When an injury case is finally resolved, your next “deadline” is often not the courtroom—it’s your tax return. If you’re trying to match settlement paperwork to the correct tax year, what you receive from your attorney (and how it’s described) can make a real difference.
This article focuses on the kinds of tax-related questions you can ask Faraci Lange, LLP in Rochester so your settlement packet is easier to hand to your tax preparer. Faraci Lange’s Rochester contact information is listed at 1882 S Winton Rd #1, Rochester, NY 14618 with phone (585) 325-5150, and the firm can be reached through its official contact page at https://www.faraci.com/contact-us/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=rochester.
Start with the tax-year problem: payment dates vs. case closure
Many people assume the year their case “ends” is the year that should appear on their taxes. In practice, the details can be more complex. Ask your intake contact (or the attorney handling your matter) to explain how they track and present the timeline for your settlement.
Specifically, request plain-language clarity on when the payment is expected to be issued and how it will be documented. You’re looking for descriptions your tax preparer can use to match what you received to the relevant return year—without guessing.
Ask whether the packet is organized to support year-by-year reporting
If your settlement involves multiple payments or staged resolutions, ask whether the firm’s documentation will be itemized in a way that helps you sort amounts by tax year. A helpful sign is when records are not just “sent,” but structured so you can verify what applies to which filing period.
Confirm what you will actually receive so you can avoid IRS “paper trail” gaps
For tax purposes, you generally need more than a single number. Ask Faraci Lange, LLP what documents your settlement packet will include and whether they can provide them in a consistent format you can share with your preparer.
Good questions include:
• Will you receive a written summary you can hand to your tax professional?
• Will there be clear language about the settlement components so you can avoid unclear or overlapping descriptions?
• Will the packet include enough information to explain the basis for reporting—without requiring your preparer to infer missing details?
Request “tax-preparer ready” wording, not just case paperwork
Even if documents exist, tax readiness depends on how clearly they are labeled. Ask whether the firm can provide wording that is designed for administrative use, such as summaries that identify key details your preparer can categorize and report.
Match records to your documents workflow (and keep copies)
Tax preparation goes smoother when your records are complete and organized before the return deadline. Treat settlement paperwork like a file you build ahead of time.
Ask how records are delivered (for example, electronically or by mailing) and when you should expect access after resolution. Then, confirm whether the firm provides a way to download or store the information so you can keep a copy for your records.
Also ask what you should do if questions come up later—especially if your return has already been filed and you discover a missing detail. Your goal is to reduce the likelihood that you’re trying to reconstruct paperwork at the last minute.
Build your “question list” before you need it
If you know you will be working with a tax preparer, consider drafting a short list of what you need the firm to confirm. For example: timeline clarity, document completeness, and whether the settlement paperwork includes the information needed for tax-year matching.
How to verify that your settlement packet fits your tax return needs
Before you finalize arrangements, ask Faraci Lange, LLP for a practical description of what you’ll receive and how it will be labeled. You can then use those answers to decide whether the documentation is likely to support your IRS reporting and your preparation process.
If you’re comparing options, consistency matters: the best packet is the one that reduces uncertainty for your specific filing workflow. Public ratings or general summaries can’t replace this step—what counts is whether the firm can explain the documentation details in a way your tax preparer can actually use.
For Rochester readers who want a starting point, you can begin by calling (585) 325-5150 or reviewing the firm’s contact page at https://www.faraci.com/contact-us/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=rochester. Then ask the tax-preparedness questions above so your settlement records are ready when it’s time to file.
