2025 Individual Tax Return Process

by | Jan 22, 2026 | Tax, Team

Tax Return Process

At Senter, CPA, our goal is to make your tax preparation experience as seamless and efficient as possible. As we dive into the 2026 tax season, we’ve refined our process (and software) to better support accuracy, timeliness, and peace of mind. Below is an overview of our updated tax return process and what you can expect when working with our team this year.

Step 1: 🌐 Open a Secure Client Portal w/ TaxDome

  • If you have not received a client portal invite, please call our office at (248) 934-0550 to request one.
  • You can login to your portal HERE.

Step 2: ✍️ Sign your Engagement Letter and complete your 2025 Tax Organizer

  • Your Engagement Letter and 2025 Tax Organizer are located in your portal.
  • It is imparative that you sign the Engagement Letter and Tax Organizer in order to move through the process.
  • Take your time when filling out the Tax Organizer. If you do not have all your documents, DO NOT SUBMIT your organizer.
  • Slow and steady wins the race.

Step 3: 🛠️ Tax Return Preparation

  • Assignment: Your tax return will be prepared by one of our experienced team staff accountants: Tracy Sanda, Jordan Middleton, Kelly Thompson or Matt Senter.
  • Communication: If we need further details, we’ll reach out via email, phone, or set up a video meeting.

Step 4: ✅ Tax Return Review Process

  • Matt Senter will thoroughly review your previous returns and current years documents to ensure accuracy.
  • After final review, you will receive and email to review your tax return.

Step 5: 🔍 Client Review and E-Signature

  • Draft Review: Your draft tax return in located in your Client Portal or a hard copy can be available upon request .
  • E-Signature: After your approval, you can electronically sign the necessary forms through our secure system.

Step 6: 💲Client pays invoice

  • Your invoice is available in your Client Portal and must be paid prior to your tax return being e-filed.

Step 7: ➡️ Your return is e-filed

  • Submission: We will electronically file your tax return with the IRS and applicable state authorities.
  • Acknowledgment: Typically, within 24-48 hours, you’ll receive confirmation that your return has been accepted.

Step 8: 🎉 Your Tax Return is Complete.

  • Senter, CPA confirms successful transmission to the IRS and applicable state authoritie

Step 9: 📣 Review Request

  • You will receive an email requesting to give Senter, CPA a shoutout on social media.

 

Post-Filing Support

Here are also some helpful links to assist after your tax return has been e-filed with the IRS.

  • Refund Tracking:
  • Amendments and Inquiries: If needed, we’re here to assist with any amendments or questions post-filing.

At Senter, CPA, our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized and efficient tax services. Tax preparation is done by the entire team at Senter, CPA. Get to know the staff by visiting our ABOUT page.

Note: Tax laws and procedures are subject to change. Always consult with a tax professional or refer to official IRS guidelines for the most current information.

Always remember, Senter, CPA is here for you if you need any assistance.

Don't hesitate to give us a call at 248-934-0550, or contact us below.

Business Mileage Deductibility: What Qualifies and What Does Not

Vehicle expenses can be a valuable tax deduction, but only when mileage is properly classified and documented. For tax purposes, the deductibility of mileage depends on whether the travel is considered business, commuting, or personal. Understanding these distinctions is essential to support allowable business mileage deductions.

Welcome to the Senter, CPA Team – Shannon Currie

Shannon is pleased to join the Senter team as a Staff Accountant.

How to Document Charitable Donations for Tax Deductions

Accurate documentation is essential when claiming charitable contributions on your tax return. The IRS requires specific records depending on the type and value of your donations. Maintaining proper records ensures your contributions are deductible and helps you avoid issues if your return is ever reviewed.

How to make Federal & State Income Tax Payments (update January 2026)

Paying federal and Michigan income taxes is pretty straightforward and are now required to be paid online.

What are QCD’s?

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a tax-efficient way for eligible IRA owners to support charitable organizations while managing taxable income. Individuals who are age 70½ or older may donate up to $108,000 in 2025 directly from a traditional IRA to a qualified charity. When structured properly, a QCD is excluded from taxable income, may satisfy Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) requirements, and can help reduce overall tax liability.

Common Tax Documentation for 2025 Tax Season

Getting your tax documents organized for your preparer can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. One of the most common questions we hear is, “What documents do I need for my individual tax return?”

2025 Senter, CPA Year in Review

Reflecting on 2025, Senter CPA has experienced significant growth and success, both personally and professionally. As we roll into 2026, we’re heading into our ninth year as a firm. That’s wild. It honestly feels like just yesterday that we unlocked the doors on January 1, 2018.

URGENT: New Electronic Payment Requirements

Tax season is getting a serious tech upgrade.

New Schedule C Excel Worksheet For 2025

If you file Schedule C as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you already know how detailed the IRS can be. The form requires a thorough breakdown of your business income and expenses, leaving little room for guesswork. Schedule C is the primary IRS form used to report your business’s profit or loss and completing it accurately is essential for both compliance and tax planning.

New Schedule E Excel Worksheet For 2025

If you report rental income on Schedule E, you already know the IRS wants your numbers broken out by category and by property. Schedule E is the main IRS form used to report rental real estate income and expenses on your personal return, and clean detail makes prep faster and cuts down on follow-ups.