Expert assistance is a simple way to get clarity and peace of mind before submitting your tax return.
You’ll be matched with a credentialed Tax Pro who helps break down complex parts of your return, answers last-minute questions, and highlights common issues that can cause delays or rejections.
Your Tax Pro focuses on guidance and education, not full tax preparation. They help you understand what to review so you can file with confidence.
What happens when I start expert assistance?
When you start expert assistance, you’ll first complete a few setup steps, similar to our DIY filing flow, so we have the information needed to review your return.
After those initial steps, you’ll:
Choose up to two topics you’d like help with
Select how you want to work with your Tax Pro:
Written guidance, or
A live review call
Once you’ve made those selections, you’re matched with a credentialed Tax Pro— usually the same business day.
What does the Tax Pro review?
Your Tax Pro reviews your tax return in read-only mode along with any documents you uploaded. They focus on education, common rejection risks, and areas you may want to double-check before filing.
Expert assistance helps explain things and point out what to double-check, but you’re the one who makes any changes.
How do I contact my Tax Pro?
Expert assistance is set up around a single round of guidance, based on the option you choose:
Written guidance
You submit questions for your selected topics, and your Tax Pro replies via messages in the app with answers to your questions and guidance on what to review. You can switch to a live call before your written guidance is provided if you want to talk to your Tax Pro.
Live review call
You schedule a one-on-one call with your Tax Pro and discuss your questions in real time. This is the best option if you want to talk things through.
What’s written guidance?
Written guidance happens in-app, without a live call.
With written guidance:
You choose up to two topics to discuss and questions about those topics
Your Tax Pro reviews your questions, return, and documents
They provide answers and guidance via messages, highlighting common IRS issues, potential opportunities for credits and deductions, and a checklist of things to review
Timing:
Written guidance is usually ready within 24–48 business hours after you’re matched with your Tax Pro.
This is a good option if you like written feedback and want to move at your own pace.
What’s a review call?
A review call is a scheduled, one-on-one call with your Tax Pro.
During the call:
You can ask your final questions
Walk through your topics and questions
Discuss things like your refund or balance due
The goal of the call is to help you understand your return and what to review. Your Tax Pro won’t make changes or validate specific entries, and the review is wrapped up the same day as the call.
Can the Tax Pro tell me if my return is correct?
No. Expert assistance doesn’t include checking or correcting entries.
Your Tax Pro can explain what to look at, but they can’t confirm accuracy or point out specific errors.
Why does my status say “Waiting on customer”?
That just means your Tax Pro has shared guidance, questions, or a checklist and is waiting for you to review or make updates.
There’s no deadline — you move forward when you’re ready.
What happens after the Tax Pro marks the review complete?
Once the review is marked complete:
You can e-sign Form 8879
You can submit your return when you’re ready
Filing is always up to you.
Who's responsible for filing the return?
You are.
Your Tax Pro doesn’t file on your behalf — you’re responsible for e-signing and submitting your return.
Why does expert assistance sometimes take longer?
Most delays happen during customer follow-ups, not during Pro review time. Once the Tax Pro has what they need, completion is immediate.
Can I switch from expert assistance to full tax preparation?
In some situations, expert assistance can be upgraded to full tax prep — but that isn’t part of the standard service.
Does expert assistance guarantee my return won't be rejected or audited?
No. Pro Review helps reduce common rejection risks but does not guarantee acceptance or prevent audits.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.
Any third-party links are provided for informational purposes only. The third parties and their sites are not endorsed by April and April is not responsible for, and has no control over, their content, privacy policies, or terms of service.