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

Electronic filing is available.  Filing electronically provides you with an immediate acknowledgement of your filing, and 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.

By using LaCerte software, very fast computers and efficient tax organizers, I can prepare your return accurately in less time (and usually for less cost) than most other preparers.  Once I have your completed tax organizer, copies of your information documents (W-2, `1099, etc) and your deposit, I will draft your returns usually within 24 hours and E-mail you a copy for your approval.  Once approved, and after I have received the balance of the fee, I will E-file your returns with the IRS, FTB and/or other state, and mail you your copies for your files.  

What is important to remember is that your return is prepared quickly with no travel on your part, and prepared by a professional (not by someone who prepares returns during the filing season, and sells real estate or does some other activity throughout the rest of the year!).    When the IRS sees a return prepared by a professional (E. A., CPA or Attorney), it is just common sense that your odds of an audit are likely less.  If you select a preparer that the IRS has identified as one who files inaccurate returns, then often the IRS will audit ALL clients of that preparer.   That is why it is so important that you select a professional to prepare your return.

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 Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorney on staff, they cannot represent you in all levels of the tax agencies!   In fact, part of my practice is representing clients of other firms before IRS Appeals as they lack the credentials (and authorization) to represent clients. 

For the vast majority of my clients, I am able to prepare their 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 your home or office. 

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

As a convenience for my clients, I accept payment by credit card and PayPal.  PayPal is an electronic funds transfer service that lets clients pay for their returns and other services by way of a direct debit to their checking account or by a credit card of their choice.   PayPal is - and has been for some years - a preferred method of electronic payment used extensively by eBay.  It is free to set up an account and to use the service for making payments. 

For my clients, I provide a tax organizer (or the link to download it) that is available in several formats.  This document helps you organize and record your financial transactions for the year.  It will also further my responsibility of ensuring that all income has been properly reported, and that you have received the maximum benefit for all deductible expenses.   For clients who do not have computer capability, I will mail or fax a printed organizer to be filled out and returned.

As mention previously, it is important to have your returns prepared by a professional who is also licensed to represent you in the unlikely event the IRS or FTB decides to audit your tax return.  As an Enrolled Agent, I can represent you in an IRS audit or FTB audit without you having to appear in person.  This avoids you having to take time off work - and the anxiety and/or stress you may feel from sitting across the table from an IRS agent!  Also, having worked at the IRS for over 30 years, I can typically spot potentially problem deductions on your return, and ensure they these items are adequately explained to minimize the likelihood of an audit.

I have added a page to this site of common errors taxpayers make in both tax planning and in doing their own returns.  You can check that web page out by clicking here.

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. 

If after receiving your estimate you wish me to prepare your returns, once we have executed an Engagement Letter, I will provide you with the tax organizer or its link in the format you prefer.

Dick Norton, EA
Tax Resolution Specialist

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                      Updated: 3/17/2008