Flat-fee W 2 tax prep for Northeast Ohio.
Local Ohio tax pros — safer than DIY.
No hourly billing or surprise local fees. Complete a short online intake, then schedule a brief discovery call to confirm details.
Most W 2 clients are fully filed within 48 hours of uploading documents.
See flat-fee pricing below.
After you complete the short intake form you'll be shown only the payment option matching your selection.
Local Northeast Ohio focus
Experienced with Ohio, RITA, CCA, and municipal tax rules across Northeast Ohio.
IRS-recognized professionals
If the IRS or a city questions your return, we stand behind our work.
$1,000,000 audit defense
Protection Plus coverage is included in your fee—no surprise upsells.
Local professional vs TurboTax vs H&R Block
If you’re a W‑2 employee in Northeast Ohio, you may be paying more than necessary—either through fees or by missing local filings.
TurboTax & similar DIY
- Advertised prices often omit Ohio and local city filing fees.
Big-box chains (H&R Block, etc.)
- Total cost is often higher once state, local fees, and add‑ons are included.
Lucent Advisory, LLC
Local specialists for Northeast Ohio W‑2 employees — a simple intake and a short discovery call to confirm fit.
- Flat-fee service from local Northeast Ohio experts.
- $1,000,000 audit defense included at no extra cost.
- Quick 48-hour prep after the discovery call.
Simple flat-fee pricing for W-2 employees
All-in flat fees — no hidden fees
How your return gets done — simple, careful, and stress-free
Most tax returns are straightforward. Our real goal is to remove the anxiety and stress from the process — no pressure, no upselling. We provide clear, expert guidance and treat every client as a valued person, not a transaction. You’ll get straightforward help and thoughtful attention at every step.
Typical turnaround: 48 business hours after documents are received.
Step 1: Complete a short online intake form (5–7 minutes).
This short online form takes about 5–7 minutes and collects the basic information we need to start.
Step 2: Schedule a brief 15–20 minute discovery call—this is for clarifying details and confirming documents.
After submitting the intake form, you'll be prompted to schedule a brief 15–20 minute discovery call to clarify details and confirm required documents. Book now.
Step 3: After the discovery call and receipt of any needed documents, we prepare your return — target within 48 business hours.
After the discovery call and once we have all required documents, we prepare your federal, state, and local returns — target within 48 business hours.
Step 4: Review, approve, and file; we provide post‑file support and audit defense if needed.
We’ll upload your completed returns to the portal for your review. Approve to e-file and we'll file on your approval.
If the IRS or a city later has questions, we provide post‑file support and audit defense as your IRS-recognized professionals.
The 48‑hour preparation target begins only after the discovery call and when all requested documents have been received. If anything is missing or unclear, we will reach out quickly so you are not left guessing.
After you complete the form, you'll be shown only the payment option matching your selection (Single 1040 or Married 1040).
$1,000,000 Protection Plus — Audit representation and step‑by‑step support if you're contacted
We provide professional representation and clear, step‑by‑step guidance if the IRS, Ohio, or local tax authorities contact you.
- Up to $1,000,000 in audit defense through Protection Plus.
- We guide and support you if the IRS, Ohio, or local officials contact you about your return.
- We assist with responding to notices and explaining next steps.
- Coverage is included automatically when we prepare your return—no extra payment required.
Coverage includes representation for audit-related matters up to plan limits. See plan terms for details.
What this means for you
If a tax notice arrives, you won't be left on hold or searching online—our local team and protection program will help you respond correctly. Protection enrollment will be confirmed during or after the discovery call once we agree on your filing path and pricing.
Earn money back with our Neighborhood Referral Program
We serve W‑2 employees across Northeast Ohio, one household at a time. After you file, we’ll share a secure referral link so you can easily refer friends and earn rewards.
- You earn $10 for every friend, coworker, or family member who becomes a paid client using your link.
- Single filers can earn up to $50 (up to 5 paid referrals).
- Married couples can earn up to $100 (up to 10 paid referrals).
- Payout details and your unique link are shared securely through your TaxDome portal.
Example savings
If you file as a single W‑2 client for $175 and five coworkers you refer become paid clients, you can earn back $50—bringing your net cost to $125.
A married couple paying $275 who refers ten friends can earn back $100, effectively bringing their tax prep cost down to $175.
Frequently asked questions from Northeast Ohio W-2 employees
If you have ever wondered whether you should keep using TurboTax, drive to a big-box office, or finally hire a local professional, these answers are for you.
Is this cheaper than using TurboTax?
In many Northeast Ohio cases, yes. TurboTax and similar tools often advertise a low federal price, then add charges for state and local filings. Some local returns—especially RITA and CCA—may not be fully handled or may require you to print and mail additional forms. After adding those options and any support upgrades, our $175 or $275 flat fee is often the same or lower—and you get a local, IRS-recognized professional preparing and standing behind your return.
How are local city, RITA, and CCA taxes handled?
Local filings are where many DIY returns fail. Because we specialize in Northeast Ohio W-2 employees, we know common city, RITA, and CCA scenarios across the region. We prepare and file all required local returns as part of your flat fee—no surprise invoices. You will not be left figuring out which city needs what form or whether a form must be mailed.
How quickly will my return be completed?
Most W-2 returns are ready within about 48 hours after we receive all documents in TaxDome, including W-2s, prior-year returns, and signed engagement forms. If anything is missing, we’ll contact you so you’re not surprised by delays.
What if the IRS or my city questions my return?
If you receive a notice from the IRS, Ohio, RITA, CCA, or a city about a return we prepared, we're here to help. As IRS-recognized professionals, we will explain the notice and next steps. Your return includes Protection Plus audit defense (up to $1,000,000) to assist with many types of notices and audits; full coverage details are provided with your final paperwork.
Do I need to come into an office in person?
No. Our process is built for secure online service so you do not need to take time off work or sit in a waiting room. Everything—from payment to signing forms to receiving your completed return—can be done through your TaxDome portal and email. If we need clarification, we will reach out directly to you.
Which documents do you need from me?
For typical W-2 filers we need your W-2s (and your spouse’s if filing jointly), your prior-year return if available, and any 1099s you received. During onboarding we provide a short checklist in the portal so you can confirm what applies to you. If something is missing, we’ll let you know before filing.
Can you help if I worked in multiple Ohio cities or moved during the year?
Yes. This is common in Northeast Ohio and one of the reasons local expertise matters. Working in multiple cities or moving between cities, townships, or RITA/CCA areas can create multiple local filing requirements. We factor that into your return and make sure the right local forms are filed so you are not surprised later.
How do I get paid for referrals?
After your return is filed, you will receive a referral link through your TaxDome portal. When someone uses that link and becomes a paid client, we track that referral and credit you $10 per paid referral, up to $50 for single filers and up to $100 for married joint filers. Payout timing and method are explained in your referral program details.
Ready to file safely and locally?
Complete a short intake and schedule a discovery call — we'll prepare your return.
- Audit defense — returns are prepared by IRS-recognized professionals; $1,000,000 audit defense included.
Single 1040 — $175 (all-in).