Tax Preparation Questions

What is an enrolled agent? How does that compare with a CPA?
I do not live in Southern California, can you still prepare my taxes?
If I receive notice of an audit, will you help me clear it up with the IRS?
What other services do I receive if I file my taxes with you?
Can you revisit my previously filed returns? What if they were filed by another tax preparer?
I didn't receive my refund, but my return was filed several weeks ago. How can I view the status?

Q: What is an enrolled agent? How does that compare with a CPA?
A: An Enrolled Agent is a Federally licensed tax preparer who is unrestricted as to which taxpayer they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can practice before. Only CPAs and attorneys share the same privilege. While both EAs and CPAs are required to pass a written examination in order to become licensed, an EAs course of study is focused solely on taxation. CPAs, on the other hand, are tested on auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation. When it comes to taxation, EAs and CPAs can be equally as effective at preparing tax returns and resolving issues with the IRS.

Q: I do not live in Southern California. Can you still prepare my taxes?
A: While we prefer meeting with our clients face to face, technological advances allow us to conduct a large portion of our business using electronic communication. We are more than willing to use online correspondence when preparing your taxes, albeit in the form of video conferencing or email. Our priority is maintaining excellence in customer service and part of that requires us to be flexible to accommodate your availability and accessibility.

Q: If I receive notice of an audit, will you help me clear it up with the IRS?
A: For returns that we prepare (and if the client is currently in good standing), we will gladly provide audit support. This support is free unless additional services are required that were not provided during the initial preparation. For example, if the IRS shows that a client has failed to report a stock transaction, and the transaction was never reported to a representative at Flam Financial, we will charge the client the applicable price for a Schedule D that we would have to prepare and submit to the IRS. It is important to note that this service should have been provided and charged during the initial preparation, and we do not include any penalty charges. For returns that we did not prepare, we will gladly provide audit support as well. However, in this case support will be priced based on case complexity.

Q: What other services do I receive if I file my taxes with you?
A: We are a firm believer in providing value to our clients. In order to accomplish this, we strive to go far beyond just providing tax preparation. To do this, we spend a tremendous amount of time discussing tax strategies with our clients. Our client base is very diversified and, because of this, they each require a personalized approach to tax preparation. In addition, we also offer tools to our clients to help them gain early insight through mid-year tax planning. And, as mentioned above, in the event that one of our clients becomes the target of an audit, we do not shy away from providing support.

Q: Can you revisit my previously filed returns? What if they were filed by another tax preparer?
A: Yes, we can review your previous tax returns to determine if you would benefit from an amended return. However, in most cases you only have a three-year window to reclaim money that you may be due.

Q: I didn't receive my refund, but my return was filed several weeks ago. How can I view the status?
A: If you have not received your refund, you can visit the IRS website to request an update on your refund status. For 2008 tax returns, please click here.