Step-by-Step Guide

Your 2025 Tax Journey

A simple guide to make your tax season stress-free.
Not a client? Book an introductory call to get started!

STEP 1

Get Us Your Tax Documents

Once the tax season has officially kicked off, you'll receive an email from us, including instructions on how to log in to your Online Tax  Organizer. If you haven’t received this email, please contact us.

Upload your documents through the Online Tax Organizer. (Need help? Link to walkthrough coming soon.)

Drop them off at our office: 31629 Outer Hwy 10 S Suite E, Redlands, CA 92373. No appointment needed.

Mail documents to PO Box 1, Yucaipa, CA 92399.

  • What tax documents do I need?
  • Once we have all of your documents, your return officially enters our preparation queue.

View Step-by-Step Guide on Sending Documents

STEP 2

We Prepare Your Return

Once you’ve submitted your documents—whether online, drop-off, or mail—we’ll begin preparing your tax return. Using the information you provide, our team works efficiently and accurately to ensure everything is completed on time.

To help keep the process smooth and avoid delays:

  • Complete your Online Tax Organizer as fully as possible
  • Provide all necessary tax documents upfront
  • Respond promptly if we reach out with questions

You’ll also receive a follow-up email from Prospect outlining the next steps. If you prefer to schedule an appointment for Step 3, that email will include a link to our calendars.

  • Your return is actively being prepared. Expect questions or an update from us within about seven days.
STEP 3

Discuss With Joel or John

Once your tax return is prepared, it’s time to review the results and make sure everything looks right.

An appointment is optional. If you’d like to meet, you can use the scheduling link emailed to you to book an appointment. Otherwise, Joel or John will reach out directly to go over your return.

During this step, we’ll walk through your results, answer your questions, and point out any planning opportunities for the upcoming year.

  • You’ll understand your return, what’s changing, and what actions to take moving forward.

Schedule Your Review Appointment

STEP 4

Finalize Your Return

By this step, you already know the results of your tax return — whether you're receiving a refund or have a balance due — and any important questions should be answered. You’ll also be aware of your estimated tax payments for 2026, if applicable.

Now it’s time to sign your return so we can file it. We use SafeSend Returns to provide a secure and efficient signing process. You’ll receive an email with instructions to:

  • E-sign your tax return
  • Download PDFs for your records
  • Review amounts due or refunded
  • Access next-year estimated tax payments, if applicable

New to SafeSend or want a quick refresher?

Short Video: How Safesend Works (Coming Soon)

Prefer to sign in person? Paper copies are available at the office for a $25 handling fee.

Once your return is signed, Prospect will file it electronically with the IRS and state. You’ll receive confirmation once it has been accepted.

  • Your return is filed, your payment or refund instructions are clear, and you know exactly what to expect for the year ahead.

How to Complete Your Tax Journey

Important Tax Dates

2025 Tax Season opens Late January

March 15

1065 and 1120-S Filing Deadline

April 15

1040 Filing Deadline

April 15

2026 Q1 Estimated Tax Payment Due

June 15

2026 Q2 Estimated Tax Payment Due

September 15

2026 Q3 Estimated Tax Payment Due

September 15

1065 and 1120-S Extension Deadline

October 15

1040 Extension Deadline

January 15

2026 Q4 Estimated Tax Payment Due

Frequently Asked Questions

By the time we’ve finished your tax return and met with you, we'll have provided clear instructions on how your taxes will be paid. Many clients have us set up automatic payment upon filing; others would prefer to pay by mailing a check or paying online, and we provide vouchers for these options. There are instructions on those vouchers, or you reference the resource: How to Pay Your Income Taxes.

Our fees start at $475 for a basic personal tax return. Fees will increase depending on the complexity of your return: small business, rentals, stock trades, or more complex situations will add costs. Reach out for an introductory call and we can further guide you.

To ensure we receive all necessary tax documents, Prospect Tax uses an online tax organizer available through our Client Center. The organizer guides you through exactly what's needed and allows you to securely upload all required documents. Click here to access the organizer: Log in to Online Tax Organizer

For quick reference, we also have a checklist for commonly required tax forms: What Tax Document Do I Need?

Every January, if you are a returning client, you will be emailed information on how to log in to your online organizer for the current tax season. Be sure to save and reference that email. Otherwise, you can log in here: https://app.prospecttax.com/

If you are a new client, we’ll walk you through the process.  Reach out to us to begin.

Yes. A 10-minute phone appointment may be scheduled prior to submitting documents by contacting our office.

No, appointments are optional. Once documents are fully submitted, your tax preparer will reach out when the return is complete.

Once we have all required documents, most tax returns are completed within 7 business days. Turnaround time may vary depending on the complexity of the return or if additional information is needed, but we will communicate promptly throughout the process. Submitting complete information early in the season helps ensure timely completion.

All individual tax returns can be signed electronically using SafeSend Returns. In-person signing is also available, though e-signing is encouraged.

E-signed Returns: You will receive a PDF copy once signing is completed.
Paper Signed Returns: You will receive a copy at the time of signing.

If any additional physical copies are needed after signing, there is a fee of $15 per printed return or $20 per printed return if it is mailed. You can request this with a phone call or email to our office, and our team will send the invoice over and get the hard copy ready. PDF copies are always free and can be sent via email.

Ready to Get Started? We're Here to Help.

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2026
Prospect Financial Solutions
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