Where is your office located?
Our business is based in Auburn, California. However, we don’t have a physical office location. We perform all our work remotely using cloud-based technology and virtual meetings.
How do I send information and documents to you?
Non-confidential information can be sent to us by email. All personal and confidential information should only be uploaded using our secure cloud-based portal.
How do you keep my personal information secure?
We use a secure cloud-based portal to exchange and store your personal information. All data is encrypted using bank level-security and backed up automatically. Clients are responsible for their own unique username and password and two-factor authentication.
What accounting software do you use?
We have experience working with a variety of accounting software including QuickBooks, NetSuite, Deltek, WorkDay, Appfolio, AccuFund, and more.
How long will it take to complete my tax returns?
Assuming we are provided with all the necessary tax documents and information, we can generally complete your tax returns in less than two weeks. We may be able to complete them sooner if arranged in advance.
Which tax forms, documents, and information do I need to provide to you?
We will send you a tax organizer annually to help you gather the documents and information we will need to prepare your tax returns. If you still are not sure about which documents you need to provide, please contact us to discuss.
Will my tax returns be filed electronically?
Yes, your tax returns will be electronically filed unless you specifically request that they be mailed. The IRS encourages the use of e-file, as it is faster and more secure.
When will I receive my tax refund?
If your tax returns are electronically filed, it generally takes less than 30 days to receive the refund. If the tax authority needs additional information, it could take longer.
You can check the status of your federal refund on the IRS website. You can find a link to the website in the Resources section.
If you filed a tax return in California, you can check the status of your refund on the Franchise Tax Board’s website. You can find a link to the website in the Resources section.
If you filed a tax return in a state other than California, you can contact us and we will send you information on how to check the status of your refund.
Are you available year-round if I have any questions outside of tax season?
Yes, we are available throughout the year to address any of your accounting and tax needs. Significant life events can take place at any time and we believe it is better to discuss the events shortly before or after it happens just in case it could impact your tax liability or complicate your returns.
In the question above, you mention significant life events. What would you consider a significant life event?
- Getting married, expecting a baby, or getting divorced
- Expecting a significant change in compensation
- Starting a new business (self-employment/partnership, etc.)
- Recently retired or are planning on retiring within the end of the year
- Being unemployed or becoming disabled
- Receiving an inheritance or severance
- Buying or selling your main residence or vacation property
- Flipping or renting properties
- Putting away for savings or making investments
- Opening a fund for college savings (for children, grandchildren, etc.)
- Considering setting up a will or trust
What is the difference between a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an Enrolled Agent (EA)?
A CPA is a person who is licensed by a state board of accountancy. To earn the prestige associated with the CPA license, you are required to demonstrate knowledge and competence by meeting high educational standards, passing the CPA exam and completing a specific amount of general accounting experience.
An EA is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards.
Both CPAs and EAs are required to adhere to ethical standards and complete continuing professional education (CPE) courses. The IRS gives CPAs, EAs and attorneys unlimited practice rights which means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.