2011 - 2012 Reviews

Tax preparer for self-employed taxes

I'm self-employed and have always done my own taxes but it's getting more confusing. I'd like to find someone who doesn't mind my confusion and is willing to help me through the process of figuring out what information I give them (I'm used to being self-sufficient!) Someone in Alameda or Oakland would be great - someone who I can schedule and ask questions with via email even better. I want to talk to someone long before next April, although my taxes for this year are done - just to know what expenses I should be keeping track of etc., to make next year's taxes easy. Thanks! self-employed taxes

Looking for a Great Tax Preparer

I foolishly waited too long to find a new tax preparer and now tax day is around the corner! Mine retired and I have not found someone yet. I have a fairly simple return (one W2 & one 1099). I am single and have one child who is a dependent. I realize it's most likely too late to prepare my return before April 15 so it would be fine to have the tax preparer file an extension and prepare the return at a later date since I know I will get a refund. Anyone out there know a really good tax preparer who doesn't charge an arm and a leg but who is also very competent? Thanks so much for any recommendations! Anonymous

Tax preparer for new law firm partner

I've always done our personal income taxes but this year my husband has become a partner at his law firm and things are getting much more complicated. Can anyone recommend a tax preparer to us? Someone who has experience with K-1 income from a law firm partnership where a large percentage is from states other than California. Preferably located somewhere around Oakland/Berkeley to Walnut Creek. (I had hoped to get a recommendation from his co-workers but no one seems to be very happy with their tax person.) Can't do it myself any more

Seeking an amazing tax advisor for a teacher

I'm hoping BPN can steer my family towards an excellent, and affordable, tax advisor for this year. When we lived in New York we used someone who was fantastic and offered a wonderful discount for teachers. We may have to file in New York again this year as well as filing in California as full time residents and I wasn't super impressed with the person we used last year. Any recommendations? Closer to San Leandro is better but I'm willing to travel for the right person! Thank you, Too much to do ourselves anymore

Well, not only did that turn out to be completely true, but he also charges a fraction of what the other accountants charged me for years, although he is at least as smart and knowledgeable as they were if not more.

The hitch: he's not a CPA. Also, he has an old-fashioned, almost shabby office in downtown Richmond. He has no website or web presence, although he will submit your return electronically if you so desire. Fancy he's not. But he knows what he's doing, he's so good that he still does taxes for many of his clients who have moved out of state, and he is extremely personable as well as efficient. He won't mail your tax return to you, as my past accountants used to (and probably charged me double for the service). You have to go pick it up. But it's worth it. Anon

Tax help for teacher/single parent

Hello BPNers. I'm looking for a tax preparer who can help me with fairly simple taxes (but I'm overwhelmed!) I am a high school teacher and a single mom of 2 teenagers. Thanks recently divorced

I also starting doing my return myself on TurboTax, simultaneously with putting it together for my tax preparer. This has helped me better understand the impact of various factors, although I always file a professionally prepared return. And every year Bob DeSilva has saved me money over my TurboTax return. optimom

2009 - 2010 Reviews

We're looking for someone intelligent and well-informed who is easy to talk to and can tell us how we can write off business and household expenses to save money. Jeffry

Seeking a tax person in Berkeley or Oakland who is competent and very aware of tax laws, and also down-to- earth, and able to help a self-employed person utilize ''loopholes'' for deductions, etc. I'm interested in being able to be honest with someone without being advised to rigorously declare every penny of my income, and who can, in fact, offer ideas about ways to deduct generously. Someone who really knows the tax laws and is able to utilize to my advantage. Feel free to tell me something about your work if you're a CPA or about whoever you use, and please no emails saying ''use Mr. Smith. He's great! 510-555-1212.'' I'd like to really hear about what you like, style, sensibility, etc. And fees, please. Thank you! Sarah

I need help from a resonably priced tax preparer for this years taxes. In short I've become a first time homebuyer, become a landlord, have a dependent, and have to negotiate deductions with my wife for our separate federal returns. Help!

Hi. It's that season again. My husband and I need tax and financial advice. We would like to work with a comprehensive service that could prepare our taxes as well as advise us on our many new life changes including paying nanny taxes, being new homeowners, possible work related deductions for professors. We really want someone to fine comb and suggest areas for deductions or instruct us how to do things differently so we can qualify for deductions. But we also want someone ethical who won't expose us to risk. Additionally, it would also be nice to have someone review our investments under the same roof. We are new to this so we don't know what to expect. We'd like to find someone in the Berkeley area. thank you.

Anyone have a tax accountant they can recommend? In Alameda would be fantastic. anon

I'm looking for a tax preparer who is familiar with the adoption tax credit. Any recommendations? Thanks.

Hello, I have changed occupations recently from SAHM to sole proprietor/independent contractor. I am in need of some basic tax advice and tax filing and am unsure if I need to contact an Accountant or tax professional. My case is pretty straight forward no twists or turns really. I just need advice as to whether I qualify for the home tax credit, how to properly apply/record my expenses and financials for tax time, and what tax benefits I can take advantage of. I am looking for recommendations for someone who works with the ''little guy/gal'' (meaning we don't make very much money). Do you have a reasonably priced, attentive and knowledgeable tax or CPA gurus that can help? s

I did my own taxes using Taxact.com and I'm sure the other tax softwares are equally good. You don't need a special ''business'' v. of tax software as an independent contractor. Generally, I found it sufficient to save all my expenses and then follow the software script -- it was all very straightforward including the calculation of allowable home and car expenses related to your business. Not too complicated to DIY

After two years of H & R Block getting our child care credit wrong on our taxes, my husband and I are looking for a tax preparer who can deal with relatively simple things like that, and other more complex issues like foreclosure/bankruptcy. Any recommendations for affordable, and personable tax preparer appreciated!! Open File

2007 - 2008 Reviews

We've used Turbo Tax for the last five years and ended up owing a lot this year. We thought it would be a good idea to have a real person examine our returns for the last few years. We aren't looking for anyone who would advocate for questionable deductions, we just want to make sure we are overpaying. If it does end up that we've been overpaying, we'd like this person to be able to help us apply for refunds. Our finances are fairly straight forward, it's nothing too complex. Still, we feel it's a good idea to make sure the system we've been using to file our taxes is working in our best interest. Somebody in Oakland would be best, although Berkeley is fine too. Also, we don't have a ton of money to spend, so somebody good that charges a reasonable rate - is that too much to ask? Thanks! Jen

Mary is a CPA and a certified financial planner. She is the dean of the Golden Gate University MBA Accounting program and she is fantastic! She is thorough, knows the tax code and all of the changes that come each year and makes sure everything is examined. We have used her for the last 2 tax seasons and have been so happy with her professionalism and expertise. Her hourly rates are very much in-line with most CPAs and we feel that she is worth every penny! She can be reached at (510)547-7904 Frank

1. Marvin Tate, CPA, JD
510-271-8512
marvint@mferco.com

Marvin is in Oakland. He was my Real Estate Taxation and 
Exchange teacher. Run to Marvin if you own any investments, 
need to strategize, etc.

2. Herb Yarmo, EA
510-849-0360
hyarmo@herb-yarmo.com

Herb is an Enrolled Agent in Berkeley. Has done our taxes for 
years and saved us buckets-o'-cash.

In 2007 I rented out what used to be my primary residence, and I need help dealing the income, expense & depreciation reporting on my taxes. If you have personal experience using the services of someone in the east bay who has done a good job with this for a fair price, would you please share the info? Or, if you know of a good, not-too-technical reference book that might make it possible for me to prepare the income tax reports myself, please share. Before I had a rental, I did my own itemized tax reports without being traumatized. Many thanks!

We're looking for someone to do our taxes this year --- they should be pretty straightforward and simple. What seems to be the going rate for such work? Has anyone had good success with a particular tax preparer? Thanks for the advice. anon

We haven't done our taxes since our youngest was born in 2004 and we need HELP! Up until then we have always taken care of taxes on time. We really want to find someone who can get us back on track without being judgmental or breaking the bank. I have a regular full-time job & my husband has a small business so we need someone that has experience with that and who can provide solid guidance regarding deductions etc. for the future. We are in Berkeley, but would certainly be open to using a "highly recommended" professional anywhere in the Bay Area that could help our situation. It's taxing to do taxes...Procrastinator No More!

I work from home and recently switched from W2 to 1099 status. I need to find a knowledgeable tax accountant who can save me money by guiding me on how and what to deduct (office, phone bills, travel, etc). Anyone know a good tax accountant who specializes in 1099 status? Monica

I am seeking the answer to a complicated question regarding Mortgage payments and tax claims. I am not sure of who exactly (what profession) would have the best, legally thorough answers. The question: If I am not on the title of the house or a co-signer on the loan, but will be paying the full mortgage payments, property taxes, and contributing to the account set-up for house maintenance, (essentially as a renter) how can I (or can I?) claim this legally for a tax deduction? and what (if anything) would legally need to happen so that I could do this? Does my mom need to set up a legal agreement? Do I need to be on the title? Do I need to be a Co-Signer on the re-financing of the home loan? This is regarding half of my mom's home (she is on title and the full signer for the loan as she had the better credit), She is co-owner of half the house with our upstairs neighbors (who are fully aware of the situation) who also make the other half of the payments. She is retiring next year and leaving the country and we are seeking the recommendations of where and who might be able to help us determine these answers. I am not sure of who exactly would have the legal answers? (what profession? tax lawyer, tax accountant? which is more affordable and recommended?)and is there anyone who has recommendations? Thanks for taking the time to consider our questions.

I am looking for recommendation for a Tax Advisor. We run one small and one not-so- small business and are looking to make some changes that will have definite fiscal/tax implications and require some practical advice before we do it. The ideal person will be someone with experience in working with Building Contractors & S-Corps. Serena

Can anyone recommend a tax preparer on the Walnut Creek side of the tunnel? We've never paid someone to do our taxes, but it's now time. Thank you. Leslie

2005 - 2006 Reviews

I need serious financial help. I can't maintain a budget, I owe serious backtaxes, and I am completely disorganized with financial matters--like having my water turned over for not paying the bill, not from lack of funds, just lack of time. I don't have credit card debt, but in my early 40s, I have no money set aside for retirement or my kids' college education. Part of my problems are attributable to being laid off for several years, but more of it has to do with my compulsive spending (which is what I do when I'm not doing compulsive eating!). I am now self-employed and making decent money. I really feel this is the time to make a change, like paying off tax debts (if I can figure out what I actually owe). But I can't do it alone. It seems I need a bookkeeper, a tax preparer, a financial planner, a tax attorney, and even a therapist to help me figure out why I have this problem! Of course, I need to have enough money left over to actually pay debts/save/etc. This is all coupled with my fear of financial experts - I always fear being judged. Help! Can anyone make recommendations about any of the above types of professionals? (And any other words of advice are welcome!)
Financially Incompetent

She's very down to earth, human, and extremely saavy in the financial realm. I think she'd be a good starting point - have her help you get the tax part of it under control, and then maybe ask her who to go to for the next step. She has decades of experience doing taxes for all manner of individuals and businesses, in addition to being warm and easy going. Just don't be imtimidated by the piles of paperwork on her desk - she really is very well organized! Her helpers are good too, but if you're concerned, I'd start with Lil herself.

Lillian Lea
1307 Solano (at Key Route)
Albany 526-2220

We need a tax preparer to do both our 2004 and 2005 taxes. We're pretty sure that we are owed money for 2004, or at least don't owe, but never filed and now need someone to help us deal with the consequences. Any recommendations for a tax preparer who will help us back on track.
ready to clean up this mess

I've looked in the archives, but didn't find what I was looking for. I'd like to find someone to prepare my tax return - and ideally he or she would work near my home in Albany. Does anyone have someone they love in the area? Thanks, Amy

I'm looking for a tax preparer, it's that time of year again and my husband is a great procrastinator! Nothing too complex, but someone with experience with stock options would be useful. Previous postings are a bit dated. Thanks, Denise

Earlier Reviews

My husband & I are self employed musicians/artists/technicians with a complex tax return, & we're looking for a good tax preparer. We're in Berkeley, but we'll travel to meet with someone you've had a good experience with. (We've been working with Tax Plus, in Berkeley, for several years now, & while they're very competent, they're pricey, & don't seem to be up on the latest/best info regarding musicians, etc.) Ari

I've read the few recs on tax preparers on the site and find I need add'l ones from a self-emplyed persons perspective (most were for 'simple' returns not for self-employed/complex). I am looking for additional ones -- a a preparer who has enough breadth to handle complex personal returns, organize household employees quarterly filings, and be very proactive on advice about deductions and ways to optimize a self- employed consulting business. I would like someone who has well- developed methods and systems for collecting data, so that I can learn to feed info in to him/her better each year and improve my organization methods. Excellent verbal skills and ability to explain are critical.

Does anyone have a recommedation for an East Bay tax preparer? The recommendations on the site are several years old. Someone who can handle preparing personal tax returns, who understands child-related deductions, is honest and reliable. Also, any idea of the going rate for these services?

Maria is very professional and reliable, has many local East Bay clients with various child- and investments-related issues that she's been successfully advising through the changing tides in the economy. She has a lot of happy clients, and you could talk to them if you wish.

Because Maria's own business still has some openings, her professional rates are very reasonable ($55/hr) for her extensive tax expertise. She is a licensed C.P.A. and a community activist providing her pro bono professional services to her public school and other local organizations. You can visit her web site at www.geocities.com/Maria_Ku_CPA to learn more about her background, services and local client base.

Please call her at (510) 531-6614 or e-mail her at maria.ku AT sbcglobal DOT net Marco

Jim Sparkman, C.P.A
1155 Meridian Ave., Suite 204
San Jose, CA 95125
phone: (408) 265-8400
fax (408) 265-7191
email: sparkmanco AT sbcglobal DOT net

We're looking for an independent advisor/CPA/tax expert, and nothing on the website seems to quite fit what we need -- or perhaps we simply don't understand what it is that we need... We have several long- and short-term financial goals, including all the usual retirement/school fund/kid #2/travel issues (that is, we have retirement and school funds, but they are likely not the most elegant solutions). We don't necessarily want someone to help us build a portfolio but more to tell us the tax implications of particular investment vehicles. In addition, we need tax advice for various kinds of activity -- *especially* real estate investing (both home and rental property), as well as small business activity. Lastly, we'd like this person to partner with someone who can then take care of all our tax filing -- or if the same person does all of this, then great! So Many Choices, So Few Brain Cells Left

I heartily recommend Jan Zobel for tax preparation. She is efficient and organized. Her rates are reasonable and she is very flexible given our tax status as "unmarried" parents of two dependents, all in the same household. She works with our individual circumstances to get us the possible outcome. Jan has an office in Montclair and in San Francisco and can be reached at 510 482 1015. Seth

She has always provided me with fast, accurate, and reliable services. Try her out! I've only had good experiences with her.

Our tax preparer is great! She's very efficient, and nice besides. My husband used to work with her and can vouch for her high professional standards. Her name is Maria Sohnlein and can be reached at (510) 799-3304 (her home phone, so call at a reasonable hour) or sohnlein at pacbell.net. Laurel

My husband and I have gone to Feiner Tax Service in Berkeley (on 6th Street near Dwight) for years, working with Gary Feiner. He's good. Phone 510-549-2226 . Bonnie

I highly recommend a tax preparer that I have used for years: Peter Morfin, in Kensington, ph: 525-0814. Peter also provides financial consulting. He has been a therapist for years, is intelligent, knowledgeable and funny. My husband and I met with him to plan our financial future and found his unique blend of skills extremely helpful. Kathy

Kelvin Brown & Associates/Brown's Tax Service in Pinole is great! They are a family run buisness and are very friendly, professional and helpful. They are at 1279 San Pablo Ave in Pinole. Their phone number is 724-8787. They also have an office in Concord - 2291 Pacheco Street. phone 685-8500. Heather

IRS Audit

My Uncle, a self employed person, received a notice from the tax people that they want to audit him and come to his place of work, which is his house. The items are minor but he is quite puzzled. Can anyone recommend a CPA or lawyer? Has anyone gone through this? maude

I owe back taxes

My husband and I have not filed taxes since 2003. I need to resolve this. I had an attorney that did not work out. We have a relatively low income (Less than $70K). We have been having tax deductions so if we filed would probably would have been eligible for a refund. Any recommendations for a way of fixing this situation will be greatly appreciated. Procrastinator

I owe taxes to the IRS Since 2004 if some one have been in this situation before, I have heard that there are Lawyers that can help to reduce your debts, can some one recommend me what to do or were to go Please help

Working for H&R Block

I'm a former health policy professional who has been out of the work force for almost 8 years. I'm looking for a way to go back to work that will allow me to work part time, without the level of stress and responsibilty I had in my former work world. I like working with numbers and am thinking about taking the H& R Block tax course as a way to get into the tax prep field. Has anyone taken this class? If so what was your experience in terms of being able to get work/ pay rates, etc after the class? Curious about tax prep

If you're just starting out, however, my experience is that you will make VERY little money your first year. I ended up just earning minimum wage. If you can do that for a few years, you might build up enough of a client base to do better, but I couldn't afford to do that. After deducting child care expenses, I lost money.

I had a good teacher, and I thought the class itself was good and prepared me well, but I'd want to be sure I could find work someplace else before taking the class again.

I enjoyed the work, I just can't afford to work there again! --Former tax preparer