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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.

Schedule a Consultation →

- 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

✓

E-file submission

—

EA-reviewed return

—

Personal review session

—

Life-event guidance

—

Multi-year strategy

—

Year-round access

—

IRS representation if needed

HB Practice

✓.

Federal & state filing

✓

E-file submission

✓

EA-reviewed return

✓

Personal review session

✓

Life-event guidance

✓

Multi-year strategy

✓

Year-round access*

✓

IRS representation if needed

Standard Preparer

✓

Federal & state filing

✓

E-file submission

EA- reviewed (varies)

Limited review

—

Life-event guidance

—

Year-round access

Varies by preparer

*Year-round access included in Year-Round Strategy engagement. Annual filing service includes review session and post-filing summary.

- SERVICES -

What we offer individuals & families.

Transparent service tiers based on complexity. Custom quotes for unique situations.

- Most Common

Individual Tax Filing

For W-2 earners, families, first-time filers, and standard individual returns.

From $250

starting point

◆ Federal & State tax preparation

◆ Itemized vs. standard deduction analysis

◆ Credit eligibility review (child tax credit, EITC, education credits, etc.)

◆ Written summary of your return

◆ Custom quote for multi-state or complex returns

- Mixed Income

Individual & Side Income

For W-2 earners with self-employment, freelance, gig work, or 1099 income.

From $650

starting point

◆ Everything in Individual Tax Filing

◆ Schedule C preparation for self-employed income

◆ Business expense identification and tracking

◆ Estimated tax planning

◆ Self-employment tax handling

◆ Conversation about whether side work should become a real business

- Year-round

Individual Year-Round Strategy

For individuals who want ongoing access, not just annual filing.

From $297/mo

monthly retainer

◆ Annual tax return preparation included

◆ Quarterly tax planning check-ins

◆ Year-round access for tax questions

◆ Life-event tax guidance as situations arise

◆ Mid-year withholding adjustments if needed

◆ November pre-filing planning conversation

- Complex Returns

Complex Individual Returns

For returns with significant complexity — multiple states, K-1s, rental property, investment activity, etc.

From $500

custom quote

◆ Multi-state tax return handling

◆ K-1 partnership/S-corp income analysis

◆ Rental property reporting (Schedule E)

◆ Investment income and capital gains analysis

◆ Custom quote based on specific complexity

◆ Coordination if you also have business taxes to file

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.

- LIFE EVENTS -

Big life changes have tax implications.

Most people don't think about taxes until April — but most tax decisions are made the rest of the year. Here's when to call us before something happens, not after.

- Event 01

Getting Married

Filing status decisions, withholding adjustments, and whether to file jointly or separately. Talk to us before you change your W-4s.

- Event 02

Having a Baby

New dependent. Child tax credit. Healthcare premium changes. Daycare credit eligibility. All things to plan around, not discover in April.

- Event 03

Buying a Home

Mortgage interest deduction. Property tax deduction. First-time homebuyer credits if applicable. Whether itemizing now makes sense.

- Event 04

Divorced or Separation

Filing status changes, dependent allocation, alimony rules, and how to handle the tax year of separation. This is high-stakes work.

- Event 05

Retirement

Withdrawal strategy across retirement accounts, Social Security taxation, RMD timing, and Medicare premium implications.

- Event 06

Inheritance or Major Gift

Estate tax considerations, basis step-up, gift tax thresholds, and what triggers a tax return when nothing else has changed.

- ALSO AVAILABLE -

ITIN Application & Renewal Services

If you or a family member needs an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), HB is a Certified Acceptance Agent — which means we handle the entire process in our office. No mailing your original documents to the IRS. Family bundles available.

Learn about ITIN services →

- HOW WE WORK -

The process, start to finish.

What actually happens from the moment you book your consultation to the moment your return is filed.

- Step 01

Schedule Your Service

New clients are encouraged to start with a 30-minute consultation so we can confirm what you need and walk through what to expect. Returning clients can book directly with their preparer or schedule their appointment for the season.

- Step 02

Book an Appointment or Upload

Book your in-person appointment for a structured intake interview, or upload your documents securely if you prefer remote service. Drop-off is available for returning clients who prefer that option. We send a personalized document checklist either way.

- Step 03

Preparation & Review

Your preparer completes your return, and our EA owner reviews every return before it's finalized. Once ready, your preparer walks you through it — in person or via Zoom — so you understand what's on it before you sign.

- Step 04

E-file & Follow Through

We e-file your return and follow up to confirm IRS acceptance. You'll have a clear record of what was filed and any recommendations for next year.

- HONEST FIT -

Is HB right for you?

We work better with some people than others. Here's an honest read.

- A Good Fit If

You value doing it right over doing it cheapest.

◆

You want a real working relationship with your tax practice, not the cheapest possible interaction

◆

You appreciate that every return is reviewed by an EA, with team support that knows your case

◆

You value continuity — having the same person every year

◆

You want to understand your return, not just sign it

◆

You appreciate honest recommendations, even if they're not the most expensive option

- Probably Not the Right Fit If

You're primarily shopping on price.

◆

Your main goal is the cheapest possible return preparation

◆

You're satisfied with self-filing through TurboTax and don't want personal review

◆

You need guaranteed expedited turnaround for complex remote returns during tax season

◆

You're not interested in any year-round relationship

- COMMON QUESTIONS -

Things people often ask.

Do I need to be local to Knoxville to work with you?

No — and we have multiple ways to work together regardless of where you are. In-office clients can come in for the full appointment, or drop off documents for a structured intake interview and then return (or join via Zoom) for the review. Remote clients use secure document upload and Zoom for the review conversation. We e-file your return wherever you live. All three approaches produce the same quality of work — pick what fits your life.

How long does tax preparation actually take?

It depends on a few things — but here's our typical approach: In-person appointments are usually completed the same day unless additional documents are needed. Remote returns are worked in the order received, and we work through them as quickly as possible while maintaining quality. Either way, your preparer reaches out during the prep stage, so you'll be informed throughout the process — no wondering where things stand. Same-day or guaranteed turnaround isn't promised, but communication is.

What if I'm not sure which service tier I need?

Book a consultation. We'll talk through your situation and recommend the right tier — even if that's the simpler/cheaper option. We don't push you into the more expensive service if you don't need it. The honest fit is more valuable to us than the bigger ticket.

Can I switch to you if I've been filing with someone else for years?

Absolutely — switching tax preparers happens all the time. We typically ask for your last 1-2 years of tax returns when you switch, so we can understand your situation and continuity. The transition is usually smoother than people expect.

What if I owe money this year? Can you help me handle that?

Yes. We help with installment agreements, offer in compromise applications (when appropriate), and tax debt strategy. As an EA, Melissa is authorized to represent you before the IRS for any payment-related conversation. This service has its own engagement separate from regular tax filing.

Do you handle prior-year returns and amendments?

Yes. We file back returns for prior years and amend incorrectly filed returns. Pricing is similar to current-year preparation, with custom quotes for situations involving multiple back years or complex amendments.

- READY TO BEGIN -

Want to work with someone who actually pays attention?

Schedule a tax consultation. We'll talk through your situation, recommend the right service for you, and answer your questions — even if you end up not working with us. No pressure. Just real conversation.