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Free tools & checklists

Tools that save an hour each.

Two calculators that run here, and two checklists you can read now or receive as a PDF.

Calculator

S-Corp savings estimate

Rough payroll-tax saving of an S-election. Not advice; the reasonable-salary number is the whole game.

Calculator

Late-filing penalty estimate

Federal failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties plus interest, approximated.

Individuals & businesses

Tax appointment checklist

  • Last year's federal and state returns (new clients)
  • Photo ID and Social Security or ITIN numbers for everyone on the return
  • W-2s, 1099-NEC/MISC/K, 1099-INT/DIV/B, 1099-R, SSA-1099
  • K-1s from partnerships, S-Corps and trusts
  • Brokerage and crypto statements with cost basis
  • Rental income and expenses by property; closing statements for purchases and sales
  • Business income and expense summary, or access to the books
  • Mortgage interest (1098), property tax, charitable receipts, medical expenses
  • Childcare provider details, education (1098-T), student-loan interest (1098-E)
  • Health insurance forms (1095-A/B/C)
  • Estimated tax payments made, with dates
  • Foreign accounts: highest balance during the year, per account
  • Any IRS or state letters received
New businesses

New-business setup checklist

  • Choose entity and state; check name availability
  • File formation documents; appoint a registered agent
  • Obtain EIN (no SSN needed for non-resident owners)
  • Operating agreement or bylaws signed; ownership recorded
  • S-Corp election (Form 2553) if it saves tax — decide before the deadline
  • Open a business bank account; no personal spending through it
  • Seller's permit (CDTFA) if you sell goods; city business licence
  • Register with EDD before the first payroll; workers' comp policy
  • Set up QuickBooks Online and connect bank feeds
  • Calendar: Statement of Information, $800 franchise tax, estimated taxes, sales-tax returns
  • Form 5472 reminder if any owner is a non-U.S. person
  • Insurance: general liability, professional liability as needed
  • Contracts, invoices and W-9s from every contractor

Talk to us this week.

A free 15-minute call. Next step and a fixed fee, in writing. No hourly billing, no obligation.

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