JEM CPA, PLLC

Client Resource Center

Checklists, deadlines, answers, and tools to help you stay organized and prepared all year long.

New Client? Here's What to Expect

Working with JEM CPA is designed to be simple and straightforward from day one.

1

Book a Free Consultation

Schedule a call to discuss your situation. No pressure, no commitment. JEM CPA will help you figure out the right plan.

2

Get Your Portal Invitation

You'll receive an email invitation to join the TaxDome client portal. This is where all documents, signatures, and communication happen securely.

3

Upload Your Documents

Upload tax documents, bank statements, or whatever's needed directly through the portal. No emailing sensitive files back and forth.

4

Review and Sign Your Engagement Letter

JEM CPA will send an engagement letter outlining the scope of work and retainer. Review it and sign electronically right in the portal.

5

JEM CPA Gets to Work

For tax clients: your return is prepared and filed. For bookkeeping clients: your QuickBooks Online account is set up or cleaned up, and monthly financials begin.

6

Ongoing Support

Questions come up throughout the year. JEM CPA is available via the portal or email. This is not a "file and forget" relationship.

Tax Preparation Checklists

Gather these documents before tax season to keep things smooth and avoid delays.

Individual Tax Prep Checklist

  • W-2s from all employers
  • 1099s (freelance, interest, dividends, retirement, investments)
  • Mortgage interest statement (1098)
  • Property tax records
  • Charitable donation receipts
  • Medical expense records
  • Student loan interest (1098-E) and tuition (1098-T)
  • Childcare provider info (name, EIN, amount paid)
  • Records of any crypto transactions
  • Prior year tax return
  • Any IRS or state correspondence received during the year
  • Records of major life events: marriage, divorce, new baby, home purchase, death in the family

Small Business Tax Prep Checklist

  • Year end Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet from QuickBooks Online
  • Bank and credit card statements (for reconciliation verification)
  • Records of asset purchases (equipment, vehicles, property)
  • Vehicle mileage log (if applicable)
  • Home office measurements (if applicable)
  • Payroll reports (W-2s, W-3, 940, 941s)
  • 1099s issued to contractors
  • Loan statements
  • Prior year business return
  • Entity documents (EIN letter, operating agreement)
  • Records of any estimated tax payments made during the year

Key Tax Deadlines

Mark these dates. Missing a deadline can mean penalties, interest, or a missed opportunity.

Date What's Due Who
January 15 Q4 estimated tax payment (prior year) Individuals & businesses with estimated tax obligations
January 31 W-2s and 1099-NEC due to recipients Employers and businesses that paid contractors
March 15 S Corporation and Partnership returns due (or extension) S Corps and Partnerships
April 15 Individual and C Corporation returns due (or extension); Q1 estimated tax payment Individuals and C Corps
May 15 Texas Franchise Tax due Texas entities (LLCs, corporations, partnerships)
June 15 Q2 estimated tax payment Individuals & businesses with estimated tax obligations
September 15 Extended S Corp/Partnership returns due; Q3 estimated tax payment S Corps, Partnerships, and estimated tax payers
October 15 Extended individual returns due Individuals who filed an extension

JEM CPA recommends starting to gather documents in December and January. Don't wait until the deadline is a week away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tax Questions

It depends on your situation, but at a minimum you'll need W-2s, 1099s, and records of any deductions you plan to claim. See the Individual or Business Tax Prep Checklists above for a complete list. JEM CPA also sends a personalized document request through the client portal before each filing season.

An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you're still expected to pay by the original deadline (April 15 for most individuals). Filing an extension is completely normal and does not increase your chances of being audited. JEM CPA can help you estimate what you owe and file the extension on your behalf.

The QBI deduction allows qualifying self-employed individuals and small business owners to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. It generally applies to pass-through entities like sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and S corporations. There are income thresholds and limitations, so it's worth discussing your specific situation with JEM CPA.

The IRS generally recommends keeping tax records for at least three years from the date you filed. If you reported income that you should have reported but didn't, keep records for six years. For property records, keep them until the period of limitations expires for the year you dispose of the property. When in doubt, hold onto it longer.

If you owe taxes and don't file or extend by April 15, you may face a failure-to-file penalty (5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%) plus interest. If you're due a refund, there's no penalty for filing late, but you should still file as soon as possible. JEM CPA can help you file prior year returns and work through any penalties.

Bookkeeping Questions

Many small businesses need both, and at JEM CPA you get both in one place. Bookkeeping keeps your day-to-day financial records accurate and up to date. A CPA brings strategic tax planning and compliance expertise. When your bookkeeper is also a CPA, your books are maintained with tax season in mind all year long.

Catch up bookkeeping is the process of bringing your books current when they've fallen behind, whether that's a few months or a few years. JEM CPA reviews your bank and credit card statements, categorizes all transactions in QuickBooks Online, reconciles your accounts, and produces accurate financial statements. No judgment, just clean numbers.

At minimum, monthly. JEM CPA provides monthly bookkeeping that includes reconciliation and financial statements, so you always have a clear picture of where your business stands. Reviewing your Profit & Loss and cash position monthly helps you make informed decisions and catch issues early.

Working With JEM CPA

It starts with a free consultation to understand your situation. From there, you'll receive an invitation to the JEM CPA client portal (TaxDome), where you can securely upload documents, sign engagement letters with eSignatures, and communicate directly with your CPA. The entire process is paperless and designed to be as simple as possible.

JEM CPA collects a retainer upfront before work begins. Any additional charges beyond the retainer are settled once your return is prepared and ready for your signature. No hourly billing, no surprise invoices after the fact.

Absolutely. JEM CPA is a remote-first practice. Everything is handled digitally through the client portal: document upload, eSignatures, messaging, and invoice payment. While the firm is based in the Spring and Woodlands area, JEM CPA serves clients across Texas.

TaxDome is a secure client portal where all communication and document exchange happens. You'll receive an email invitation to create your account. From there, you can upload documents, sign engagement letters, view invoices, and message your CPA directly. It's available on desktop and has a mobile app as well.

Have a Question Not Listed Here?

JEM CPA is always happy to help. Book a free consultation or send a message and get a real answer from a real CPA.

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