Individual Return Preparation
I welcome the opportunity to prepare your Federal (IRS) and California State (FTB) personal income tax returns as well as returns for other States. I utilize top-of-the-line software (LaCerte) and the latest generation computers to ensure your returns are accurate, minimize your tax liability, or increase your refund.
Electronic filing for current year returns and the prior two years is generally available. Filing electronically provides you with immediate acknowledgment of acceptance of your filings. Further, if you are due a refund, delivery is expedited via direct deposit or traditional check.
In conjunction with a provided tax organizer, I can prepare your personal returns accurately in less time (and often for less cost) than you would expect. Once you provide me with your completed tax organizer, copies of your information documents (W-2s, 1099s, 1098, K-1s, etc), and your deposit, I will draft your returns and email you a password-protected draft copy for your approval. Once you have completed your review and approved the draft, I will email you the e-file authorizations, Statement of Review, and invoice for any fee balance due.
After I have received signed documents and the balance due (if any) of the fee, I will E-file your current year returns with the IRS, FTB, and/or other states. Once accepted by the tax agencies, I will mail you your printed hard copies together with the certification of the IRS and State(s) acceptance of your returns. Delinquent returns more than two years late generally must be mailed to the tax agencies. In that circumstance, the originals for signing and mailing are included in the package I send you.
As an Enrolled Agent, having me prepare your returns minimizes your chances of being flagged for an audit. By contrast, if you select a preparer who previously was identified by the IRS as one who historically files inaccurate returns (these preparers are typically labeled as “questionable practitioners” by the IRS), then often the IRS will audit ALL clients of that preparer. That is why it is so important that you select a qualified professional to prepare your return.
In the unlikely event your return is selected for audit, I can represent you through the administrative appeals process without you having to take time off to meet with the IRS or FTB.
As an added convenience, I can prepare returns by communicating online, by fax, and occasionally by mail.
For individuals who have difficulty getting to my office and who do not have the capability of working online, I offer local in-home service. There is a reasonable travel charge involved (varies with the distance from my office to your location) that helps cover my travel expenses and time.
Accepted payment includes major credit and debit cards, checks, Zelle, and PayPal.
I provide a tax organizer for my return preparation clients. This document helps you organize and record your financial transactions for the year. It also furthers my responsibility of ensuring that all income has been properly reported and that you have received maximum benefit for all deductible expenses and credits.
Click here to read a list of common errors taxpayers make in both tax planning and doing their own returns.
Please email or call if you wish to discuss retaining me to prepare your current year returns (or to prepare delinquent returns or amendments to prior year returns). There is no charge for providing you with an estimate.