What’s the cost of tax preparation? 

A high-quality tax preparer with extensive experience and more credentials is likely to charge more than the average tax preparer.  Our individual tax preparation minimum fee is $325.  Typical fee for most of our clients ranges from $475 to $895.

what type of tax professional are you seeking?

No states (except CA, MD, NY, OR) require a degree or any tax preparation credential.  And for states that require tax credentials, it is a lot easier to get a tax preparer license than other licenses (such as real estate salespeople).  Before you hand over your confidential information, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following types of credentials: CTEC, Enrolled Agent (EA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Tax Attorney.  Below are just a few firms with either an EA or CPA credential.

Sterling Tax Group Inc, EA (minimum $750 for Tax Year 2021)

Gene Bell Associates, EA (minimum $400)

WCG, CPA (minimum $600)

Boulder Valley, CPA (minimum $550)

Tax Happens, CPA ($350 to $750)

DiDonato, CPA (Tax Year 2020 minimum $350)

Lieb, Cody and Co, CPA (Single Member LLC Tax Prep. $275 to $1000)

Watson Tax, CPA (Avg. $800), SM LLC $400

Why do some tax places charge less than the average? They likely…

• prepare many tax returns (i.e. “tax preparation sweatshop”)
• focus on quantity rather than quality
• are not very professional and you end up wasting time
• lack experience and/or credentials
• make lots of mistakes
• won’t have time to double and triple check your tax return for deductions, credits, and other benefits 

According to the IRS, “The IRS reminds taxpayers to be careful when selecting a tax professional. Though most tax professionals provide honest, high-quality service, a minority of dishonest preparers operate each filing season perpetrating refund fraud, identity theft, and other scams that hurt innocent taxpayers.” 

should I prepare my own taxes?

• This depends on your opportunity cost
• If you add all of the costs below, your total is likely to be over $500
• A tax software costs approximately $63 on average
• Your time: The IRS estimates about 13 hours to prepare your own tax return
• If your salary is $50k/year, the 13 hours you put in will cost you about $312
• Plus, what deductions, credits, and other benefits might you be missing?
• If you get audited, who will help guide you?

What is your tax preparation process?

• Step 1: Pay a retainer (after paying a retainer, we will set up your own private, secure folder to upload your documents)

• Step 2: Fill out an organizer (telling us about your situation via a checklist) & sign an engagement letter

• Step 3: Upload your source documents (W-2, 1099, etc.)

• Step 4: Schedule an appointment to go over your tax return & pick up your final return

Who is our ideal client?

• Individuals who are looking and willing to pay for quality of service rather than shop for the lowest price 

• Professional with good follow-through

• One who seeks an annual on-going tax preparation rather than a one time service just to resolve a specific issue 

• People who understand the power and value of our ability to employ and integrate different financial components, leading to potential money and time-saving strategies

• Professionals who value long term relationships rather than a quick transaction  

what is so unique about OUR serviceS?

Yes, we’ll prepare your tax. And you will likely save time and money because of our interdisciplinary financial credentials and wealth of experience listed below.  Start with our tax service and build from there.

1.  Tax accountant (Enrolled Agent)

2.  Financial advisor (Series 7, 66, 24, RIA)

3.  Mortgage broker (CA Dept. of Real Estate & NMLS)

4.  Real estate broker (CA Dept. of Real Estate )

5.  Insurance broker (CA Dept. of Insurance  for risk management)