder > Tax year folder.
Upload e-file acceptance confirmation files for your reference.
Ask you to provide project sign-off.