I welcome the opportunity to prepare your Federal (IRS) and California State (FTB) personal income tax returns as well as income tax returns for other States.  I purchase the most widely used and powerful software package (LaCerte) and latest generation computers to ensure that your returns are accurate.  Further, LaCerte's powerful diagnostics suggest alternative tax treatments of your financial transactions to minimize your tax liability, or increase your refund.

For the vast majority of my clients, I am able to prepare their personal income tax returns by communicating with them using the Internet, as well as by fax and occasionally mail.  Think about the advantages this offers to you! You save gas and time by using the Internet and fax from the convenience of your home or office. Further, your returns are prepared by a full-time professional (not by someone who only prepares returns during the filing season, and sells real estate or does some other activity throughout the rest of the year!).    When the IRS, FTB or other state tax agency sees that your return has been prepared by a professional (EA, CPA or Attorney), in my opinion and experience, it can improve your odds of avoiding an audit. 

By using LaCerte software, very fast computers and efficient tax organizers, I can prepare your personal income tax returns accurately in less time (and usually for less cost) than you would expect.  Once you provide me with your completed tax organizer, copies of your information documents (W-2s, 1099s, 1098, K-1s, etc) and your deposit, I will draft your returns and E-mail you a password-protected draft copy for your approval.  After you have completed your review and approved the draft, I will e-mail you the e-file authorizations, Statement of Review and invoice for any fee balance due. 

Electronic filing for current year returns and the prior two years is generally available.  Filing electronically provides an immediate acknowledgement of acceptance of your IRS or State filing.  Further, if you are due a refund, it expedites its delivery as either a direct deposit to your checking account, or by way of a traditional check.

For your peace of mind, in the unlikely event your return is selected for audit, I can represent you all the way through the administrative appeals process - without you having to take time off work to meet with the IRS or FTB.  A significant number of  firms and individuals preparing returns cannot offer this kind of service.  If the firm does not have an employee who is an Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorney, they cannot represent you in all administrative levels of the IRS and most State tax agencies!   In fact, a part of my practice is representing clients of other firms before IRS Appeals as their firm either does not have employees with the required credentials (and authority), or the experience to represent those clients at that level. 

For individuals within a reasonable commuting distance of our main office in Santa Clarita who have difficulty getting to the office and who do not have the capability of working over the Internet, I do offer in-home preparation of income tax returns.  There is an additional charge involved (varies with the distance from the office to your location) that helps cover travel expense and time. 

There is another reason for considering having a former IRS agent prepare your returns.  Having worked at the IRS for over 30 years, I can typically spot what may be potentially questionable deductions or credits in your returns, and ensure that these items are adequately explained in an attached statement to minimize the likelihood of an audit.

Please E-mail or call if you wish to discuss retaining me to prepare your current year returns (or to prepare delinquent returns or amendments to prior year returns).  Remember - it costs NOTHING for the estimate. 

Dick Norton, EA
Tax Resolution Specialist

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Updated: 1/8/24