Tax Preparation Services in San Jose, CA

Match the preparer to the return. If you have business income, stock compensation, foreign accounts, missed years or an IRS balance, you want someone who can also represent you, and an Enrolled Agent can. Ask a few direct questions: Who actually prepares and signs the return? What will you need from me? How do you handle questions mid year? And if the IRS sends a letter after filing, will you deal with it or hand it back to me?

Last year's return, W-2s, 1099s (including 1099-B from brokers), K-1s, mortgage interest statements, estimated payment records and support for deductions or credits. If you received equity compensation, include your Form 3921 or 3922 and the plan statements. Business owners should add bookkeeping reports and payroll summaries. Have foreign bank accounts or income abroad? Bring those statements too, since FBAR and FATCA reporting may apply.

Yes. Enrolled Agents are licensed by the U.S. Treasury with unlimited practice rights before the IRS. That covers correspondence, audits, appeals, collection matters, installment agreements and penalty relief requests, for individuals and businesses. No one can promise a specific result, but you'll have a licensed professional speaking to the IRS and running the process for you.

Don't wait for the IRS to do it for you. A substitute return prepared by the IRS often leaves out deductions and expenses, and California's Franchise Tax Board can issue its own assessments too. We identify which years are required, pull your income transcripts, prepare accurate returns and work out how the filings affect any existing balance, then fold them into a resolution plan.

It's the first step. Until the returns are filed, nobody, including the IRS, knows the real balance. Once you're current, we review what's owed alongside your income, expenses and assets and look at installment agreements, penalty abatement, Currently Not Collectible status or an Offer in Compromise if you qualify. Tax resolution is a core part of our practice, so the handoff from filing to fixing is smooth.

A simple, organized return can be quick. Returns with business activity, several entities, heavy investment trading, foreign reporting or missing prior years take longer, and late years may require transcript requests before we can start. Sending complete documents early is the surest way to avoid an extension.

Look at the notice soon, because reply windows can be short. Many letters are routine, like a CP2000 flagging income the IRS received from a third party that doesn't match your return. Others open an audit or start collection. Keep the notice and your records, don't let the date pass, and get help if it proposes changes, penalties or a large balance.

Yes. Unpaid Form 941 deposits and late employment tax filings need fast attention, because they affect the company and can create personal liability for those responsible. We review the filing and payment history, confirm the full liability, contact the IRS and set up a path back to compliance. Business clients who sell to the federal government can also get DCAA ready accounting and CFO support from us.