Current Client Resources

This page is for current Realm clients looking for common process information, deadlines, and administrative resources. If you are a prospective client, please visit our Services or Contact page.

Client FAQ

  • The IRS has recently started issuing CP53E notices as part of its transition away from paper refund checks and toward direct deposit. If you are expecting a refund and the IRS does not have valid direct deposit information, the notice asks you to log in to your IRS Online Account and add or update your bank information within 30 days.

    Please do not call the IRS to provide bank information, and do not click links or scan QR codes from any unofficial source. Bank information can only be updated through your IRS Online Account.

    If you were not expecting a refund for example, you owed tax, had no refund due, or elected to apply an overpayment to next year - the notice may have been sent in error. In that case, no payment is due solely because of this notice, and no action should be needed unless the IRS separately shows a refund being held.

  • We ask that clients upload their documents by March 15 in order to guarantee filing by April 15. If we receive them after that date, we will file an extension and get to these returns in the order received. You must pay any potential tax due by April 15. 

  • The IRS has been cracking down on underpayments over the last few years. This is due to higher interest rates, insufficient withholding or failure to make Quarterly Estimated Payments.

    This could be a few dollars or several thousand. We recommend all clients pay what is due in order to avoid further penalties / interest. If you feel like there is an error, please let us know.

  • We file extensions for clients all the time. This is an extension to FILE not an extension to PAY. You must pay any tax you think you owe by 4/15. We cannot calculate an estimated tax so pay what you think you may owe or what you paid last year.

  • Due to the various floods, fires, disasters and what have you, there have been issues with all tax software since it was designed for all 50 states and sometimes does not factor in what happened in CA last year. There were several extensions and sometimes it calculated more taxes owed vs what the IRS or FTB required.

    If you got a check that was a few dollars or a few hundred you can cash it!

  • You can pay your invoice in your Canopy Portal in the Billing tab or you can call 310-376-0455 to pay over the phone. Thank you!

  • Use these links to check on the status of your federal and state refunds.

    IRS: https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund

    CA FTB: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/refund/index.asp

Download Tax Organizer
Download Tax Organizer

Canopy Client Portal

We are pleased to offer Canopy to our clients as a secure, electronic tax return delivery system, file management hub, and bill pay center. The client-friendly interface allows you to upload your tax information and store previous year returns. Canopy also allows clients to review their returns electronically and sign for e-filing.

Benefits of Using Canopy

  • Receive your tax returns securely and view previous year returns

  • Accessible across all platforms: computer, smartphone, or tablet (via Canopy app)

  • Electronically sign your federal and state e-file authorizations (8879), no printing or mailing necessary

  • Pay invoices electronically

  • Download a copy of your tax return

  • For businesses, conveniently distribute your K-1s electronically

How it Works

  • You will receive an email from Realm Business and Tax Advisory with a “from” address of notifications@realmtax.clientportal.com

  • The email will contain a safe link inviting you to create an account with Canopy

  • After clicking on the link, you will be asked to create a password to set up your client portal

  • Once you have created your password and accessed your client portal, you will be able to upload your tax documents/information, view your tax returns, pay your bill, and sign your e-file forms

For more information about Canopy:

Getting Started with Canopy Guide

First Time Log-In and Portal Set-Up Guide

Switching Between Personal & Business Portals Guide

Updating Personal Information and Settings Guide

Accepting an Engagement Guide

Uploading Documents to Canopy Guide

Log In to your Canopy Portal
Log In to your Canopy Portal

Canopy FAQ

  • Yes. Email notifications will be sent from Canopy. To prevent the email from getting filtered to spam/junk, we recommend adding the Canopy email addresses to your safe list.

  • Canopy accessed via the web on any PC or Mac device . Also, Canopy offers an app via the App Store for Apple devices and the Google Play store for Android devices.

  • Yes. You can download and print your return from a computer. Canopy wil store your return in the files tab where you can access it any time.

  • Yes – You can still print, sign and mail your e-file form(s) back to Realm Business and Tax Advisory if you’d prefer to do so.

  • Yes! Once you sign your e-file authorization form(s), you will receive an email stating it was successful. The return will also be available to view in the Files tab of the Canopy portal.

For More Assistance

If you have additional questions regarding Canopy, please contact: 
info@realmtax.com
310-376-0455