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Editorial standards

Editorial guidelines

People come to us when they’re dealing with important documents and real deadlines. These are the standards every Paperwork Hero article follows to deserve that trust.

1. We test before we recommend

Reviews are based on hands-on use wherever possible: a team member completes the task with the service, from sign-up to finished document. When hands-on testing isn’t possible, we say so on the page.

2. We use official sources

Fees, forms, eligibility rules and processing times come from the issuing agency, such as the State Department, the Social Security Administration, the IRS or state agencies. We link to the official source so you can check it yourself.

3. Experts review our work

Every money page and guide is checked by a second editor before publishing, and fees and timelines are verified against the official source on each update.

4. We keep pages current

  • Comparison and review pages are re-checked at least monthly
  • Processing times are checked weekly
  • Every page shows the date it was last updated

5. Advertisers don’t decide what we say

Our writers and reviewers don’t know which providers pay commissions when they score them, and partners can’t review or change content before it’s published. Business relationships are disclosed on the pages they affect. See how we make money.

6. We always show the free route

If you can complete a task yourself directly with the government, we tell you how, on the same page as the paid options.

7. We’re not lawyers

Our content is general information to help you choose a service, not legal advice. For complex legal situations, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.

Corrections
If you find an error, let us know. We aim to review correction requests within 2 business days and note significant changes at the bottom of the page.