Tax season, stage by stage
What each stage means, what you do and what your preparer does. Sent is not accepted, and an extension is not a payment plan.
Stage 1: OnboardingWhat happens when you first work with a practice: agreement, secure access and the first document list.2 minStage 2: Awaiting documentsWhy work waits at this stage, how to see what is outstanding, and the fastest way to move forward.2 minStage 3: PreparationWhat your preparer does with your documents, and what you may be asked while they work.2 minStage 4: ReviewWhy a second person checks the return, what the check looks for, and why it can take a few days.2 minStage 5: Signature and authorizationWhy your approval is a separate step, what you are authorizing, and why you should read before you sign.2 minStage 6: Transmission and acceptanceSent is not the same as accepted. This explains the difference and what each status means.2 minExtensions: more time to file is not more time to payAn extension generally gives more time to file. It does not give more time to pay. Here is why the difference matters.2 minWhat is a tax notice?A plain-language explanation of notices in general: what they are, why they arrive, and the one thing to do with every one.2 minA rejected return: what it means and what happens nextRejection is usually a fixable data problem, not a verdict. This explains the general path and who does what.2 min
Reviewed by Meridian Review Team. General education, not tax or legal advice.