Tax planning in San Jose, before the bill arrives
A tax return looks back at last year. Tax planning looks at this year while you can still change the outcome. We sit down with you, project what you’ll owe, and show you which steps lower it: estimated payments, deductions you’re missing, retirement contributions and credits for your family.
Tax planning services by a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer and IRS Annual Filing Season Program participant, with limited representation rights for returns we prepare.
Who tax planning helps most
If any of these describe you, a planning session usually pays for itself.
Self-employed and 1099 workers
Rideshare, cleaning, construction, beauty and nail salons. We set your quarterly estimated payments so April isn’t a surprise, and track the expenses you can deduct.
Small business owners
Recordkeeping that holds up, deductions owners often miss, and a clear picture of what to set aside each quarter.
Families with children
We check the Child Tax Credit, EITC and CalEITC every year so nothing you qualify for is left behind.
Big changes this year
A new job, marriage, a baby, selling a home or starting a side business. Plan first and the return is simpler.
What happens in a planning session
- We review your last return and your income so far this year.
- We project this year’s federal and California tax.
- We list the steps that lower it, in order of impact, with deadlines.
- If you’re self-employed, we set your estimated payment amounts and dates.
- You get a written summary in English, Spanish or Vietnamese.
The first 15-minute consultation is free. Your tax planning fee is quoted after that consultation, before any work begins. When you file with us, the planning carries straight into your tax return.
Tax filing only vs. tax planning with us
| Typical filing-only office | Fingerscan Digital | |
|---|---|---|
| When you meet | Once, in tax season | Before year end and at filing time |
| Focus | Last year’s numbers | This year’s choices and next April |
| Estimated payments | Rarely set up | Calculated with dates for 1099 income |
| Language | Usually English only | English, Spanish and Vietnamese |
| Credentials | Varies | CTEC Registered Tax Preparer and IRS AFSP participant |
| No SSN in the family? | Sent elsewhere | ITIN done here by an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent |
Questions
What’s the difference between tax preparation and tax planning?
Tax preparation reports what already happened. Tax planning happens during the year, while there’s still time to make choices that lower what you owe.
When is the best time for tax planning?
Before December 31. Some steps, like certain retirement contributions, can still help until the April filing deadline, but most planning works best before the year ends.
Can you represent me with the IRS?
As an IRS Annual Filing Season Program participant, we have limited representation rights for returns we prepare and sign. That means we can speak with IRS customer service and examination staff about those returns. For appeals, collection matters or returns we did not prepare, we will tell you plainly and refer you.
I’m self-employed and owed money last year. Can you help?
Yes. We look at why you owed, set up estimated payments for this year, and review your deductions so it doesn’t happen again.
Do you work in Spanish and Vietnamese?
Yes. We explain every step in English, Spanish or Vietnamese. See our Spanish and Vietnamese tax pages.
Plan this year’s taxes before December 31
434 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95123 · Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM · Serving San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Campbell, Milpitas, Cupertino and Mountain View.