Income tax preparation with clear pricing before you file

Federal filing depends on your filing status, age, income, and other situations. The IRS says you generally need to file if your income is over the filing requirement, if you have over $400 in net self-employment earnings, or if another rule requires it. California can also require a return if you are a resident, part-year resident, or nonresident with a federal filing requirement, California-source income, or income above the state threshold.

Sometimes it is worth filing even if you are below the filing requirement. You may need to file to request a refund of taxes withheld, claim eligible refundable credits, or review California credits such as CalEITC, the Young Child Tax Credit, or the Foster Youth Tax Credit when they apply.

An ITIN is a nine-digit Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS for people who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes but are not eligible for a Social Security number. An ITIN is for tax reporting; it does not authorize work, does not provide Social Security benefits, and does not change immigration status.

Yes. We can help review Form W-7 questions for a new ITIN or renewal. The IRS generally requires original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status. A passport is usually the only stand-alone document, though certain dependents may need extra proof of U.S. residency or entry date.

An ITIN expires if it is not used on a U.S. federal tax return for three consecutive tax years. You renew an expired ITIN when it will be included on a federal tax return. If you receive a Social Security number, you should use the SSN instead of renewing the ITIN.

Bring photo ID, Social Security cards or ITIN letters, W-2s, 1099s, dependent information, prior-year return, IRS or FTB notices, estimated tax payment records, health coverage forms if applicable, and bank routing and account numbers if you want direct deposit. Self-employed workers should bring organized income and expense records, mileage, receipts, invoices, app reports, and business bank information.

Yes. We can review personal returns, family tax situations, W-2 income, 1099 income, self-employment, small business income and expense records, mileage, and prior-year return questions. Bring the details in writing so the return is based on records instead of guesses.

We provide free estimates, free consultations, and a free prior-year review when available. Your information is treated as confidential, your preparer should sign the return and include a valid PTIN, and we file only after you review and authorize the return. Avoid any ghost preparer who refuses to sign, refuses to include a PTIN, promises unrealistic refunds, or asks you to sign a blank or incomplete return.