Knowledge center
Tax questions, answered by a CPA
Every question we answer across the site, in one place: deadlines, documents, IRS letters, and questions about each service. Can’t find yours? Message us and your CPA will reply directly.
Deadlines and extensions
When is the federal tax deadline in 2027?
The 2026 individual tax return deadline is Thursday, April 15, 2027. An extension moves the filing date to October 15, 2027, but any tax owed is still due by April 15.
When are Virginia individual income tax returns due?
Virginia individual returns (Form 760) are normally due May 1. In 2027, May 1 falls on a Saturday, so the due date moves to the next business day, Monday, May 3, 2027.
Does an extension give me more time to pay?
No. An extension gives you more time to file, not to pay. Estimate and pay what you owe by the original due date to limit penalties and interest.
When are quarterly estimated taxes due in 2027?
Federal estimated tax payments are due April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2027, and January 18, 2028. Virginia estimated tax payments are due May 3, June 15 and September 15, 2027, and January 18, 2028. See our guide to quarterly estimated taxes.
Filing
Documents, refunds and records
What should I bring to my tax appointment?
Your W-2s and 1099s, last year’s tax return, photo ID, Form 1098 for mortgage interest, records of deductions such as charitable gifts and childcare, and, if you run a business, your income and expense records. Our tax document checklist has the full list.
How long does a federal refund take?
The IRS issues most refunds for e-filed returns with direct deposit within 21 days. You can track yours with the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool.
How long should I keep my tax records?
The IRS recommends keeping records that support your return for at least three years from filing, and longer in some situations, such as four years for employment tax records. Keep records for property and investments until you sell them.
I made a mistake on a return I already filed. What now?
It can usually be fixed with an amended return (Form 1040-X federally, plus an amended Virginia return). We review the original and file the correction for you.
Letters
Letters from the IRS or Virginia Tax
Can you help with a letter from the IRS?
Yes. Don’t ignore it: most IRS notices have a response date. Send us a photo of the letter and we’ll explain what it means and what to do next.
How do I know if an IRS letter is real?
The IRS usually starts contact by mail and won’t demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency. If you’re unsure, text us a photo before you reply or pay.
Working with us
About Merit One CPA
Where is Merit One CPA located?
We are located in Ashburn, Loudoun County, Virginia.
Who do you work with?
Individuals and families, and small and mid-sized businesses, including Sole Proprietors, LLCs, S-Corporations and Partnerships.
Do I need a CPA, or can I do my own taxes?
It really depends on your situation. If your taxes are fairly straightforward, you may be able to file them yourself. However, if you have a business, multiple income sources, rental properties, investments, or want to make sure you are taking advantage of all eligible deductions and tax-saving opportunities, working with a CPA can be beneficial.
How do I get in touch?
Text or call us. Both go straight to your CPA, not a call center.
Will I work with a CPA or an assistant?
With your CPA. Every engagement is handled by Hardev K. Singh, CPA, and messages and calls go straight to her.
How much does it cost?
At Merit One CPA, we take a personalized approach to ensure you receive the right level of service for your needs. Our fees depend on the complexity of your tax situation and the services you need. We’re happy to learn about your situation and provide a customized quote before we get started.
Can you help with both my personal and business taxes?
Yes. Many clients have us prepare their individual return alongside their business return and books, so everything fits together.
Do you work with clients year-round or only at tax time?
Year-round. Planning in the fall, estimates through the year, bookkeeping every month and help when a letter arrives.
My books are months behind. Can you catch them up?
Yes. We start with your bank and card statements, bring the books up to date, then keep them current each month.
How long should I keep business records?
The IRS generally says to keep records that support your return for at least three years, and longer in some cases, such as four years for employment tax records. We can tell you what applies to your business.
Do I need bookkeeping if I’m a sole proprietor?
If you have regular income and expenses, yes. Organized books make your Schedule C accurate, support your deductions and help you set the right quarterly estimates.
When are S-Corporation and Partnership returns due?
For calendar-year businesses, Forms 1120-S and 1065 are due March 15. In 2027 that is Monday, March 15. An extension (Form 7004) moves the filing date to September 15, 2027.
Do I need to file 1099s for my contractors?
Generally, yes, if your business paid a non-employee for services above the reporting threshold. Starting with payments made in 2026, that threshold rose from $600 to $2,000. For 2026 payments, Form 1099-NEC is due to the contractor and the IRS by February 1, 2027. We can confirm the rules for your situation.
Should my LLC elect to be taxed as an S-Corporation?
It can lower self-employment tax once profits are high enough to support a reasonable salary, but it adds payroll and a separate return. We run the numbers with you before you decide.
When is my 2026 federal tax return due?
Thursday, April 15, 2027. An extension (Form 4868) moves the filing date to October 15, 2027, but any tax you owe is still due by April 15.
When is my Virginia return due?
Virginia individual returns (Form 760) are normally due May 1. In 2027, May 1 falls on a Saturday, so the due date is Monday, May 3, 2027.
I moved to Virginia during the year. Do I file two state returns?
Usually, yes. You generally file a part-year resident return in each state you lived in during the year, splitting your income by where you lived and earned it. We prepare both.
How long will my refund take?
The IRS issues most refunds for e-filed returns with direct deposit within 21 days. You can track yours with the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool.
What happens if I ignore an IRS notice?
Penalties and interest can keep growing, and you can lose the chance to dispute the change. Most notices list a response date, so act quickly.
Can you help if I can’t pay what I owe?
Yes. The IRS offers payment plans and other options. We help you choose the right one and set it up.
Do you handle Virginia Tax letters too?
Yes. We help with letters and bills from Virginia Tax.
What is the difference between tax preparation and tax planning?
Preparation reports what already happened. Planning looks forward and changes what happens, while there is still time to act.
Is tax planning only for businesses?
No. Families with investments, equity compensation, rental property or a big life change often benefit just as much.
Can you guarantee a lower tax bill?
No one can promise a result, because it depends on your situation and the law. Our job is to show you your options and their likely effect, so you can decide with clear numbers.
When are Virginia individual returns due in 2027?
Virginia returns are normally due May 1. In 2027, May 1 falls on a Saturday, so the due date is Monday, May 3, 2027.
Does Virginia have an automatic extension?
Yes. Individuals get an automatic six-month extension to file, to November 1, 2027 for 2026 returns. You don’t need to file a form, but at least 90% of your tax must be paid by the original due date to avoid an extension penalty.
I live in Virginia but work in DC or Maryland. Where do I pay tax?
It depends on the rules for each jurisdiction and where your employer withholds. This is a common situation in Loudoun County, and we make sure the right state gets the right tax.
Do you work with both individuals and businesses?
Yes. We prepare individual and family returns and work with small and mid-sized businesses, from Sole Proprietors to S-Corporations and Partnerships.
Where are your clients based?
Mostly in Ashburn and across Loudoun County, Virginia.
Is my return too simple for a CPA?
Even simple returns benefit from a second pair of eyes for missed credits and deductions. A CPA is especially worth it when you have investments, stock compensation, rental income, a move between states, a big life change or a letter from the tax authorities.
Can you prepare returns for my whole family?
Yes. We can prepare returns for you, your spouse and family members, including college students and parents.
Do you only work with people in Ashburn and Broadlands?
Although we are based in Ashburn, our services aren’t limited by geography. We are happy to work with clients across Virginia and beyond, where permitted.
Do I need an LLC to start a business?
No. You can start as a sole proprietor. An LLC adds liability protection and some formality; it doesn’t by itself change how you’re taxed. We can help you weigh the options.
Can you set up my EIN and registrations?
Yes. We handle your EIN and first-year setup so everything is done correctly from day one.
When should I talk to a CPA?
Ideally before you register, so your structure, books and tax payments are set up correctly from the start.
Do I have to pay estimated taxes?
Generally, yes, if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax for the year after withholding and credits. Virginia requires estimates if you expect to owe more than $150 after withholding and credits.
When are 2027 estimated payments due?
Federal: April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2027, and January 18, 2028. Virginia: May 3, June 15 and September 15, 2027, and January 18, 2028.
What records should I keep?
Income records such as invoices and 1099s, receipts for business expenses, a mileage log if you use your car for work, and bank statements. Keeping business and personal money in separate accounts makes this much easier.
Can you take over from my current accountant?
Yes. We review your last returns and current books, then take it from there so nothing falls through the cracks.
Do you work with businesses that aren’t in Ashburn?
Yes, our services aren’t limited by geography. We are happy to work with clients across Virginia and beyond, where permitted.
My books are behind. Where do we start?
With your bank and credit card statements. We catch the books up, then keep them current every month.
What happens if I miss the April 15 deadline?
If you owe tax, penalties and interest generally start to build from the due date. The failure-to-file penalty is usually larger than the failure-to-pay penalty, so file or extend on time even if you can’t pay in full.