FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions by Category
Comprehensive question list
General questions including firm background, location, hours and policies
Service related questions
New client and existing client related questions

Comprehensive Question List

Is Valley Oak Financial a franchise?
How did the firm originate?
Where was the name, Valley Oak Financial, derived?
Why choose Valley Oak Financial as my professional service provider?
How do you pronounce Rzepka?
Where are you located?
What are your office hours?
Does Valley Oak Financial work with other advisors and financial professionals?
Do you have a privacy policy?
How much do your services cost?
What other services do you provide, apart from tax preparation?
What is tax planning?
Do you provide CPA letters?
Why use the VOF Tax Notebook?
I would like to try the Tax Notebook, how do I start?
How do I become a client?
Why should I hire a CPA? / Why not use tax preparation software only?
Do you file returns for states other than Michigan?
I think my previous preparer made an error on my return. Am I allowed to refile?
When will I get my refund?
Should I schedule a meeting to go over my information and tax returns?
What should I bring to our first meeting?
When can I drop off my tax information?
Should I give you originals of my information or copies?
I didn’t get a tax organizer, what should I do?
I don’t know if you will need this information for my tax return, what should I do?
I didn’t get my refund, what should I do? Can you help me?
I received a notice from the IRS or State, what should I do?
How long do I need to keep my tax returns on file?

General Questions (firm background, location, hours, policies)
Is Valley Oak Financial a franchise?: No.
How did the firm originate?: After several years in public accounting with a regional firm, Valley Oak Financial’s founder saw an opportunity to better serve clientele with a more personalized, value-driven approach to client service.
Where was the name, Valley Oak Financial, derived?: Often professional service firms’ names include the name of its founder(s). But in this case, Rzepka is not the easiest name to pronounce or locate in a directory. Therefore, the strategic decision was made to create a one-of-a-kind name that would have significance to the firm founder and present a desired image to the firm’s publics.
Why choose Valley Oak Financial as my professional service provider?: The true measure of the value of service received is the client’s opinion. Therefore, please refer to Valley Oak Financial’s client testimonials page to understand why they have selected Valley Oak Financial as their professional services firm.
How do you pronounce Rzepka?: The “R” is silent; pronounce the rest as it is spelled – Zep-Ka.
Where are you located?: Click here for contact information.
What are your office hours?: The office is open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Meetings can be scheduled at almost anytime, by appointment.
Does Valley Oak Financial work with other advisors and financial professionals?: Yes. The professionals at VOF feel your financial well being is best served by a team approach. If you have existing professionals in place, Valley Oak Financial is comfortable working with them; if not, the firm is pleased to provide recommendations.
Do you have a privacy policy?: Click here to read the privacy policy.
Service Related Questions
How much do your services cost?: Much of the price of services is derived from the amount of time required to complete the project. Therefore, costs are determined on a project-by-project basis and can be provided after an initial, free consultation.
What other services do you provide, apart from tax preparation?: Click here for information on firm services.
What is tax planning?: Tax planning is the value-added component to tax preparation. Valley Oak Financial will take a proactive approach to positively impact your tax situation by taking advantage of financial opportunities in the appropriate timeframe. It is during this process that the firm’s professionals are able to provide you with the greatest financial gain; by putting additional dollars in your pocket by utilizing the rules available under the tax code.
Do you provide CPA letters?: Yes. However, do to recent, additional complexities found in drafting such material, a fee may be charged for their preparation.
Why use the VOF Tax Notebook?: The VOF Tax Notebook is a tool for individuals who like to participate in the preparation of their return, but still have the advantage of a CPA’s review and suggestions.
I would like to try the Tax Notebook, how do I start?: Contact Matt Rzepka, CPA, by calling 269.492.7220 or emailing mlr@vofcpa.com.
New Client and Existing Client Related Questions
How do I become a client?: Contact the office to setup an appointment. Face-to-face contact is not required, but often times preferred. To start the process, contact Thomasina Emory at 269.429.7220 or tse@vofcpa.com.
Why should I hire a CPA?: A lot of benefit can be “lost” in the preparation of a tax return when it does not incorporate tax planning. Tax planning might not always be an option for a tax payer. However, when the opportunity presents itself, the tax payer will want to take advantage of it, and a software program will not make such recommendations.
Do you file returns for states other than Michigan?: Valley Oak Financial is a very technology-driven firm and currently services several clients from great distances. Due to VOF’s technical capabilities, it is able to implement a long distance plan that will work best for both parties.
I think my previous preparer made an error on my return. Am I allowed to refile?: You are allowed to amend a previously filed tax return for up to three years from the due date of that tax return. There are some issues that require careful considerations in determining whether or not to file an amended return. This is a situation Valley Oak Financial can assist you with.
When will I get my refund?: Please reference the IRS refund schedule.
Should/Can I schedule a meeting to go over my information and tax returns?: You may absolutely schedule a meeting if it makes you feel more comfortable, but it is not a required portion of the tax return preparation process. Those desiring a meeting should contact the office by calling Thomasina Emory at 269.492.7220.
What should I bring to our first meeting?: Please bring a list of any questions you might have and at least one year’s previous tax returns, and preferably two years if they are readily available.
When can I drop off my tax information?: Anytime during normal business hours or you can leave it in the secure, locked drop box outside Valley Oak Financial’s main entrance.
Should I give you originals of my information or copies?: This is your preference. Valley Oak Financial will make copies for its records either way.
I didn’t get a tax organizer, what should I do?: Contact the office at 269.492.7220 for a personalized organizer or click here for a generic, blank organizer.
I don’t know if you will need this information for my tax return, what should I do?: When in doubt, include all items for preparation of your return and make note that you are unsure if it is needed. VOF’s professionals will make the determination of the item’s tax deductibility.
I didn’t get my refund, what should I do? Can you help me?: First check the IRS web site. Additional questions may be directed to the professionals at Valley Oak Financial, call 269.492.7220.
I received a notice from the IRS or State, what should I do?: Never automatically pay a balance due on a notice. Always check that the information in question is accurate. If VOF prepared the return, provide a copy of the notice to VOF as soon as possible so a timely response can be prepared.
How long do I need to keep my tax returns on file?: Please refer to our Business Record Retention Schedule.