Client Resources
Making Taxes Easier — Together!
At Brenner, we believe tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. By working together, we can make the process simple and efficient.
We’ve created this guide to help you stay organized and confident throughout your tax journey.
Your client portal is your central hub for:
Securely uploading documents
Paying invoices
Accessing completed tax returns.
This Resource Guide is arranged to follow the natural steps of your tax return, so everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Life of a Brenner Tax Return
STEP 1: Get Organized
Gather your Tax Forms + Information
Use your Tax Organizer Checklist as a guide to gather your documents. This is available in your client portal or was mailed to you.
Most tax forms are due to you before February.
Some forms, like Consolidated 1099s from Brokerage accounts can come in March or early April.
If you are a shareholder or partner in any businesses that have FYE filings, you may be waiting on your final tax forms until late Spring or Summer.
Complete Tax ORGANIZER + Questionnaire
This is in your client portal, or was mailed to you.
Your Organizer + Questionnaire lists out your prior year forms and detailed tax questions and is our way of ensuring the most accurate and advantageous tax results for you.
Complete ANNUAL CLIENT UPDATES
A copy of this form is in your client portal, or can be downloaded from the RESOURCES in the side bar.
Use this document to provide us with any updates in contact information, dependents, estimates, deductions and more.
You can use the Itemized Deductions resources to organize your list of expenses for your records.
Prep Business, Rental, and Farm Records (if applicable)
We need Income and Expense information for EACH activity you had during the last tax year.
Download our simplified worksheets to enter your totals.
Download our detailed excel worksheets if you have receipts that you need to get organized and totaled from the year.
Check out our How-to video for a general overview of these worksheets.
If you have your own bookkeeping system, please provide excel copies of your Profit & Loss Report (cash basis) after you have complete your books for the year.
Submit everything to Brenner
We offer three ways to submit your documents - choose whichever fits your schedule best:
(1) Upload through your Client Portal
(2) Mail them in, or
(3) Swing by our office to drop them off and say hi!
STEP 2: Watch out for Follow-up Questions + Requests
Once we receive your tax forms, documents, and questionnaire, we will start reviewing your materials for the tax year and will be in touch if we need any additional information based on your circumstances.
It is important you watch for any follow-up requests:
Client Portal users:
Check your "To-Do" list (we will send you email alerts when something new pops up, plus reminders). You can respond and upload documents right in the Comment section of each To-Do.
We may also email or call depending on the type of questions we have for you.
Non-Portal users:
Email will almost always be the first method we use to reach out to you, as we can clearly list any outstanding items or questions. Please let us know if email is not a reliable way to get a hold of you.
We will also call and leave brief phone messages. Please confirm there is room in your voicemail inbox, and consider saving Brenner as a contact (503-585-8414).
The key thing to keep in mind: We cannot finalize your tax return until we have everything we need.
Step 3: Filing your Tax Return + Making Payments + Refunds
Quick Video Guide to your Tax Return
Once we have completed your return, you will receive a copy of the full return, and an e-file authorization form (Form 8879). We need your authorization to file your tax return annually.
Effective 2025: The IRS is phasing out the acceptance of check payments for balances due and estimates. Taxpayers must pay online or via direct debit with their return. Consult with your tax advisor to determine which method is right for you.
If you owe taxes with your return, we will provide a detailed list and payment instructions with your return.
We recommend paying directly through the IRS’s website (or State). You will receive an instant confirmation number that can be easily used to correct any potential matching errors. For both your Federal and State tax you can pay via ACH transfer (routing and bank account number) for Free, or pay a small fee to pay with Credit Card.
Step 4: Estimated Tax Payments (if Applicable)
If we prepared Estimated Tax Payment vouchers for you, it is because we recommend you make those payments each quarter to avoid underpayment penalties and interest.
You can use the vouchers to mail in your estimated payments by the due dates, or you can make those payments individual or set-up automatic draws (IRS only).
FEDERAL
IRS - Make a single payment - GUIDE
IRS - Schedule estimated tax payments
STATE
Oregon - Revenue Online - Make a single payment
PORTLAND/METRO
Portland - Individual Payments
Additional Resources + Forms
Client Portal Access
As a benefit to our clients we provide a secure online client portal. You can upload documents, download copies of important form and completed returns, and pay your bill. Introduction to the Brenner Client Portal - Watch Video
Email Reminders for Estimated Tax Payments
Sign up for ongoing Estimated Tax Payments email reminders for quarterly estimated payments.
New Business, Rental, or Farm
Did you start something new this year? Make sure we have all the necessary information by completing a SIMPLIFIED WORKSHEET (See above, under “Prep Business, Rental or Farm Records”)
Terms & Conditions of Tax Engagement
To minimize the possibility of a misunderstanding between us, we have provided a copy of our full Terms & Conditions of Tax Engagement for your review.
Individual Tax Engagement Letter - Review & Sign
Business Tax Engagement Letter - Review & Sign
Need a Tax Meeting?
If you would like to meet with a member of our tax team, we are happy to do so for either your tax forms drop-off or to review your completed tax return. Please use the scheduler below to schedule or request a meeting.
FAQs
Can I get another copy of my tax return?
Your tax return will be available in your Client Portal to download as many times as you need. We provide one paper copy for your records by request.
If you need a prior year return, please contact our office at 503-585-8414 and they can add it to your client portal for you.
How do I know if I need to make Estimated Tax Payments?
With your tax return we would have included vouchers for each recommended estimated tax payment unless you requested not to receive them. If you are still uncertain, feel free to call our office to confirm.
I’m a Client Accounting Services client, what do I need to do?
If you are an existing Client Accounting Services (formerly Managed Accounting) client, we will still need any tax forms you receive in the mail or to download from the sender. We will also need records for any additional income activities not covered under your CAS agreement.
We cannot complete your individual tax return without all relevant forms and information.
I started a new business/rental/farm. What do you need to add it to my return?
If you have not already, please complete a SIMPLIFIED WORKSHEET above. We will contact you if we need any additional information.
do you have a worksheet for organizing charitable contributions?
Absolutely! You can use the worksheet above under “Gather your forms. . .” to organize your charitable contributions. Please provide copies of acknowledgements for any CASH donations exceeding $250 for the year, and any NON-CASH contributions exceeding $500.
do you have a worksheet for organizing medical expenses?
Absolutely! You can use the worksheet above under “Gather your forms. . .” to organize your medical expenses. Only include out-of-pocket expenses not otherwise reported (example medicare deducted from your social security).
I am expecting a large fluctuation in my income, what should I do?
Let us know! We can work with you to set up a tax planning project so we can help you avoid any penalties or interest, and avoid a surprise tax bill, giving you time to sort out your finances months in advance.
I need help filing personal property taxes (ppt) for my business.
Please contact our office to get set up for assistance.
When do I need to have everything to you to have my return filed by April 15th?
In most circumstances we can have your tax return filed by the April deadline IF we have everything we need by March 1st.
It is important that you respond to any follow-up questions promptly so we can keep your return moving.
We try to complete as many returns by the April deadline as we can, but due to a number of factors, cannot guarantee your return will be filed in April.
We file extensions for all of our clients, as a precaution, as the April deadline is a deadline to pay taxes owed. Tax filings are due by October 15th.
I have a question about my bill.
Please call our front desk at 503-585-8414 for any billing related inquiries, or send us a message.
Can I mail my tax documents to Brenner?
Yes. Please use our mailing address:
Brenner LLP
Attn: Tax Department
PO Box 12746
Salem, OR 97309
I am having issues with the client portal. What should I do?
If you haven’t had a chance, start by reviewing the client portal help page. If you are still having issues, contact our office at 503-585-8414 and we will see if we can assist you.
How do I request a client portal log-in if I don’t already have one?
To request a client portal, call our office at 503-585-8414 or send us a message. The email invitation will come from notifications@brennercpa.clientportal.com.
I don’t think I will have everything to file my return by April. What should I do?
Let us know! While we automatically file your extension, we may need to work with you to estimate your tax obligation for the year, and have you make a payment by April 15th.
Otherwise we will make a note in our system so we can check back in when you think you will have all of your tax documents ready.
Does it hurt anything to file an extension to file?
No. Extensions are a routine process and do not effect your tax return, or the increase the likelihood of an audit.
An extension provides you additional time to FILE your return. Payments are still due by the April deadline. We will work with you to ensure you are paid in full regardless of your extension status.
Last updated: 12/12/2023