Introduction
In order to ensure the maximum number of on-time income tax filings with a minimum number of extensions, we have implemented deadlines to receive ALL of our clients' tax documentation.
We must receive 100% of your financial statements to file your BUSINESS income tax returns (due by March 15th) by January 31st.
We must receive 100% of your income tax documentation to file your PERSONAL returns (due April 15th) by March 15th.
Failure to meet these dates will impact our ability
to file income tax returns without the need for an extension.
For more information about filing extensions,
please visit our File an Extension page.
Our Clients
We also conducted a review of our current client list and
we made a decision to terminate our services with several clients.
We also made a decision not to accept any new clients during the 2024 income tax season. We will evaluate new clients for calendar year 2024 upon review and careful consideration of a
comprehensive Application process.
Our Team
We are happy to announce that we partnered with an
International Accounting Firm to assist with the
review of your tax documentation
and the preparation of your income tax returns.
Be rest assured that ALL income tax returns will continue
to be reviewed and filed by Rockland Pros.
Canopy: Client Portal
Rockland Pros undertook a comprehensive internal review of our policies and procedures subsequent to Tax Season 2023,
coupled with extensive market research on the
evolving landscape of the Accounting industry.
As a direct outcome of these evaluations, we have strategically invested in initiatives aimed at enhancing our client's experience and optimizing the overall efficiency of our Firm.
Notably, we are pleased to announce the implementation of Canopy, a cutting-edge Practice Management system. This tool introduces a Client Portal feature designed to facilitate seamless sharing of tax documentation and foster efficient communication channels between our valued clients and our dedicated team members.
This commitment to innovation reflects our unwavering dedication to providing top-tier services in an ever-evolving industry.
Engagement Letter
We've updated our Engagement Letter for 2024.
This document outlines the terms and conditions
associated with engaging Rockland Pros.
As a reminder,
ALL Clients are required to sign our current Engagement Letter
prior to commencing and/or continuing ANY of our services in 2024.
Appointments
With the significant increase in the complexity of the tax codes, the limited time available to file tax returns and lack of experienced Accounting professionals (industry-wide), we discontinued the use of our online scheduling tool for income tax appointments.
We will coordinate ONE appointment to speak with you about your income tax returns (upon request) EITHER
before commence the preparation of your income tax returns
OR after your returns have been prepared and prior to filing.
A formal appointment is NOT required to drop off your tax information. You may drop off your tax information, consistent with prior years, at our office between 9am and 5pm from Monday through Friday. Feel free to contact our office to coordinate a day and time with our Office Manager so that we are available to receive your tax information.
Pricing Model
Our Income Tax Preparation Service fees will continue to be based on the complexity of the income tax returns prepared using a
cost-per-form model, adjusted for an annual increase.
Please be advised that beginning 2024..
Additional fees will be applied to your invoice,
if we need to incur extra time to
reconcile and follow-up for missing information.
For those who miss our cut-off dates, our fees will be imposed at double the normal rate to compensate to cover the
overtime incurred by our resources to meet deadlines.
Payment Methods
We will continue to accept credit/debit cards, subject to a 5% processing fee. The ability to use credit/debit cards is by request only.
In addition, we will continue to accept the following payment methods:
Cash, Check, Electronic Check, Zelle/Chase QuickPay,
Venmo, and Paypal.
As a reminder, all invoices are due upon receipt. Income tax returns will not be filed until invoices are paid in full.
Taxpayer/Audit Support
The IRS and State tax authorities have increased the number of Notices sent to taxpayers.
Our Income Tax Preparation Services do not include our Taxpayer/Audit Support Services.
As a reminder, time incurred by our Firm to address Notices on your behalf will be billed at our hourly rate.
Office Location
We are happy to report that we renewed our lease with
Office Evolution,
a Corporate suite within
1 Blue Hill Plaza, Lobby Level, Suite 1509
(across from the Security Desk)!
For those who are not familiar with Blue Hill Plaza, we are in the skyscraper located across from the Pearl River Hilton
(as depicted in the picture).
As a reminder, we welcome visitors by appointment only - no walk-ins.
Challenges Faced by The Accounting Industry
Challenges continue to plague the Accounting industry,
impacting firms in all shapes and sizes - from the "Big 4" to your local "Mom & Pop Shops".
For more information on these challenges and the impacts,
please feel free to read our Articles on subject
with links to various citations...
"The Great Resignation" of the Accounting Industry
Why Are So Many Accounting Firms Terminating Clients?
Why It May Be Difficult to Find an Accountant This Tax Season?
Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers
Tax preparers must display taxpayers’ rights and meet standards to ensure ethical service to customers
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance encourages taxpayers to know their rights when hiring a tax preparer. New York State’s Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers establishes standards to help protect the public from dishonest tax preparers.
“Before hiring a tax preparer, taxpayers can review the state’s Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers to make sure their preparer follows ethical practices and standards,” said New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “While most tax return preparers are honest professionals, some take advantage of their position of trust and access to sensitive information to scam customers out of their hard-earned money.”