Your Federal Return. Prepared Like It Might Be Examined.

Not all tax preparers are created equal. Zero Fluff Books is led by Lauren Twitchell, an Enrolled Agent and former IRS Revenue Agent who spent 4.5 years inside the IRS SB/SE division examining small business returns. Every return we prepare is built to be defensible — because we know exactly what the IRS looks at when they pull a return for review.

Because any return can be.

As a former IRS Revenue Agent and Enrolled Agent, I prepare every federal return with the same structural awareness I applied when examining them. That means accurate positions, documented support, and a return you can stand behind — not just submit and hope for the best.

Whether you're an individual with complex income, a sole proprietor, or a business entity, the standard is the same: file correctly, document thoroughly, and be ready if questions come.

Request a Tax Quote

This is the right service if:

You need a federal return prepared correctly — not just filed quickly
You want to review a draft before anything gets submitted
You value knowing the scope and cost before work begins
You're an individual with complex income, a sole proprietor, or a business entity
You're comfortable using a secure portal for document exchange

This Service is Not Designed For

This engagement does not include:

Standalone state tax return preparation
Payroll tax filings (Forms 940, 941, W-2, W-3)
Sales tax preparation or filings
Multi-state tax issues
Ongoing IRS correspondence or representation within the tax preparation scope

IRS notice and representation services, if required, are handled under a separate engagement.

Who This Is For

This option is designed for taxpayers who already maintain organized, reliable financial records.

Your books are reconciled.

Your documentation is complete.

You're ready for accurate federal filing without reconstruction work.

What's Included

Review of your records and completed tax information
Preparation of your federal return (based on the selected form)
State return preparation only when required, directly tied to the federal filing, and legally permissible
Draft return provided for your review prior to submission
Scheduled video call to walk through return and answer questions
E-file submission after signed authorization
Final copy of the filed return delivered via secure client portal

What's Not Included

Bookkeeping cleanup or reconstruction
Standalone state tax returns
Payroll tax filings
Sales tax preparation or filings
Multi-state matters
IRS representation or ongoing correspondence within this engagement

If representation is required, it is handled under a separate engagement.

Pricing (Payment Due Upfront)

Form 1040 (Federal Only) - $300

No Schedule C or Schedule E

Form 1040 + Schedule C and/or Schedule E - $700

Form 1120 - $1,500

Form 1120S - $1,500

Form 1065 - $1,500

If your records are not sufficient to prepare an accurate and defensible return, we will recommend the Clean & File Package instead.

Who This Is For

This engagement is designed for taxpayers whose records require full-year cleanup or reconstruction before an accurate federal return can be prepared.

If your books are incomplete, inconsistent, or unreconciled, this package brings them to defensible standards before filing.

What's Included

Full year bookkeeping cleanup or reconstruction (based on documentation provided)
Reconciliations and categorization of all relevant accounts
Year-end financial summaries prepared to support tax reporting
Federal tax return preparation (based on selected form)
State return preparation only when required, directly tied to the federal filing, and legally permissible
Draft return provided for review prior to submission
Scheduled video call to walk through the return and answer questions
E-file submission after signed authorization
Final copy of the filed return and reconstructed records delivered via secure portal

Pricing (Split Payment)

Form 1040 + Schedule C and/or Schedule E - $1,500

Form 1120 - $2,500

Form 1120S - $2,500

Form 1065 - $2,500

Payment Structure:

50% due at engagement
Remaining 50% due prior to submission (before e-file)

1. Initial Contact
You reach out by message or phone to discuss your federal filing needs.

2. Scope Confirmation
We determine whether your engagement is File-Ready Preparation or Clean & File (reconstruction + preparation).

3. Engagement & Payment
An engagement letter is issued for signature.
An invoice is provided and payment is received according to the selected package terms.

4. Secure Portal Access
You receive access to our encrypted document portal for secure upload.

5. Document Review & Preparation
We review your documentation, complete the necessary preparation or reconstruction work, and request clarification if needed.

6. Draft Review
A draft return is delivered for your review prior to filing.

7. Return Walkthrough
We schedule a video call to explain the return, answer questions, and confirm filing accuracy.

8. Final Authorization
Any remaining balance is collected (if applicable).
You sign the required e-file authorization forms.

9. Submission & Delivery
The return is signed and electronically filed.
A final copy is delivered through your secure portal, where records remain accessible.

Do you prepare state returns?

Our services are primarily focused on federal tax preparation. State returns are not offered as a standalone service and may be included only in limited cases when directly tied to a federal return and legally permissible.

Do you handle payroll tax filings (940/941)?

No. Payroll tax filings are outside the scope of our services.

Do you prepare sales tax returns?

No. Sales tax preparation and filing are not offered.

Do you handle multi-state situations?

Not at this time.

Will you respond to IRS notices or represent me?

Yes, when appropriate. As an Enrolled Agent, representation before the IRS for notices, examinations, and correspondence is available under a separate engagement and signed authorization.

How do I review my return before it's filed?

You'll receive a draft copy for review. We schedule a video call to walk through the return, explain the results, and answer questions before filing.

Do you guarantee refunds?

No. Refunds or balances due are determined by applicable tax law and the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.

When is payment due?

File-Ready Preparation: Payment is due upfront.

Clean & File: 50% due at engagement, 50% due prior to submission.

How long does the process take?

Turnaround time depends on complexity and the timeliness of document submission. An estimated timeline is provided after intake and scope confirmation.

Ready to file it right?

Request a Tax Quote