Answers before you call
The questions that come up most often, answered plainly. If yours isn't here, ask — I'd rather explain it than have you guess.
Working with an Enrolled Agent
What is an Enrolled Agent, and how is that different from a CPA?
An Enrolled Agent is a federally licensed tax practitioner who specializes in taxation, with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all fifty states. A CPA license comes from a state board and covers a broader range of accounting work.
How much does tax preparation cost?
It depends on the complexity of your returns. The first conversation is free, and you get a flat quote before any work starts — no surprises on the invoice.
Can you take over from my current preparer?
Yes, and it's a straightforward switch. Bring your last two or three returns — reviewing them is part of onboarding, and if something was missed we can look at amending.
Are you available after tax season?
Yes. Planning, consulting, and IRS matters run year-round, and questions from existing clients are always welcome — including the ones that start with "this is probably a dumb question."
Appointments and documents
Do you work with clients outside of Buckeye?
Yes. Clients come from Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Waddell, Surprise, Avondale, Tolleson, Peoria, Glendale and Sun City West. Enrolled Agent licensure is federal, so clients anywhere in the country are welcome too. See the service area.
Do I have to come to an office in Buckeye?
No. Most clients send documents through the secure portal and meet by phone or video. In-person appointments are available on weekdays for people who'd rather sit down together.
How do I send documents securely?
Through the encrypted client portal. Please don't email Social Security numbers or financial statements as attachments — email isn't built for that.
IRS problems and planning
Can you help with an IRS notice, an audit, or back taxes?
Yes — notices, audits, unfiled returns, penalty abatement, installment agreements, liens, and levies. Send me the letter before you respond to it; a lot of notices are more routine than they look, and the deadline printed on them matters.
I have several years of unfiled returns. Is that a problem?
It's fixable, and it's far more common than people think. We reconstruct the missing years, file them in the right order, and then deal with penalties and a payment arrangement if one is needed. Nobody here is going to lecture you about it.
When is the best time to start tax planning?
Before the year ends. Entity structure, timing of income and expenses, retirement contributions, and estimated payments all have to be decided during the tax year — not in April, when the year is already history.
Should my business be an S corporation?
Sometimes. It depends on your net profit, whether you can pay yourself a reasonable salary, and how you feel about payroll filings. We run the numbers before making the election, not after.
Still have a question?
Ask it directly. The first conversation is free, and you'll get a straight answer whether or not you end up hiring me.