FAQs

Although we are based in Wisconsin, we have clients throughout the US.  If you are not located in Wisconsin, please search on the internet “Where is my state refund (your state)?”

If you are located in Wisconsin, you can look at the status of your Wisconsin state individual tax return refund by visiting the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue at: https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/mta/_/.

To check your Wisconsin state refund status, you will need to provide the tax year you are inquiring about, your social security number, and the amount of your refund found on your state return.

Please note that paper returns are filed significantly slower than e-files. It will take 3-4 weeks for your paper returns to appear in the system, and 72 hours for your e-file. If your return is delayed, it could be because of errors, missing information, or complex returns.

If your individual tax return has been amended, you can check the status of your amended return refund by visiting the IRS website at: https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return.

To check your amended return:

What you need

• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• ZIP Code

There is a processing time for the IRS to display this information.  If your amended return isn’t listed, you may want to check back on their website in a week or two.  The amendment process is usually not as fast as a regular individual tax return.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to tell you how long it will take for your amendment to process.  Your best options are to check the website or call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

If you received correspondence from the IRS and want to mail them back, please use the address on the top left corner of the front of the letter they sent to you.  You also will want to send a copy of the letter they gave you when you mail them.

If you prefer to call the IRS, please have the following ready:

• Social Security Number (SSN)

  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (if you do not have a SSN)

• Filing Status

• Prior-Year Tax Return

• Tax return you’re calling about

• Any correspondence that the IRS had already sent you

Please see the phone numbers below:

Individuals
800-829-1040
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time

Businesses
800-829-4933
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time

Non-profit taxes
877-829-5500
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time

Estate and gift taxes (Form 706/709)
866-699-4083
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time

Excise taxes
866-699-4096
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time

Callers who are hearing impaired
TTY/TDD 800-829-4059

If you are calling because you mailed a tax return or letter, do not file again or call. First, find your wait times for the current IRS operations and services at https://www.irs.gov/help/processing-status-for-tax-forms

If calling about any of the following, only call after the given times:

• E-filed returns no sooner than 3 weeks after you filed it

• Paper return no sooner than 6 weeks after you mailed it

• Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, no sooner than 12 weeks for e-filed and 14 weeks for paper return filing

• Only call about your refund if “Where’s My Refund” directs you to.

Filling out the W4 form is important; however, it can also be very confusing, especially if you have multiple jobs, a business, a family, and more!  Please visit the IRS website and walk through the easy-to-use tax withholding calculator to accurately provide your employer with the proper withholding information and avoid any underpaying or overpaying: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator.

Need an extra copy of the W2 form?  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf

Innovative Tax Solutions provides a variety of services, fulfilling all of our clients’ financial needs so they can effectively avoid the stress and confusion of anything and everything tax-related. We provide the following aids, but are not limited to:

•   Tax preparation: At Innovative Tax Solutions, we help our clients with gathering financial information, tax liabilities, and filing tax returns.

• Proactive tax planning: We help organize and manage your financial matters to help minimize tax liabilities and put into play financial strategies that will combat any tax surprises or burdens throughout the year and maximize savings.

Among the services listed, Innovative Tax Solutions also provides tax consultations, bookkeeping, payroll services, LLC formation, and living trust setup. We work with individuals and business owners to stay compliant while reducing tax liability where possible.

Yes. There are many ways that we can gladly help our clients who might owe back taxes or are behind on filing. We will help guide you in creating a clear, compliant plan so that you can easily catch up and get back on track, all while enjoying a stress-free process. We aid clients in resolving back taxes, unfiled returns, IRS letters, and state tax issues by navigating and composing their financial strategy for reducing ongoing penalties and providing a better tax future.

We offer both. Tax preparation focuses on filing accurate returns, while tax planning uses forward-looking strategies to legally minimize future taxes based on your income and business structure.

Yes. We assist clients who receive IRS or state tax notices. Being the recipient of one of these, which could happen for many reasons, can be disconcerting and anxiety-inducing. Our goal is to remove that burden by guiding our clients through responding correctly and on time. This way, clients can avoid confusion, stress, and costly mistakes while ensuring an easy, worry-free correspondence.

Yes. Bookkeeping and payroll services are essential for any business to continue to thrive. We aid your business in its growth by providing ongoing bookkeeping and payroll services to keep it organized, compliant, and prepared for tax season throughout the year. By enlisting the aid of a bookkeeping and payroll tax service, like Innovative Tax Solutions, you can efficiently succeed in effectively and smoothly managing your cash flow, which can seem confusing and overwhelming on your own. This will also help maintain your financial records, which is essential for any business and beneficial in making informed decisions, providing a clear picture of financial health, and ensuring legal compliance.

While we are based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, we serve clients statewide and in multiple other states. Many of our services can be handled securely and remotely.

We work best with small business owners and individuals who want proactive tax guidance or need help resolving tax problems such as back taxes, audits, or notices.

Tax preparation focuses on filing past-year tax returns accurately, while tax planning looks ahead to reduce future taxes using legal strategies. Both are important for long-term financial health.

Tax planning should be done year-round, not just at tax time. Starting early allows more opportunities to reduce taxes and avoid surprises.

Yes. Strategic planning can help identify deductions, credits, and structural changes that may lower your overall tax burden while staying compliant.

You should respond promptly and accurately. We help clients understand what the notice means and take the proper steps to resolve it.

Yes. We assist clients with unfiled returns and work to bring them back into compliance in an organized and manageable way.

If you’re unsure of your monthly profit, behind on records, or scrambling at tax time, bookkeeping services can help improve accuracy, compliance, and financial clarity.

Accurate bookkeeping helps track income and expenses, supports tax planning, and reduces errors during tax filing. It also provides clearer financial insight for business decisions.

We offer both. We can maintain ongoing bookkeeping or help clean up past records to get businesses back on track.

Payroll impacts income taxes, payroll taxes, and reporting requirements. Proper payroll setup helps avoid penalties and ensures employees are paid correctly and on time.

Not every business needs an LLC, but it can provide liability protection and tax benefits in many cases. We help clients determine if it’s the right choice.

An LLC itself doesn’t automatically reduce taxes, but choosing the right structure and tax treatment can create tax-saving opportunities.

A living trust helps manage and distribute assets while avoiding probate. It can simplify estate matters and provide clarity for loved ones.

If you have a business, multiple income sources, back taxes, or received tax notices, working with a tax professional can help reduce errors and identify tax-saving opportunities. Simple returns may be filed independently, but complex situations often benefit from expert guidance.

Failure to file can result in penalties, interest, and enforcement actions from the IRS or state tax agencies. Filing as soon as possible helps limit penalties and resolve issues faster.

In many cases, the IRS requires the most recent six years of tax returns to become compliant. Each situation is different, so professional guidance helps determine the best approach.

You should still file your return even if you can’t pay in full. Payment options may be available, and addressing the issue early helps prevent additional penalties.

Common records include income statements, expense receipts, bank statements, payroll records, and prior tax returns. Keeping organized records supports accurate filing and audit readiness.

Audits can be triggered by inconsistencies, missing information, or certain high-risk items. Most audits are manageable when records are accurate and responses are timely.

Many people form an LLC once they begin earning income or expect business growth. The timing depends on liability concerns and tax considerations.

It depends on your business structure and tax election. Some owners are required to run payroll, while others are not.

Yes. Errors on prior returns can often be corrected through amended returns or other compliance steps. Addressing mistakes early helps avoid compounding issues.