Maybe you just moved to Glendale, CA, or maybe you’ve lived here your whole life, but either way, you’d like to find a Glendale tax specialist near you for the convenience. But before you hire any old random tax preparer, here are five questions you should ask Glendale tax specialists before you choose the one for you.
- Are you registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC)?
To work as a tax specialist anywhere in California, including Glendale, that tax preparer must become registered with the CTEC. The requirements include 60 hours of education (45 for federal tax law and 15 for CA state tax law), a background check with fingerprints, a $5,000 bond for insurance purposes, and a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS. After the first year, an additional 20 hours of continuing education is required every year.
- Do you understand how CA tax law is different from Federal tax law?
While most state tax laws do tend to be similar to federal tax law, many state tax laws can be different, and it is important that every tax preparer is aware of those differences. For example, alimony is not taxed for the recipient on the federal level but is taxed under CA state law.
- Do you have experience with people who work in the entertainment industry?
Los Angeles is the center of the entertainment industry, and many people who live in Glendale work in that industry or in another creative field. Many creative professionals work on a project-by-project basis, allowing them to jump from movies to television to gaming, etc. Getting paid for multiple projects in one year can complicate your taxes, so you want to make sure you hire a tax preparer who has experience with those who work in creative fields. This could mean understanding the self-employment tax and how to take deductions on Schedule C, if you qualify as a self-employed worker.
- Can you help me establish a business in Glendale, CA?
California attracts many entrepreneurs, but starting a business in CA involves understanding the tax requirements and laws. You want a tax specialist who can help you decide between starting a corporation, an S corporation, an LLC, or a sole proprietorship. Once you’ve started that business, your tax preparer also needs to understand a whole new set of laws that pertain to the type of business you have started.
- How does your tax appointment process work?
Every Glendale tax specialist has their own way of working. Some work entirely remotely and prepare your tax return on their own timeline, reaching out to you when necessary. Others offer in-person appointments where you can be present for the process and ask questions in real time. And many do a combination of both. There’s no one right way—it’s more about which process is right for you.
At Moore & Paquette Tax Group, all of our tax specialists are registered with the CTEC and have current PTINs. We are conveniently located in Burbank and are happy to prepare taxes for Glendale residents, as well as residents from other states. If you’d like to learn more about us, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
**Please note that tax law can change often, and the above should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with a tax preparer before completing a tax return.