What does the “Strata” mean in your company’s name?
The “Strata” in our company name references the series of layers or levels an individual or business has in its journey trying to reach its goals. Each person and company has different goals at different times. People might have such goals as going to college, getting married, starting a family, buying a home, purchasing rental property, protecting assets, or starting a business. A company might have such goals as determining if its ideas are feasible to put to market, starting its operation, marketing its product and/or service, growing its business, or exiting the business.
No matter what a person or company’s goals are, taxes will have an impact. Taxes are the largest expense each taxpayer has. As a result, StrataTax was created with the desire to help taxpayers minimize their tax liabilities as they progress through working towards their goals. The “Strata” in our company name also refers to strategy. We use many different tax and/or business strategies to help you reach your goals. Our tax preparers and business consultants are there as your partner for all major events you face.
Which documents should I bring to my tax preparation appointment?
You can make the most of your appointment with our tax preparer by providing all the documents needed to prepare your tax return. Basically, you need to bring identification, income documents, and expense records. For detailed information, please refer to StrataTax’s document “Documents to Bring to Your Tax Preparation Appointment”.
Why should I use StrataTax to prepare my tax return? What makes your company different from others?
Visit our Why StrataTax page to see the “Top 10 Reasons For You To Use StrataTax”.
Where is your office located?
Visit our Location and Hours page under Contact Us.
What are your hours?
Visit our Location and Hours page under Contact Us.
Where’s my tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
Visit our Links page and look for “Where’s my federal (IRS) refund?”.
Where’s my tax refund from the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)?
Visit our Links page and look for “Where’s my California state (Franchise Tax Board) refund?”.
What are the deadlines to file my tax return?
Visit our Location and Hours page under Contact Us.
What should I do if I am missing a Form W-2?
You can ask your employer to send new a copy of your W-2.
What should I do if I am missing a Form 1099-B, Form 1099-Div, or Form 1099-Int?
Your bank, financial institution, or brokerage firm may have the Form 1099 available for downloading from their web site, or you can call their customer service number to get a copy sent to you.
If you earned more than $600 as an independent contractor or consultant, your client is required to send you a Form 1099-MISC to report your income. You are still required to report the income on your tax return even if you didn’t receive a Form 1099-MISC.
Can I obtain copies of my tax documents from the IRS?
The IRS will receive copies of your tax documents. You can request copies of your income documents by filling out Form 4506-T. Your tax preparer is able to request these documents from the IRS for you.
What’s the best way to pick a tax preparer?
Visit our Links page and look for “How do I pick a tax preparer?”.
What is an Enrolled Agent (EA)?
An EA is someone who has earned the privilege to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for audits, collections, and appeals because he or she has technical expertise in the field of taxation. There are two ways to become an EA. First, someone could pass a special IRS exam, which covers all aspects of the tax code in three exams: (1) Individuals, (2) Businesses, and (3) Representation, Practice and Procedures. These three parts are comprised of a total of 10.5 hours of testing. Second, someone could work at the IRS for at least five years in a position that regularly interprets and applies the tax code and its regulations.
This designation is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and it dates back to 1884 during the Civil War. You can read more about EAs on the IRS’s website at http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/agents/article/0,,id=100710,00.html.
What is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
A CPA is someone who has passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination, which consists of four sections: (1) Auditing and Attestation, (2) Business Environment and Concepts, (3) Financial Accounting and Reporting, and (4) Regulation. These four sections are comprised of a total of 14 hours of testing. In addition, CPAs must meet additional state education and experience requirements. You can read more about CPAs on the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s website at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm .
