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- INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES
Real financial guidance for real life. Not just at tax time.
Whether you're filing your first return, navigating a major life change, or just looking for someone who actually understands your situation — HB serves individuals and families with the same care and rigor we bring to every client.
No transaction-style filing. No generic advice. Real expertise for the people who
deserve to be treated like more than a number.
- WHO WE SERVE -
We work with real people.
Tax filers aren't all the same. Here's the range of individuals and families we serve - and the
situations we navigate often.
-No. 01
First-time filers & young adults.
Filing taxes for the first time or first few times. We walk you through what's actually happening, explain what each form means, and set you up to file with confidence in future years.
-No. 02
Working families with children.
Dependent strategy. Childcare and education credits. Splitting tax planning across two careers and shared household decisions. The kind of work that genuinely benefits from someone paying attention.
-No. 03
Simple W-2 filers who want it done right.
Even a "simple" return deserves rigor. We catch what generic software misses — itemized deductions when they make sense, credit eligibility you didn't know about, and the slow improvements year over year.
-No. 04
People with side income or 1099s.
You have a W-2 job AND something on the side — Etsy, Uber, freelance, consulting. We help you handle the mixed-income filing properly, plan estimated taxes, and decide whether the side work should become a real business.
-No. 05
People navigating life changes.
Marriage, divorce, new home, retirement, inheritance, new dependent. Life events have tax implications most people don't think about. We help you navigate them before they become surprises in April.
-No. 06
People who want year-round access.
Not everyone needs full business advisory. But many individuals benefit from having someone they can text in November when something tax-relevant happens — instead of finding out it was important the following April.
- OUR APPROACH -
What makes our work with individuals different.
Most tax services treat individual filing like an assembly line — fastest filing, lowest price, see you next year. That isn't real service. That's processing.
We approach individual tax work the same way we approach our business clients: as a real relationship that benefits from continuity, attention, and someone who actually knows your situation. The investment is different from business work, but the standard of care isn't.
◆ EA-reviewed, not just signed.
Every return is reviewed by an Enrolled Agent — the highest credential the IRS issues — before filing, regardless of who prepared it.
◆ Real questions, real answers.
We ask about your situation. We answer your questions honestly. We don't rush you out the door.
◆ Multi-year perspective.
We see your filing as one year in a longer relationship. That changes how we approach strategy and recommendations.
◆ Honest about what you need.
If your situation is simple, we say so. We don't push you into services you don't need.
- The Difference
What you actually get.
Three common approaches to individual tax work — and what's actually included in each.
Tax Software
✓
Federal & state filing
✓
Federal & state filing
—
EA-reviewed return
—
Personal review session
—
Life-event guidance
—
Multi-year strategy
—
Year-round access
—
IRS representation if needed
HB Practice
01.
Start with our quick intake.
A short qualifying form so we understand your situation. Takes about 2 minutes. We'll send you the full secure intake form right after.
02.
Complete our full intake form.
Our secure Jotform collects everything we need to begin — your documents, your situation, and the details that matter. Upload from anywhere, on any device.
03.
Your preparer takes it from here.
Returns are worked in the order received. Your assigned preparer reaches out directly if they need any additional information or clarification.
04.
Zoom review, then e-file.
When your return is ready, we schedule a Zoom call to walk through it together — line by line, explaining everything. Sign, we e-file, you're done.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Returns are worked in order received · Typical turnaround varies with complexity and current queue
Standard Preparer
01.
Start with our quick intake.
A short qualifying form so we understand your situation. Takes about 2 minutes. We'll send you the full secure intake form right after.
02.
Complete our full intake form.
Our secure Jotform collects everything we need to begin — your documents, your situation, and the details that matter. Upload from anywhere, on any device.
03.
Your preparer takes it from here.
Returns are worked in the order received. Your assigned preparer reaches out directly if they need any additional information or clarification.
04.
Zoom review, then e-file.
When your return is ready, we schedule a Zoom call to walk through it together — line by line, explaining everything. Sign, we e-file, you're done.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Returns are worked in order received · Typical turnaround varies with complexity and current queue
Whichever path you choose, you'll get the same careful preparation, the same line-by-line walkthrough, and the same commitment to explaining what we're doing — because we believe you should understand what you're signing.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED
The full tax practice.
A complete tax and financial-strategy service — designed to be more than a once-a-year transaction.
-01
Individual Tax Preparation
Federal and state returns prepared with care. We file remotely or in-person, walk you through every line, and explain what changed from last year and what to plan for next.
-02
Business Tax Preparation
Schedule C, partnership, LLC, S-corp, and corporate returns. We don't just enter numbers — we look at entity structure, deductions, and what's leaving money on the table.
-03
Year-Round Tax Planning
Quarterly reviews, estimated tax management, entity strategy, and proactive planning so April isn't a surprise. For clients who want to operate from strategy instead of reaction.
-04
Tax Resolution & IRS Correspondence
IRS notices, payment plans, offers in compromise, audit support, and held refunds. We work directly with the IRS on your behalf — calmly, and with a clear plan.
-05
ITIN Applications & Renewals
Full ITIN service as a Certified Acceptance Agent — we verify your identification documents in-house so you don't have to mail originals to the IRS. New applications, renewals, and family bundles.
-06
Prior-Year Returns & Amendments
Catching up on unfiled years, correcting prior filings, recovering missed refunds. We approach these without judgment and with a clear path forward.
- CERTIFIED ACCEPTANCE AGENT
Full ITIN service - without the paperwork chaos.
An ITIN — Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — is essential for individuals who need to file taxes but don't qualify for a Social Security Number. The application process is precise, and most tax preparers can't handle it directly.
As an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent, we can. That means you don't have to mail your passport or original identification documents to the IRS — we verify them in our office, certify your application, and submit it on your behalf.
◆ New ITIN applications for primary filers, spouses and dependents
◆ ITIN renewals before expiration
◆ Original document verification (no mailing passports)
◆ Family bundle pricing for multi-person households
◆ Full Spanish-language support available
- HOW WE WORK
The process, step by step.
- Step 01
Intake
Secure intake form, organized document checklist, and a clear picture of what we'll need. Remote or in-office — your choice.
- Step 02
Review
We prepare your return with care, look for missed deductions, and identify planning opportunities for the year ahead. We don't rush.
- Step 03
Walk-Through
We sit with you — in person, by phone, or by video — and walk you through your return line by line. You leave understanding it.
- Step 04
File & Plan
We e-file your return, store your documents securely, and outline next year's strategy. We stay available all year, not just in April.
Discover
Structure
Grow
- INVESTMENT
Three ways to work with us.
Pricing varies based on complexity. The figures below represent typical starting points — your consultation will include a clear quote based on your specific situation.
- Tier i
Individual Filing
For W-2 earners and straightforward individual returns.
From $250
ONE-TIME · PER RETURN
◆ Federal & State tax preparation
◆ Document review & deduction identification
◆ Line-by-line return walk-through
◆ Secure document storage
◆ Email support Throughout filing
Book Individual Filing →
- Tier ii
Business & Self-Employed
For small business owners, contractors, and complex returns.
From $650
ONE-TIME · PER RETURN
◆ Schedule C, partnership, LLC, or S-corp preparation
◆ Entity Structure review & Recommendations
◆ Deduction strategy & documentation
◆ Quarterly estimate guidance
◆ One mid-year check-in included
Book Business Filing →
- Tier iii
Year-Round Strategy
For business owners who want a true tax partner — not a once-a-year filer.
From $297/mo
RECURRING · 12-MONTH ENGAGEMENT
◆ Annual business & personal returns
◆ Quarterly Planning & Estimate review
◆ Entity strategy & restructuring guidance
◆ Year-round IRS correspondence handling
◆ Priority response & direct access
Book Strategy Consultation →
ITIN applications, tax resolution work, and amended returns are quoted separately based on scope. Tax resolution engagements typically start at $750 with a $300 deposit to get started; ITIN applications start at $185 per individual with family bundle pricing available. All pricing transparent and confirmed in writing before any work begins.
- COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked.
Do I need to come into the office, or can we work remotely?
Both options work. Many of our clients file fully remotely through our secure intake portal and document upload — we handle returns for clients across the country this way. If you prefer in-person work, our Knoxville office is available by appointment Monday through Saturday. ITIN applications are typically done in-person so we can verify your identification documents.
What's the difference between a tax preparer and an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is the highest credential the IRS grants. EAs are federally authorized to represent clients before the IRS in all matters — audits, appeals, collections, and resolution. Most tax preparers cannot do this. As an EA, Melissa Griffin can represent you directly to the IRS if questions arise, not just prepare your return.
How does ITIN application through a CAA actually work?
As a Certified Acceptance Agent, we're authorized by the IRS to verify your original identification documents (passport, national ID, etc.) in our office. You bring the originals to us, we verify and certify them, and we submit your ITIN application directly to the IRS on your behalf. You keep your original documents — you don't have to mail your passport to the IRS and wait months for it back. This is a significant advantage that most tax preparers cannot offer.
Can you handle multiple years of unfiled returns?
Yes. We work with clients regularly to catch up on multiple years of unfiled returns — usually three to six years, sometimes more. We approach these without judgment. The first step is a structured consultation to understand what's outstanding and build a plan to bring everything current, including handling any IRS correspondence along the way.
What if I already owe the IRS?
Tax resolution is one of our core services. If you owe money to the IRS, your refund is being held, you've received notices you don't understand, or you're already in collections — we can help. We'll review your full IRS account, explain what's actually happening, and walk through your real options: payment plans, offers in compromise, currently-not-collectible status, or other appropriate paths. The first step is always a structured consultation, not a sales pitch.
When should I move from once-a-year filing to year-round planning?
If you own a business, have multiple income streams, deal with quarterly estimates, or you've ever been surprised by a tax bill — you're likely a candidate for year-round planning. The typical client who upgrades to our Tier iii engagement is a business owner doing $100k+ in revenue who wants to operate proactively rather than reactively. We can help you decide on your consultation.
How do I know if you're the right fit?
Schedule a consultation. We'll listen to your situation, ask the right questions, and tell you honestly what we'd do — even if that means recommending a different kind of professional for your needs. We work best with people who want a real partner in their financial life, not just a return filed. If that's you, we'll likely be a strong fit.
- BEGIN
Your taxes deserve a real
strategy.
Schedule a structured consultation. We'll listen, ask the right questions,
and tell you exactly what we'd do if your business were ours.
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