Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are you accepting new clients?

Yes. Rietsch, Souriall & Associate are always accepting new clients. You can find new client information sheets and newsletters/checklists on our website.

Prior to your appointment, we kindly ask that you fill out a new client information sheet and forward a copy of the previous two (2) years’ tax returns.

2. Do you prepare tax returns for clients who live outside of Michigan?

Yes. Rietsch, Souriall & Associates has the ability to prepare federal, state and local income tax returns for any state that has an income tax.

3. How do I schedule an appointment?

You can call our office to speak with an administrative assistant, or you can email libi@rietschaccounting.com or kaitlyn@rietschaccounting.com to schedule an appointment.

4. How long will my appointment take?

Each client’s circumstances differ, and the length of your appointment will vary depending on the amount of information and questions you have. Appointment blocks usually range between 45 mins to 1 hour. If you believe you need additional time, please let us know so we can schedule accordingly. 

5. How can I get my tax information to you?

If you have an appointment, you can bring your tax information with you.

Otherwise, you can drop off, mail, email, fax or upload your information using the “Secure File Upload” link on the main menu bar of our website.

Tax returns are prepared in the order in which they are received.

6. Why do I have to verify my identity just to sign my documents electronically?

IRS guidelines dictate that in order for an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) to accept an electronically signed document, the taxpayer’s identity must be verified using knowledge-based authentication (KBA).

7. I was not able to successfully verify my identity on my first attempt at signing electronically. Am I able to try again?

Yes. IRS allows a taxpayer three (3) attempts to verify his/her identity. After three attempts, the taxpayer(s) must provide a handwritten signature on all applicable documents.

8. I was able to verify my identity and sign my documents, but my spouse was not. Are you able to resend the link?

Yes, we can resend the link.

However, if you are filing jointly, and one spouse fails to authenticate his/her identify, both parties must go through the authentication process again.

9. I am having troubling with signing my forms electronically. Who do I contact for help?

If you have issues with signing your forms electronically, please call our office or email emily@rietschaccounting.com.

10. What form of payments do you accept?

We accept cash, check, money order, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express) & payments through PayPal.

11. How can I pay my outstanding bill?

You can pay in-person, by mailing payment, calling in a payment or by visiting our website and making a payment through the PayPal link.

12. I already turned my tax information in, but I received additional information. What do I do?

Please drop off, email, mail or fax the additional information to us as soon as possible. Additional information received after your return has been filed may require an amended return.

As soon as our schedule permits, we will review your return & take the following action:

• Additional Tax Due. If the change results in additional tax due, and you would you like us to prepare an amended return, we will ensure it is completed BEFORE the original due date of the return to void late payment penalties and interest.
• Refund or No Additional Tax Due. If the change results in a refund or no additional tax due, and you would like us to prepare an amended return, we will complete it AFTER the original due date. No late penalties or interest will be assessed to you. 

Additional costs for preparing an amended return may apply.

13. I received a tax notice and am not sure what to do?

If you received a tax notice, we ask that you please provide clear & legible copies of ALL pages received (front & back). You can drop off, mail, email or fax the notice to our office.

14. Can you provide me with a copy of my tax return?

Yes. To obtain a copy of your tax return(s), call our office or email libi@rietschaccounting.com or kaitlyn@rietschaccounting.com.

15. Where can I check the status of my federal refund?

You can check the status of the current and prior two (2) years federal refunds at www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund. Make sure to have a copy of your federal tax return available.

16. Where can I check the status of my amended federal tax return?

You can check the status of the current and prior two (2) years amended federal returns at https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return.

17. Where can I check the status of my MI refund?

You can check the status of the current and prior three (3) years MI refunds here: MI Refund Status. https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/iit/refund. Make sure to have a copy of your MI tax return available.

18. Where can I check the status of my City of Detroit refund?

You can check the status of the current & prior three (3) years Detroit refunds at https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/citytax/detroit/individual/check-my-info. Make sure to have a copy of your Detroit tax return available.

19. Can you help me start a new business?

Rietsch, Souriall & Associates can answer any tax questions you may have about starting a new business. However, we do not prepare any paperwork needed to incorporate or organize your business at this time. We recommend working with an attorney to prepare the necessary start up and legal documents needed to start your new business. If you do not have an attorney, we would be happy to refer you to one.