Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most: working with our team, tax deadlines and payments, IRS notices and refunds, and what to send us at tax time.
Getting Started
Working With Us
How do I become a client?
Start by booking a free Discovery Call with our team. We’ll learn about your situation, explain how we can help, and walk you through next steps. If we’re a good fit, we’ll send you our Letter of Engagement and onboarding forms to complete online.
What is a Discovery Call?
A short, free, no-obligation conversation with our team. Tell us what’s going on, whether it’s a tax return, a business question or a letter from the IRS, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Who do you work with?
We work with individuals and families, small and mid-sized businesses, and trusts and estates in Los Angeles and across California. See our services for the full list.
Can you help if I have unfiled returns or an IRS letter?
Yes. We regularly help clients catch up on prior-year returns and respond to IRS and California notices. The sooner you reach out, the more options you usually have, so contact our team as soon as you can.
Do you offer notary services?
Yes. Our notary, Anthony, serves both clients and the public. Appointments are required, so please contact our office to book. Mobile notary travel can also be arranged; ask us for a quote.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards, personal checks and ACH bank transfers. Our invoices usually include a secure link to pay online.
Key Dates
Tax Deadlines & Payments
When are the main tax filing deadlines?
For most calendar-year taxpayers:
- March 15: partnership and S corporation returns
- April 15: individual, C corporation and trust returns
- September 15: extended partnership and S corporation returns
- October 15: extended individual and C corporation returns
When a date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Does an extension give me more time to pay?
No. An extension gives you more time to file, not to pay. Any tax you owe is still due by the original deadline. Paying late can add penalties and interest, even if your extension was filed on time.
When are estimated tax payments due?
Federal estimated payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the following year. California uses the same dates but a different split: 30% in April, 40% in June, nothing in September and 30% in January.
When are 1099-NEC forms due?
Form 1099-NEC is due to both the contractor and the IRS by January 31.
- Payments made in 2025: file a 1099-NEC for any contractor you paid $600 or more.
- Payments made in 2026 onward: the federal threshold rises to $2,000.
The higher threshold is federal only. Some states, including California, have not adopted it and still require reporting for payments of $600 or more. Check your state’s requirements, or ask us and we’ll confirm what applies to your business.
What is the California PTE elective tax?
The pass-through entity (PTE) elective tax lets qualifying partnerships and S corporations pay California tax at the entity level, which can help owners work around the federal SALT deduction cap. It is available through 2030. A first payment is due by June 15 to keep the election open for that year, so plan ahead.
How much can I put into a SEP or Roth IRA?
For 2025, a SEP IRA allows up to $70,000 ($72,000 for 2026), subject to income limits. The IRA and Roth IRA limit is $7,000 for 2025 and $7,500 for 2026, plus a catch-up of $1,000 for 2025 and $1,100 for 2026 if you’re 50 or older. Roth eligibility depends on your income.
When is the City of Los Angeles business tax renewal due?
Los Angeles business tax renewals are due by the last day of February each year. Late renewals can add penalties, so file even if you owe little or nothing.
IRS & State
IRS, Refunds & Notices
Why is the IRS taking so long?
Staffing cuts, paper backlogs and identity checks have slowed processing, especially for paper returns, amended returns and correspondence. We explain what’s happening and what you can do in Why Is the IRS Taking So Long?
Where is my refund?
Check your federal refund with the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool and your California refund with the FTB refund tracker. E-filed refunds with direct deposit usually arrive fastest. Amended returns can take 16 weeks or more.
Will the IRS still mail paper refund checks?
The IRS began phasing out paper refund checks after September 30, 2025, with direct deposit now the standard. Make sure your bank details are correct on your return. Read more in IRS Phasing Out Paper Tax Refund Checks.
I received a letter from the IRS or FTB. What should I do?
Don’t ignore it, and don’t panic. Most notices have a response deadline, so note the date and send us a copy right away. Many notices can be resolved quickly with the right response.
How can I tell if an IRS letter, call or text is a scam?
The IRS usually makes first contact by mail. It will not demand payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer, threaten arrest, or ask for passwords by text or email. If something feels off, don’t reply. Contact us or the IRS directly. See IRS CP53E Notice: What To Do and How To Spot a Fake.
What is an IP PIN, and should I get one?
An Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit number from the IRS that stops anyone else from filing a return with your Social Security number. Anyone can request one through the IRS Get an IP PIN tool, and we recommend it. A new PIN is issued each year.
Tax Time
Documents & Preparing To File
What documents do I need for my personal tax return?
- W-2s and 1099s (interest, dividends, brokerage, retirement, contract income)
- Form 1098 mortgage interest and property tax bills
- Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health coverage
- Charitable donation receipts
- Childcare and education expenses (1098-T)
- Estimated tax payments you made during the year
- Any IRS or state notices you received
What do I need for my business tax return?
- Year-end profit and loss statement and balance sheet
- Bank and credit card statements
- Payroll reports and 1099s you issued
- Purchases or sales of equipment, vehicles or property
- Loan statements
- Changes in ownership or new partners
When should I send my documents?
Please send everything at least 30 days before the filing deadline. That gives us time to prepare an accurate return and follow up on any questions. Documents received less than 15 days before the deadline will incur a rush fee or may need an extension.
What life changes should I tell you about?
Let us know about marriage or divorce, a new child, buying or selling a home, starting or closing a business, a move to or from another state, an inheritance, retirement, or large gifts. Each can change your taxes, and some create planning opportunities.
How do I know which documents to send?
Everyone’s tax return is unique. The best guide is your prior year’s return: look through it to get an idea of the documents you’ll need to send this year, such as the same W-2s, 1099s and account statements. If anything is new or has changed, include those documents too, or ask our team.
Have A Tax Question?
Every situation is different. Book a free discovery call with our team and we'll tell you honestly how we can help.