Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about how Night Ledger works.
Are you really open until 2 AM?
Yes. Our hours are 4 PM to 2 AM Pacific, Monday through Saturday, with appointments available seven days a week during tax season. Outside tax season we are closed Sundays and holidays, and we close every year from December 16 through January 3 while we prepare for the season.
Is Night Ledger a real tax firm?
Yes. Every return is prepared and reviewed by an Enrolled Agent. Enrolled Agents are federally licensed and admitted to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Night Ledger is a new firm, but its two Enrolled Agents have more than 50 years of combined experience. You can look up any Enrolled Agent in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.
Who prepares my return?
One of Night Ledger’s two Enrolled Agents, Jennifer Carroll or Philip Shipman. You’re a client of the firm rather than of one person, so your return doesn’t stall because one of us is unavailable, and anything complicated gets discussed between us. If your situation involves representation before the IRS, an Enrolled Agent handles that directly.
What is an Enrolled Agent?
A tax professional licensed by the federal government rather than by a state. Enrolled Agents specialize in tax, and they can represent taxpayers before the IRS in any state. It is one of only three professions admitted to do that, alongside attorneys and CPAs.
Where are you based, and does it matter?
We work remotely with clients nationwide. An Enrolled Agent’s license is federal, so where you live matters less than which states you need to file in. Tell us your states and we’ll confirm what we can prepare for you.
How do I get my documents to you?
Once we’re working together, we’ll set you up with a secure system for sharing documents. Please don’t email tax documents or send them through this website. Neither is secure enough for what’s in them.
What does it cost?
It depends on which forms your return needs, so a simple return costs less than a complicated one. You’ll know the fee before we start any work.
What if I haven’t filed for a few years?
That can be fixed, and it’s something we help with regularly. We prepare prior-year returns and can deal with the IRS on your behalf. See back taxes.
Can you file just an extension?
Yes. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay, so it works best alongside an estimate of what you owe. See tax extensions.
When can I book an appointment?
Appointments open soon. Once they do, you’ll be able to book a time between 4 PM and 2 AM Pacific, Monday through Saturday. During tax season, appointments are available seven days a week.