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The tax division of Carter Cole & Associates

SmartTaxIQSmartTaxIQ

Clarity · Transformation · Legacy

We go beyond tax preparation to help you build lasting financial clarity and confidence. Secure modern tools, licensed professionals, and a process that makes filing simple, accurate and stress-free — whether you file as an individual or run a business.

✓ Active PTIN & EFIN credentials✓ Accuracy guarantee✓ Encrypted client portal
Lashanda Carter preparing a client return
Why SmartTaxIQ

Expertise, integrity, and tools built for this decade

Filing is the easy part. Doing it accurately, defensibly and in a way that sets up next year — that's the work.

Licensed & experienced professionals

Our team holds active PTINs and verified EFIN credentials — your return is prepared by qualified, licensed experts who follow current IRS regulations closely.

Accuracy you can count on

Every return is reviewed for precision and compliance. We stand behind our work with an accuracy guarantee and full support from start to finish.

Secure digital process

Upload, review and sign your documents safely through our encrypted client portal. Your personal and financial information stays private and protected.

Clear communication

We take the time to explain your return, answer your questions, and help you understand your financial picture in plain language.

Comprehensive tax & bookkeeping

From W-2s and 1099s to Schedule C filings and business returns, we manage every tax need under one roof — including bookkeeping that keeps you audit-ready year-round.

Rooted in the community

We serve individuals and small businesses across Michigan with honesty, care, and a personal touch that large national chains can't match.

Our mission

Tax season should bring clarity, not confusion

Our mission is to give every client the confidence that comes from working with people who care about your goals as much as you do.

  • Personalized, professional service for individuals and businesses
  • Organized bookkeeping that keeps your finances audit-ready
  • Clear explanations and transparent communication
  • Strategies built to save you time, stress, and money
SmartTaxIQ planner and materials on a desk
How it works

Simple, fast and secure — in three steps

1

Book your session

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call or in-person meeting. We'll discuss your goals, your situation, and how SmartTaxIQ can support you.

2

Review & organize

Meet with your licensed preparer to review your documents and identify every opportunity for savings before anything gets filed.

3

File with confidence

We prepare and file your return securely, keeping you informed at every stage — and we're here after filing if the IRS has questions.

Come prepared

What to bring to your first meeting

Nothing here is a hard requirement for the discovery session — bring what you have and we'll help you find the rest.

  • Last year's tax return
  • W-2s, 1099s, and any income documents
  • Receipts for deductions — childcare, education, medical, business expenses
  • Bank account information for direct deposit
  • Any IRS letters or notices you've received
  • Business books or profit-and-loss statement, if you file for a business
Start your return

Choose the form that fits your situation

Select personal or business filing to begin. Both start with a licensed preparer reviewing your information — there is no automated black box here.

Individuals

Personal Tax

W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, gig income, families claiming credits, and anyone with a return from a prior year that needs a second look.

Start Personal Return
Business owners

Business Tax

Sole proprietors and Schedule C filers, LLCs, S-corps, partnerships and corporations — including K-1s and year-end book reconciliation.

Start Business Return

Prefer to talk first? Book a free 30-minute discovery session or call 810-493-6605.

Questions

Frequently asked

Still unsure about something? Call us — we answer these on the phone every day.

Book your complimentary 30-minute discovery session using the button on this page, or call us directly. We'll confirm what documents you need and schedule your preparation appointment — in person or fully remote, whichever you prefer.

Not to the discovery session — that conversation is about understanding your situation. Bring what you have. For your actual preparation appointment, use the checklist on this page, and if something is missing we'll help you track it down.

Yes. Documents are uploaded, reviewed and signed through an encrypted client portal with bank-level protection. We never ask you to email sensitive documents unprotected.

That's a large part of what we do. Sole proprietors and Schedule C filers, single- and multi-member LLCs, S-corps, partnerships and corporations. We also prepare K-1s and handle year-end book reconciliation before filing.

Most straightforward personal returns are prepared within a few business days of receiving complete documents. Business returns and multi-year filings take longer, and we'll give you a realistic timeline at the start rather than a hopeful one.

You are far from the first. We handle back filings and amended returns regularly, including cases where earlier returns missed deductions you were entitled to. The sooner we start, the more options remain available.

Yes. Bring us the notice — don't ignore it and don't panic. Most letters are routine and resolvable, and we'll tell you plainly which kind you're holding.

Next step

Ready to file with someone who actually reads your return?

Start with a free 30-minute discovery session. We'll tell you where you stand, what's recoverable from prior years, and what to do differently this year.

Monday – Thursday, 9:30am – 5:00pm ET · Every inquiry answered within 2 business days.