FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before getting started with Elite Pro-Tax & Financial Services
Why should I choose a local Greenville tax preparer instead of a national chain?
Local tax preparers like Elite Pro-Tax offer personalized service, direct access to your preparer (not a rotating staff), knowledge of South Carolina-specific tax laws, year-round availability, and lower overhead costs passed on as savings to you. National chains often use seasonal workers with minimal training. Our clients trust us year after year — see our 95+ Google reviews.
What areas does Elite Pro-Tax serve in the Greenville area?
We serve clients throughout the Upstate South Carolina region including Greenville, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Greer, Taylors, Travelers Rest, Fountain Inn, Easley, Piedmont, and surrounding areas. We also serve clients nationwide through virtual appointments. Visit our office or schedule a virtual meeting. Learn more about us.
Does Elite Pro-Tax offer virtual or remote tax preparation?
Yes! We offer fully virtual tax preparation services — upload documents securely through our client portal (TaxDome), review and approve your return via video call, and e-sign from anywhere. This is perfect for busy professionals, out-of-state clients, and anyone who prefers remote service. Schedule a virtual appointment.
What South Carolina-specific tax deductions and credits should I know about?
SC-specific tax benefits include: retirement income deduction (up to $10,000), two-wage earner credit, tuition tax credit, SC Earned Income Tax Credit, property tax exemptions for homeowners 65+, and various business incentives for job creation. Our Greenville tax preparation team ensures you claim every state-specific benefit. Learn more about maximizing deductions.
How do property taxes work in Greenville County, SC?
Greenville County assesses property at: 4% of fair market value for owner-occupied homes, 6% for other real property. The millage rate varies by municipality and school district. Homeowners can claim a homestead exemption. Property taxes are deductible on your federal return (up to $10,000 SALT cap). Our tax preparation services ensure proper deduction of property taxes. Contact us with questions.
What tax considerations do Greenville rental property owners need to know?
Rental property owners must report rental income and can deduct: mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs, depreciation (27.5-year schedule), property management fees, HOA fees, and travel to properties. Passive activity loss rules may limit deductions. Our tax preparation and tax planning services help rental property owners maximize returns and minimize taxes.
What are the tax implications of the growing Greenville real estate market?
Greenville's booming real estate market creates tax opportunities: (1) Capital gains exclusion ($250K single/$500K married) on primary residence sales, (2) 1031 exchanges for investment property, (3) Opportunity zone investments in designated Greenville areas, (4) Cost segregation for commercial properties. Our tax planning team helps real estate investors navigate these strategies. Schedule a consultation.
Do I need to file a Greenville city business license?
Yes — all businesses operating in the City of Greenville must obtain a business license, renewed annually. The fee is based on gross income. Greenville County also has licensing requirements. Operating without a license can result in fines. Our business formation services include guidance on all local licensing requirements. Contact us before launching your business.
What industries are booming in Greenville and how does Elite Pro-Tax support them?
Greenville is thriving in manufacturing, healthcare, tech startups, restaurants/hospitality, real estate, and professional services. Each industry has unique tax considerations — manufacturer R&D credits, healthcare compliance, startup deductions, restaurant tip reporting, real estate depreciation. Our tax preparation and tax planning services are tailored to each industry. Learn about all our services.
How does Elite Pro-Tax help gig economy workers and side hustlers in Greenville?
Gig workers (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, freelancers) have unique tax needs: tracking business mileage, deducting phone/equipment, managing quarterly estimated payments, and reporting all platform income. Many miss thousands in deductions. Our tax preparation services specialize in gig economy returns and ensure you deduct everything legally. Read our self-employment deductions guide.
Important Tax Deadlines to Remember
Staying on top of key tax deadlines is essential to avoid penalties, interest, and unnecessary stress. Below are the most important filing dates to keep in mind throughout the year.
March 15
Deadline to file partnership and S corporation tax returns or request an extension.
April 15
Deadline to file personal, C corporation, and calendar year estate or trust tax returns or request an extension.
* Returns must be submitted or postmarked by this date. If you owe taxes, payment is still required by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest, even if an extension is filed.
May 15
Deadline to file tax exempt organization returns or request an extension.
September 15
Final deadline to file partnership and S corporation tax returns if an extension was filed.
Late filing penalties may apply for each month the return is past due.
October 15
Final deadline to file personal and C corporation tax returns if an extension was filed.
November 15
Final deadline to file tax exempt organization returns if an extension was filed.
Still Have Questions?
If you did not find your answer here, our team is here to help.
Every question we answer
649 questions across 135 pages, grouped by subject. Each one opens the page that answers it.
Tax preparation & filing 62 questions
- How much does tax preparation cost at Elite Pro-Tax?
- Can you help me if I haven't filed taxes in several years?
- Do I need to come to your Greenville office in person?
- What documents do I need to bring for tax preparation?
- Are you available outside of tax season?
- What financial statements does my business need?
- How do I file taxes for the first time in South Carolina?
- Do I need to file a South Carolina return if I only earned a small amount?
- How long does it take to get my refund?
- What if I made a mistake on my return after filing?
- Can my parents still claim me as a dependent if I file my own return?
- Is it worth hiring a tax preparer for a simple first-time return?
- How much does small business tax preparation cost in Greenville?
- When should I switch from a sole proprietorship to an S-Corp?
- What happens if I miss a quarterly estimated tax payment?
- Can I do my own bookkeeping, or should I hire a professional?
- What records do I need to keep for my small business taxes?
- How much does it cost to have my taxes prepared professionally in Greenville?
- What documents do I need to bring to my tax appointment?
- Can you help me if I haven't filed taxes in several years?
- Do I really need a tax preparer, or can I just use TurboTax?
- What should I do if I receive a letter from the IRS?
Tax planning 45 questions
- What's the difference between tax preparation and tax planning?
- When should I start tax planning?
- Is tax planning only for wealthy individuals?
- How much can tax planning save me?
- Do I need to be local to Greenville to use your services?
- What is tax planning and why do I need it?
- When should I start tax planning for next year?
- How can I reduce my tax bill legally?
- What retirement accounts reduce my taxes the most?
- Should I convert my LLC to an S-Corp?
- What is income splitting and how does it work?
- How do I minimize taxes when selling a business?
- What are the tax benefits of an HSA (Health Savings Account)?
- How does depreciation reduce my business taxes?
- What tax planning strategies should I use at year-end?
S-Corps 57 questions
Business entities & formation 56 questions
- Can I change my business structure after I've formed my company?
- What's the difference between an LLC and an S-Corp?
- How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Carolina?
- Do I need a lawyer to form a business in SC?
- At what income level should I switch to an S-Corp?
- What is double taxation in a C-Corp?
- What is the difference between an LLC and an S-Corp?
- How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Carolina?
- When should I elect S-Corp status?
- Can you help if I'm not located in Greenville?
- Do you offer bookkeeping and payroll with business formation?
- What business formation services does Elite Pro-Tax provide?
- Do I need an EIN (Employer Identification Number)?
- What is a registered agent and do I need one in SC?
- How do I convert my sole proprietorship to an LLC?
- What is an Operating Agreement and do I need one?
- Can I form an LLC in South Carolina if I live in another state?
- How long does it take to form a business in South Carolina?
- What ongoing compliance requirements do SC businesses have?
Self-employed & freelance 28 questions
- Do I have to pay quarterly estimated taxes if I have a W-2 job and side income?
- What happens if I overpay my estimated taxes?
- Can I make estimated payments monthly instead of quarterly?
- Do I need to make SC estimated payments if I already pay federal?
- What's the penalty for missing one quarterly payment?
- Can I use last year's refund to cover this year's estimated taxes?
Bookkeeping 31 questions
Payroll 52 questions
- How much do payroll services cost for a small business?
- Can you handle payroll for businesses outside of Greenville?
- What's the difference between your payroll service and using software like QuickBooks Payroll?
- Do I need to bundle payroll with bookkeeping or tax services?
- How do I get started if my business is brand new?
- What payroll services does Elite Pro-Tax offer?
- How much do payroll services cost?
- What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor?
- What payroll taxes are employers required to withhold?
- How often do I need to run payroll?
- What happens if I make a payroll tax error?
- Do I need to file payroll taxes if I only have one employee?
- Can I run payroll myself using software?
- What is the SC new hire reporting requirement?
- How do year-end payroll forms (W-2, W-3) work?
- How much do payroll services cost for a small business?
- Can I switch from QuickBooks Payroll to Elite Pro-Tax?
- What's the difference between basic payroll and full-service payroll?
- Do you handle payroll for both employees and contractors?
- How does combining payroll with bookkeeping and tax services help my business?
Sales & use tax 18 questions
IRS problems & back taxes 51 questions
By industry 145 questions
Service areas 58 questions
More answers 46 questions
- What is a refund advance?
- Is approval guaranteed?
- How much can I apply for?
- Will I have to pay interest?
- How quickly will I get a decision, and the money?
- How is the advance repaid?
- What if my refund is smaller than expected?
- What happens if I am denied?
- Does approval mean the IRS approved my refund?
- Does an advance make my refund arrive faster?
- What is the difference between a refund advance and a Refund Transfer?
- What do I need to apply?
- Can I apply after my return has already been filed?
- Can I apply using my last pay stub?
- Will applying affect my credit?
- Can I get an advance on my state refund?
- Can I file without applying for an advance?
- Why is my deposit smaller than the refund on my return?
- When are refund advances available?
Still have a question?
Ask us directly — we’ll give you a straight answer about your situation.

