Local service guide
Tax preparation and accounting in Irving, TX
Tax preparation for an Irving business should start with a written scope covering your federal return, applicable Texas franchise filings, bookkeeping cleanup and follow-up help. Match the preparer’s experience to your business, check their credentials and compare itemized fees. Paid federal return preparers need a PTIN; enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys have unlimited representation rights before the IRS. [1]
Choose the professional for the work you need
Describe your business before requesting a quote: its legal structure, income sources, employees, inventory, rental activity and unresolved notices. Ask the candidate to explain their experience with that combination. For ongoing accounting, request a separate description of bank reconciliation, financial statements and year-end handoff work.
The IRS distinguishes permission to prepare a return from permission to represent a taxpayer. Enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys can represent clients in audits, collection matters and appeals. Preparers with only a PTIN, without qualifying credentials or Annual Filing Season Program participation, have no representation authority for returns filed after December 31, 2015. The IRS preserves an exception for returns those preparers prepared and filed on or before that date. [1]
The IRS notes that CPAs offer a range of services and some specialize in tax preparation and planning. Ask who will handle your work, what similar engagements they accept and whether representation would require a separate agreement. If you have an old notice, identify the return year and filing date before discussing who can handle it. [1]
Put Texas reporting in the engagement
Ask the accountant to identify which Texas franchise obligations apply to your entity and name the report year in the proposal. Texas imposes franchise tax on taxable entities formed or organized in Texas or doing business in the state. The Comptroller lists May 15 as the annual report deadline, with the next business day applying when that date falls on a weekend or holiday. [3]
For report years 2024 and later, qualifying taxable entities at or below the applicable threshold no longer file a No Tax Due Report, but they must file a Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report. Have your accountant specify which report applies, include it in the engagement and provide filing confirmation. [4]
For entities that must file a franchise tax report, the Comptroller offers EZ Computation and long-form reporting. Eligible entities or combined groups with annualized total revenue of $20 million or less may use EZ Computation, but that option excludes margin deductions and franchise tax credits. Ask the accountant to explain the proposed method before approving the engagement. [4]
Compare fees against the same deliverables
Request written quotes for your records and service needs. Give each candidate the same description of return preparation, bookkeeping cleanup, Texas reporting, planning meetings and notice responses. Ask whether they charge a fixed fee or hourly rate, what assumptions support the quote and what additional work requires your approval.
For monthly bookkeeping, agree on the accounts covered, the delivery date for reports and who resolves missing receipts or unexplained transactions. Ask whether the annual tax return costs extra and who will transfer records if you change accountants. Keep recurring work and one-time cleanup fees separate in your budget.
Before choosing a proposal, resolve any vague terms such as tax support or full-service accounting. Have the provider name the filings, meetings and responses included. If you need help with an existing notice, request a separate scope that identifies the agency, issue and next action.
Prepare records and agree on a handoff
Gather prior returns, accounting exports, bank and credit-card statements, payroll summaries, asset purchase records and tax notices. Ask the preparer for a tailored document list before sending sensitive records. Agree on a secure transfer method and identify one person in your business to answer questions.
Set dates for delivering records, resolving questions and reviewing the completed work. Ask the preparer to explain any extension or payment steps they recommend and confirm who will carry them out. Before authorizing filing, review business details, income totals and payment instructions, then request copies and filing confirmations.
Texas franchise tax no-tax-due thresholds by report year
Local details that affect your job
Check Irving ITIN assistance before arranging paid help
The IRS lists Irving Independent School District at 100 W. Oakdale, Irving, TX 75060, telephone 972-600-5700, among VITA sites with ITIN services. Call for an appointment and confirm availability. Participating Certifying Acceptance Agents can help with Form W-7, authenticate most supporting documents and prepare a return without charge if you qualify. Each family member applying for an ITIN must attend with their application package. Ask which document exceptions apply before your visit, and confirm that the site can handle the return you need. [5]
Include Texas information reporting in your business quote
For an Irving taxable entity, ask whether the engagement includes the Texas Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report even when no franchise tax is due. The statewide no-tax-due threshold is $2,650,000 for report years 2026 and 2027, compared with $2,470,000 for 2024 and 2025. Have the accountant use the threshold for the report year involved when reviewing overdue filings. [3] [4]
Verify the Texas CPA and the practice
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy portal provides separate Licensed Individual Lookup and Licensed FIRM Lookup options. Use both when assessing a Texas CPA practice, and match the names to the proposed engagement. Ask the practice to explain any discrepancy before sharing records. [2]
Match your situation to the engagement
| Your situation | What to request | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| You need federal return preparation | A preparer experienced with your business activity | A PTIN for paid federal return preparation |
| You need help with an IRS audit or collection matter | An enrolled agent, CPA or attorney with relevant experience | These credentials carry unlimited IRS representation rights; confirm engagement scope |
| Your taxable entity falls below the Texas threshold | A review of required information reporting | Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report responsibility |
| You need an ITIN and individual return preparation | An eligibility and appointment check with the listed Irving VITA site | Required application package, attendance and document authentication limits |
Your hiring checklist
- Describe your entity structure, income sources and unresolved tax questions.
- Identify the person preparing the return and confirm their credentials.
- Request a written list of federal and Texas filings included.
- Separate bookkeeping cleanup, recurring accounting and return preparation fees.
- Agree on document transfer, response deadlines and review dates.
- Clarify the scope and cost of help with future notices.
- Keep completed returns, reports and filing confirmations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I hire a CPA to prepare a federal return?
No. The IRS permits tax professionals with a PTIN to prepare federal returns. Credentials affect representation rights and reflect different education or qualification requirements. Ask about experience with your business before choosing a preparer. [1]
Does owing no Texas franchise tax mean I can skip filing?
A taxable entity at or below the applicable no-tax-due threshold must still file a Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report for report years 2024 and later. Ask your accountant which report applies. [4]
Can I get free ITIN help in Irving?
The IRS lists Irving ISD as a VITA site with ITIN services. Call 972-600-5700 to confirm an appointment, eligibility and required documents. Free return preparation depends on qualification. Confirm the site can handle your return before arranging the visit. [5]
What should an accounting quote include?
Request named deliverables, the records you must supply, completion targets, fee assumptions and approval terms for extra work. Ask the provider to separate bookkeeping, return preparation, planning and notice responses so you can compare the same scope across proposals.
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.