FAQs

Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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CONTACTING MSM ADVISORS - For Help, Referrals and General Questions

    At MSM Advisors, we believe that communication is key to any great relationship!  We endeavor to make it easy to find information and answers on our website. However, if you have a matter that you cannot find or is unique to your situation, please reach out in one of the following ways:

     

    Referrals -OR- General Questions About MSM Advisors:

    Questions about your Account, transactions, copies of documents, and other matters specific to your business:

    • Chat with your accountant via the Client Portal
    • Email or Call your assigned Accountant.
    • If you do not know who your accountant is, call (678) 804-5530

     

    Technical Issues, Login Issues, “How To” questions with Software and Applications

    • Call our Office Admin at (678) 804-5530
    • Chat with us via the Client Portal
    • Checkout our Resources on the website

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    CLIENT PORTAL - I get an Error: my Email address is Not Registered.

       

      If you are unable to access the Client Portal, MSM will need to send you an initial message from the portal to register your email address.

      This can happen if your email address has changed or you never received a “Welcome to the Client Portal” message from us.

      Please call or email your Accountant, or call the Office Admin at (678) 804-5530.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      CLIENT PORTAL - I don't see a Chat window in the portal?

        You’re encouraged to Chat with Us via the Client Portal because we receive alerts almost immediately that there’s a message waiting.

        However, if you are in the portal and don’t see a Chat window, it means we need to send you an initial message first (also called “Requests”).

        If you have Requests, but don’t see a Chat window, click into one of the requests and the Chat box should be visible.

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

        CLIENT PORTAL - Can I upload documents in the Client Portal?

          Yes! If we have requested documents via the Client Portal, you can click the paperclip icon to Attach Documents (or may say Upload to SmartVault).

          The Client Portal is a secure and efficient way to attach documents which will automatically be stored in SmartVault.

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

          RESOURCES - Where can I find Tutorials and How-To Documents?

          Most of our Tutorials are available at our website under https://msmadvisors.net/resources/

          If there is a specific application or function you have questions about, contact us at msmadvisors.net/contact or call the Office Admin at (678)804-5530.

           

          RESOURCES - Are the CLIENT PORTAL and SMARTVAULT the same?

           These are two different systems available to make it easier to clients to securely contact our accountants, and to access and upload documents.

          The CLIENT PORTAL is a communications hub for clients and MSM accountants to (securely) communicate with each other:

          • You’ll receive messages or requests through the portal
          • You can Chat with us via the Client Portal, e.g. to notify of a new mailing address, new email address, etc.
          • Upload documents  – they will automatically be sent to SmartVault

          SMARTVAULT is a Secure Documents hub (folders)  where documents are stored in secure folders.

          • You securely upload documents to SmartVault
          • You can also download documents, such as your Tax Return and Payment Vouchers from SmartVault

           

          The Client Portal and SmartVault work together to create a seamless way for us to communicate, and upload/download documents.

           

           

          RESOURCES - How do I Scan a document from my phone?

            Scanning a document from your mobile phone is easy!

            There are several apps available  but one that we recommend is called Adobe Scan. That way you know your document will be saved as .pdf (our requirement for uploaded files.)

            Check out these How-To Videos

             

            You can get Adobe scan

            Google Playstore or the Apple iPhone Appstore

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

            SMARTVAULT -I'm having LOGIN issues to SmartVault

              If you are having trouble logging into SmartVault, please email your accountant or Call our Office Admin at (678) 804-5530.

              Please note, if you have forgotten your Password, please select “Can’t Sign In?” on the SmartVault login page.

              MSM Advisors does not know your SmartVault passord.

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              SMARTVAULT -I'm logged into SmartVault but Don't See Folders?

                If you are logged into SmartVault, but do not see the folders or files to which you should have access, please email your accountant or Call our Office Admin at (678) 804-5530.

                If you wish to Grant another user access to your folders, please call the Office Admin. PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to provide us written authorization to allow this access.

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                SMARTVAULT -I need to give Someone Else Access to my folders.

                  If you wish to Grant another user access to your folders, please email your accountant or Call our Office Admin at (678) 804-5530. PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to provide us written authorization to allow this access.

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                  SMARTVAULT - Why does MSM Advisors require .Pdf documents?

                    Our policy for file uploads is that all documents be uploaded to SmartVault as .pdf file format.

                    This is especially important for all Tax documents because the systems used to prepare your taxes will Not Read other file format types.

                     We cannot accept photos, image files like .jpg or .png or .bmp.    Unfortunately, when you upload files as pictures or images,  we will contact you for a .pdf version instead.

                    This means taking more time to re-do your uploads. This can significantly delay preparation of your taxes, which can result in costly fees and penalties.

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

                    SMARTVAULT - How can I get Notified rapidly when my Tax Return is completed?

                      Update your SmartVault Notifications to notified as soon as possible when we have uploaded your completed Tax Return. This is especially important when it’s time for your to Sign your authorization for eFile your taxes!

                      Click here for HOW TO UPDATE MY NOTIFICATIONS

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                      TAXES - Which Tax Documents do I need to send to MSM for my tax filing?

                      For Personal Tax Returns (1040) these are a good place to start:

                      1. Use the prior year’s tax return to identify Income, Expenses and Contributions (Charitable, IRAs, etc.)
                      2. Contact Us for a copy of your prior year’s Tax Organizer  NOTE: This document is often more than 30 pages and contains the sources (e.g., banks, brokerages) of documents you’ve provided in the past.
                      3. View the questions in our Tax Client Checklist as a guide to identifying income, deductions, and contribution information you may need to provide.

                      TAXES - What is needed for my Quarterly Estimated Taxes to be filed?

                      Quarterly Estimated Taxes are DUE  (4) times per year:

                      Jan 15th, April 15, Jun 15th and Sep 15th.

                      You must upload all income and earnings information by the 10th of each month Estimated Taxes are due. 

                      Upload By Jan 1oth – income information from (previous year) Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec

                      Upload by April 10th – income from Jan, Feb, March 

                      Upload by June 10th – income from Apr and May

                      Upload by Sept 10th income from Jun, Jul, Aug

                      TAXES - If I need to PAY tax, where can I find my Payment Vouchers?

                      For all tax payments you owe, you can find the Payment Vouchers in SmartVault. Go to the Tax folder and select the folder for which you need the Payment Voucher (e.g., TY22 for Tax Year 2022  Client Tax Returns. )

                      The vouchers and payment instructions are typically the last pages of the tax return.

                      TAXES - Why did my tax filing get Extended?

                      For annual taxes (IRS Due Date Apr 15) our published deadline is to receive all tax documents and your Tax Client Checklist by March 15th.  If these are fully completed and received by March 15, we commit our best effort to ensure your taxes are filed on time.

                      However, the following factors impact our ability to meet the April tax filing deadline, such as:

                      • Documentation or the Tax Client Checklist received after the published due date
                      • Documentation not uploaded in approved format (digital or .pdf)
                      • Missing documents or information
                      • Interruption in technology systems
                      • Unanswered questions awaiting client response

                      Any of the above factors can result in delays, resulting in a tax filing Extension, and may incur additional fees or penalties.

                       

                      TAXES - How can I report my Business Income and Expenses?

                      Business Expense details should be submitted securely and in a digital (typed or .pdf format.)

                      There are (3) easy ways you can provide this information to us:

                      1. Upload to SmartVault an official Profit & Loss report from your bookkeeping or accounting software to SmartVault

                      2. Enter the details in your Tax Client Checklist or an official Profit & Loss report from your bookkeeping or accounting software (uploaded to SmartVault).

                      3.  Download the Schedule C Business Profit and Loss worksheet from our website, to fill out and upload to SmartVault.

                      We do not accept pictures, .jpg, .png or handwritten documents.

                      For your security and privacy, Do Not email your information to MSM Advisors. 

                      TAXES - What are the important Tax Dates and Deadlines?

                      For Annual Tax Filing important Dates and Deadlines for are available on our website under “Get Ready For Tax Season“.

                      Quarterly Estimated Taxes are due every Jan, Apr, June, and Sept. Report the prior quarter’s Earnings by the 10th calendar day of those months.

                      TAXES - Where can I find a copy of my Tax Return?

                      Tax Returns and Payment Vouchers are sent to your secure SmartVault to the folder labeled “Tax“.

                      • Annual IRS and State returns and payment vouchers are in the applicable Tax Year (e.g. TY22) under the “Client Tax Returns” folder.
                      • Quarterly Estimated Tax reports and payment vouchers are located in the folder that pertains to the specific quarter, also under the folder for the applicable tax year.

                       

                      You are strongly encouraged to REVIEW your tax returns carefully before eSigning your authorization for filing.

                      TAXES - Who can I talk to for Help understanding my tax return or accounting?

                      You can contact us for Help:

                      By Chat in your Client Portal

                      By Phone (678) 804-5530

                      By Email to your Accountant directly (Do Not include confidential information or documents via email!)

                      By Message for Call BackContact Us

                      TAXES - Where is my Tax Refund?

                      For IRS Tax Refunds check  IRS Where’s My Refund

                      Visit your State’s Department of Revenue website for State Tax Refunds.

                      TAXES - How can I make Payment Arrangements for my taxes owed?

                      Visit the IRS website for Payment Plans information.

                      Visit your State’s Department of Revenue website for available payment arrangement options.

                      TAXES - Can I pay my taxes by ACH or other electronic payment?

                      To visit the IRS website for information on payment methodologies, click here  Paying the IRS

                      Visit your State’s Department of Revenue website for payment options.

                      TAXES - When will my tax return be complete?

                      If all the required tax documents and your completed Tax Client Checklist are received by the due date  (March 15, 2024 for Tax Year 2023) we commit our best effort to ensure your taxes are prepared on time.

                      However, the following factors impact our ability to prepare your return promptly:

                      • Documentation or the Tax Client Checklist received AFTER the published due date (March 15, 2024 for Tax Year 2023)
                      • Documentation not uploaded in approved format (digital or .pdf)
                      • Missing documents or information
                      • Interruption in technology systems
                      • Unanswered questions awaiting client response
                      • Changes required to information provided by the client

                      Any of the above factors can result in delays, resulting in a tax filing Extension and may incur additional fees or penalties.

                      TAXES - How can I know the status of my tax return?

                        Please reach out to us via the Client Portal or email your accountant whenever you need an update on tax returns or other matters.

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                        TAXES - How can I be Notified quickly when my Tax Return is Ready?

                          To receive a notification as rapidly as possible when your Tax Return is ready for your review, update your SmartVault Notifications. 

                          Click here for easy instructions to Update Your SmartVault Notifications.