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.

Are Unused Subscriptions Costing You Money?

As household expenses continue to rise, identifying unnecessary recurring charges is a practical way to improve cash flow without making significant lifestyle changes. Many consumers unknowingly pay for subscriptions they no longer use, forgot to cancel after a free trial, or no longer find valuable. While individual charges may seem insignificant, the combined annual cost can amount to hundreds of dollars.

Your Year-End Tax Bill Shouldn’t Be a Surprise

December has a way of making tax planning feel urgent—but by December, you’re already behind the strategy and some of the best planning opportunities could have already passed you.

Fall Accounting

It’s like spring cleaning, but now we’re working on it in between Back to School and Football and Pumpkins and Mostly Great Weather!

Trump Accounts: What Parents—Especially Michigan Families—Need to Know

Trump Accounts are a new type of savings vehicle designed to help families build long-term financial resources for children. Structured as a special type of traditional IRA, these accounts have specific rules governing eligibility, contributions, investments, and withdrawals.

Senter Forward: The Kind of Client Relationship We Want to Build

I will start with something that may sound strange coming from a CPA firm: we are not trying to take every piece of work that walks through the door.
We have reached a point where the question is less “Can we prepare this return?” and more “Can we build a relationship here where our team can actually help?” That difference matters.

Federal Updates on Tip And Overtime Tax Deductions

Recent federal tax legislation introduced new deductions related to qualified tip income and overtime pay. These changes may benefit eligible employees while also creating additional reporting responsibilities for employers. At Senter CPA, we are helping both businesses and individual taxpayers understand how these rules apply and how to stay compliant.

1099 Filing Requirements Update! Yes, this is good news!

The reporting amount threshold has increased. Yes, you read that right! The old $600 filing requirement for 1099-MISC & 1099-NECs has been increased to $2,000, with some minor exceptions.

To jog your memory, if you need it, you are required to file 1099s to those who you pay for rent, contract labor (not through your payroll), interest, etc. The 1099-MISC is most commonly used to report rent, while the 1099-NEC is mostly used to report non-employee compensation to most everyone.

Mid-Year Financial Checkup Checklist: Are You on Track for 2026?

Summer is a good time to check in on your finances. The year is already halfway over, which makes it easier to see what’s working and what might need attention. Maybe your income has changed. Maybe you’ve spent more than expected or fallen behind on a savings goal.

Understanding Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments

If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or a small business owner, quarterly estimated tax payments are an important part of staying current with your federal tax obligations. Because taxes typically aren’t withheld from self-employment income, the IRS requires many taxpayers to pay taxes throughout the year instead of waiting until they file their annual return. Making timely estimated payments can help avoid a large tax bill and potential underpayment penalties.

Why I Visit Our Accounting Clients

Every couple of years, I spend part of my summer leaving the office.

That probably sounds strange coming from a CPA.