Welcome to the Ascension Tax Solutions FAQ.
If taxes feel complicated, you’re not alone. Here you’ll find clear answers to the questions we’re asked most by individuals, business owners, and real estate investors. Our goal is simple: give you clarity, confidence, and expert guidance backed by years of IRS experience.
Ascension stands out because we offer strategy—not just tax prep. With nearly 25 years of combined experience, including 19 years inside the IRS, we understand how the IRS really works.
David is a former IRS Revenue Agent and Special Agent, and Rachel is a former IRS Revenue Officer. Both are Enrolled Agents, authorized to represent clients in all 50 states.
This insider background allows us to:
Spot risks and opportunities most preparers miss
Protect clients during audits and collections
Deliver proactive, year-round tax strategies
Give real estate investors and business owners a true tax advantage
Most firms file returns. We help you build a tax strategy.
Yes. We offer a free introductory consultation to learn about your situation and guide you toward the best tax solutions. There’s no pressure and no upfront commitment — just clear guidance from experienced tax professionals.
As federally licensed Enrolled Agents, we are authorized to provide tax services, tax filings, IRS representation, and income tax help to clients in all 50 states and abroad for U.S. tax matters.
Yes. We proudly offer a 5% discount to military personnel and first responders.
We also provide bundle discounts when multiple services—such as tax strategy and tax preparation—are combined.
Tax planning is a proactive, year-round strategy designed to legally reduce your tax burden—not just react at filing time. It includes things like choosing the right entity, optimizing deductions, timing income, and using IRS-approved strategies that align with your goals.
Whether you’re an individual, business owner, or real estate investor, smart tax planning helps you:
Keep more of your income
Minimize avoidable taxes
Prevent surprises
Build long-term wealth
In short, tax planning turns the tax code into a tool—not a burden.
Small business owners face unique tax challenges, and we’re built to handle them. We help you choose the right structure, stay compliant with quarterly taxes, and build a year-round tax strategy that reduces your overall liability. For select clients, we also offer tailored bookkeeping support to keep your financials clean and tax-ready.
You’ll get accurate business tax preparation, proactive planning, and expert guidance from former IRS professionals who understand how the IRS evaluates businesses. We take the stress out of taxes so you can focus on growing your company.
Complex situations require specialized expertise—and that’s our area of strength. We frequently assist clients with:
Unreported income
Back taxes
IRS notices
Audits
Tax debt issues
Compliance concerns
With our former IRS experience, we know exactly how to navigate these issues. We act as your representative, communicate with the IRS on your behalf, and work to achieve the best possible outcome. You don’t need to face the IRS alone—our tax experts are here to protect your interests.
DIY tax preparation may seem convenient, but working with experienced tax professionals provides significant advantages:
Accurate tax filings based on current tax law
Identification of deductions and credits you may overlook
Lower risk of errors that could lead to IRS notices or audits
Professional help with income tax planning and long-term tax strategy
Time savings and reduced stress
Confidence knowing an expert is protecting your financial interests
For individuals and business owners alike, informed tax guidance often results in meaningful savings and long-term stability.
We provide comprehensive tax solutions designed to support individuals, real estate professionals, and small business owners. Our services include:
Tax planning and strategy
Tax preparation for individuals and businesses
Optional bookkeeping designed to support accurate filings and proactive tax planning
IRS audit representation
IRS collection resolution
Financial analysis and investigative support for legal or complex tax matters
Business startup consulting and entity guidance
We prepare all major federal return types, including:
1040 – Individual
1065 – Partnership
1120S – S Corporation
1120 – C Corporation
State and Local Returns — for individuals and businesses in any state.
Amended Returns & Prior-Year Filings — correcting past errors, updating old filings, and bringing clients back into compliance when needed.
At Ascension Tax Solutions, we focus on clients who benefit most from strategic tax planning, precise tax preparation, and experienced IRS representation. Our core specialties include:
Real estate investors and real estate professionals
(including short-term rentals, long-term rentals, BRRRR strategies, RE professional status, and the integration of cost segregation studies through vetted specialists as part of a comprehensive tax strategy)
Construction and skilled trades (contractors, subcontractors, electricians, plumbers, and related trades)
Small to mid-sized business owners across a variety of industries
Self-employed individuals and 1099 contractors
Professionals with complex tax needs, such as multi-state income, pass-through entities, or multiple revenue streams
While we serve a wide range of clients, we are particularly well-suited for individuals and businesses needing strategic tax planning, high-accuracy filings, or IRS audit and collection representation. Our federal background and hands-on IRS experience make us especially effective in industries with complex record-keeping, high audit exposure, or significant tax-planning opportunities.
We recommend quarterly tax planning for business owners and anyone with variable or pass-through income. Regular planning reduces your overall tax liability, keeps estimated payments accurate, and ensures your financial decisions are aligned with long-term strategy.
We believe in transparency and clarity. After your free initial consultation, we provide a detailed fee quote tailored to your needs. All pricing is agreed upon before work begins — no surprises, hidden fees, or hourly charges you didn’t approve.
Our fees reflect the level of strategy, precision, and IRS experience behind your return.
Pricing varies based on complexity, number of forms, and tax planning needs.
Typical starting points:
Standard 1040 (W-2s, basic credits): starting at $300
1040 with Schedule C, E, or F (self-employed, rentals, farms): starting at $600
Real Estate Investors & STR Operators (multiple properties, passive/active loss rules, RE pro analysis): starting at $750
Small business returns (1065, 1120S, 1120): starting at $900
State tax returns: $75–$150 each
Amended returns: starting at $500
Each return is priced individually based on complexity and your specific situation.
We offer hourly support for general tax questions, IRS issues, and ongoing tax strategy:
For real estate investors needing a full, structured roadmap, we also offer a one-time Real Estate Tax Strategy Blueprint, starting at $1,950.
This includes:
Once your blueprint is established, future years normally require only a few hours of maintenance — making this a cost-effective long-term approach.
Monthly bookkeeping (select clients only): starting at $350/month
for up to 3 hours of service, including:
Monthly reconciliation
Chart of accounts optimization
QuickBooks support (your subscription required)
Quarterly tax planning check-ins
Year-end tax prep support
1099 filing for contractors
Additional hours: $125/hour
For most tax preparation services, we require a 50% deposit to begin work. The remaining balance is due upon presentation of your draft return. Bookkeeping services are billed monthly or quarterly. Final returns are provided and e-filed once the balance is paid.
Our bookkeeping services include clean, tax-ready financial reports (such as a Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet), account reconciliation, QuickBooks support, year-end cleanup, and 1099 preparation. We also include quarterly tax-planning check-ins to keep your books aligned with your overall tax strategy. Everything is organized with a strong compliance focus so your records stay accurate and ready for tax season.
Yes. Clients who use our bookkeeping services receive reduced tax preparation fees because their financials are already organized and tax-ready. You’ll also receive complimentary assistance with basic IRS notices and correspondence, giving you extra peace of mind throughout the year.
No problem — we’re happy to work with your existing bookkeeper. We’ll prepare your tax return and provide the year-end adjustments your books need to stay accurate and aligned for the next tax year. This ensures consistency, clean records, and a smooth tax process without disrupting your current setup.
Absolutely. With nearly 14 years of combined experience as a former IRS Revenue Agent and former Special Agent, David provides skilled audit representation to protect your rights and minimize disruption. We handle all IRS communication, document requests, and follow-ups on your behalf—so you never have to deal with the IRS alone.
We can help. Rachel is a former IRS Revenue Officer with over 6 years of experience handling tax debt cases from the government’s side. She now uses that insight to help clients resolve back taxes through installment agreements, penalty abatements, Offers in Compromise, and other IRS collection resolution options. You’ll have an experienced advocate guiding you toward the best possible outcome.
Our rate for IRS audit and collection representation is $250 per hour, billed in half-hour increments. After reviewing your situation, we outline a clear plan and estimated cost so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins. No surprises, no hidden fees—just experienced, strategic guidance from former IRS professionals.
We can help you get caught up quickly and correctly. We prepare all missing returns, address any compliance issues, and communicate with the IRS on your behalf. When appropriate, we also pursue penalty relief and other options to help minimize the impact. You’ll have experienced former IRS professionals guiding you every step of the way.
Call us right away. First, we’ll help you confirm the letter is legitimate—many taxpayers receive notices that look official but aren’t. If it is from the IRS, we’ll review it, explain exactly what it means, and outline your next steps. You don’t have to respond alone or guess what the IRS is asking for—we’ll guide you through it with clarity and confidence.
Yes. We offer a complimentary 20–30 minute discovery call to discuss your goals and determine the best entity direction. If you decide to move forward, we provide full guidance on choosing the right structure (LLC, Partnership, S-Corp, C-Corp) and explain the federal, state, and local requirements. You’ll receive clear, strategic advice backed by former IRS experience to help you start your business on the right foot.
If you’d like us to handle the setup, our flat fee is $300, plus any required state or local filing fees. This includes preparing and filing your Articles of Organization, obtaining your Federal EIN, and guiding you through any local business license requirements. Tax strategy and entity planning are available separately if you want help choosing the most tax-efficient structure.
Scheduling is easy. Just contact Ascension Tax Solutions through our website or call directly to book your complimentary 20–30 minute discovery call. This brief session helps us understand your goals and determine the best next steps so we can start building the right tax strategy for you.
Your consultation is designed to be simple and stress-free. If you have them handy, bring recent tax returns or any IRS letters—but they’re not required. Our virtual process lets you securely upload documents later through your client portal, so you don’t have to gather everything upfront. Just come prepared with your questions and goals, and we’ll handle the rest.
We’re here to assist you with tax services in your area. Our experts are ready to help you navigate tax season with ease. Whether you need assistance with filing, planning, or answering your questions, we’ve got you covered.
We provide comprehensive tax services in Knoxville. Let our knowledgeable team handle your tax needs efficiently.
In Oak Ridge, our experts offer personalized tax solutions tailored to fit your specific situation.
Maryville residents can rely on us for accurate tax preparation and insightful advice.
Serving Gatlinburg, we offer expert tax consulting and filing services to maximize your returns.
For Pigeon Forge, our dedicated team delivers customized tax strategies to help manage your finances effectively.
Sevierville families and businesses get dependable tax support and peace of mind from our experienced preparers.
Farragut clients receive meticulous tax reporting and proactive financial recommendations from our specialized staff.
Welcome to our Tax Services FAQ! At Ascension Tax Solutions, we know taxes can be complex—that’s why we’ve created this guide to answer your most common questions. Whether you’re an individual or a small business owner, we are here to simplify the process and provide personalized solutions for your financial peace of mind.
We bring 25 years of combined experience with 19 years spent directly inside the IRS. We, David and Rachel are both IRS Enrolled Agents—the highest credential recognized by the IRS. This insider knowledge allows us to provide strategic tax planning and representation that goes beyond typical tax services.
Yes! Your first 1-hour consultation is completely complimentary. This allows us to understand your unique situation and provide tailored recommendations without any upfront financial commitment.
As IRS Enrolled Agents, we are authorized to represent and prepare taxes for clients across all 50 states.
Yes, we offer a 5% discount on all services to military personnel and first responders. We also provide discounts when multiple services are bundled together.
While many people attempt DIY tax preparation, engaging us for our services offers significant advantages. We possess in-depth knowledge of current tax laws, ensuring accuracy and helping you uncover every eligible deduction and credit. This can lead to substantial savings and peace of mind. Furthermore, professional tax help minimizes the risk of errors that could trigger an IRS audit. For businesses, expert tax accounting ensures complian
ce and optimizes financial reporting. We save you time, reduce stress, and potentially save you money through our specialized tax solutions.
Tax planning is a proactive approach to managing your financial affairs to minimize your tax liability within the confines of the law. It’s much more than just preparing your annual IRS tax returns. We will work with you throughout the year to make informed financial decisions that have a positive impact on your tax situation. This can include strategies for retirement planning, investment decisions, and charitable giving. Effective tax planning is a cornerstone of our tax services and a powerful tool for building long-term wealth. Our tax experts help you anticipate future tax implications and adjust accordingly.
Small business owners often face unique tax challenges. Our tax accounting services are specifically designed to support entrepreneurs. We can assist with everything from choosing the right business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp) to selecting and setting up payroll software and payroll taxes, quarterly estimated taxes, and sales tax compliance. We will ensure accurate financial records, prepare business IRS tax returns, and provide strategic advice to help your business thrive. We offer comprehensive tax solutions that free up your time so you can focus on running your business.
Complex tax situations, such as dealing with unreported income, back taxes, or an IRS audit, require specialized expertise. We have extensive experience in resolving intricate tax problems. We offer robust IRS representation, acting as your advocate to negotiate with the tax authorities, settle disputes, and achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t face the IRS alone; our tax professionals are here to provide strong, effective tax help when you need it most. We are committed to finding practical tax solutions for even the most challenging circumstances
We provide comprehensive tax solutions including:
We prepare all major return types including 1040 (Individual), 1065 (Partnership), 1120S (S Corporation), 1120 (C Corporation), and 1041 (Fiduciary) returns.
We work with a wide range of small to mid-size businesses including real estate investors and professionals, medical and dental practices, construction, rental properties, retail, farming, cryptocurrency investors, and various other small businesses.
We recommend quarterly tax planning sessions, especially for business owners or individuals with fluctuating income from bonuses or pass-through entities. This proactive approach helps minimize tax liabilities and ensures accurate estimated payments.
We believe in complete transparency. After your free initial consultation, we provide a detailed fee quote tailored to your specific needs. All pricing is agreed upon before any work begins, with no hidden costs.
Our starting fees include:
Actual fees are customized based on complexity and your specific situation.
Our hourly rates are:
Monthly bookkeeping for small businesses starts at $300/month for up to 3 hours of service. This includes reconciliation, QuickBooks support and subscription, quarterly tax planning discussions, financial statements, and 1099 preparation and filing. Additional hours are billed at $100/hour.
For most tax preparation services, we require a 50% deposit to begin work. The remaining balance is due upon presentation of your draft return. Bookkeeping services are billed monthly or quarterly. Final returns are provided and e-filed once the balance is paid.
All bookkeeping packages include a complete set of financial statements (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, Statement of Cash Flows, and Statement of Owner’s Equity), all adjusted for tax accounting purposes. We also provide reconciliation, QuickBooks support, quarterly tax planning discussions, and 1099 preparation and filing.
Yes! Clients using our bookkeeping services receive reduced tax preparation fees since financials are already prepared for tax reporting. You also receive 8 hours of included IRS representation for business-related correspondence.
We can still prepare your taxes and provide essential tax adjusting journal entries to update your financials for the following tax year, ensuring accuracy and continuity.
Absolutely. With over 13 years of IRS experience, David provides skilled audit representation to protect your rights and minimize disruptions. We handle all communications, document requests, and follow-ups on your behalf.
Rachel specializes in IRS collection resolution with over 6 years of experience as an IRS Revenue Officer. We help clients resolve tax debts through installment agreements, penalty abatement, and offers in compromise.
Our rate is $200/hour for IRS collection resolution and audit support, billed in half-hour increments. We provide a detailed plan upfront after understanding your specific situation so you know the expected costs before engaging our services.
We help clients get current with un-filed returns and work with the IRS to negotiate the best possible outcome, including penalty relief when applicable.
Yes! We offer a complimentary one-hour consultation to discuss the best entity structure for your needs (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Partnership, S-Corp, C-Corp) and explain all federal, state, and local requirements.
If you choose to have us handle your Articles of Organization, local business license, and Federal Tax ID number, our flat fee is $300 (plus any government-imposed registration fees).
Contact Ascension Tax Solutions today to schedule your personalized consultation. We’re ready to help you protect, plan, and prosper.
Bring any relevant financial documents, prior tax returns, and questions about your specific situation. We’ll use this time to understand your needs and provide tailored recommendations.
