California tax lawyer?

March 7, 2022 10:25 AM

A good friend did not file several tax returns. They are now looking for someone to help them out. Is there anyone who has a California tax lawyer (or an accountant who deals with this stuff) that they recommend?
posted by rednikki to Work & Money (5 answers total)

Best answer: Last year, I discovered that not only did I need to file in CA, but that I had missed the previous 2 years as well.

I mailed in all 3 tax returns, then CA sent me a bill for late filing/payment, and that was that.

So ... depending on how complicated their financial situation is, this may be a lot more straightforward than your friend is thinking, with no lawyer necessary.
posted by Metasyntactic at 10:40 AM on March 7, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I like Lisa Jolicoeur in San Francisco. She's an accountant and a lawyer too. Not sure if she deals with your friend's specific issues, but she's really good as a tax person.
posted by bookworm4125 at 10:40 AM on March 7, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: When I didn't pay taxes for several (5?) years I simply went to a tax preparer who helped me figure out what I owed. Then he helped me figure out how to set up payment plans with the IRS and the Franchise Tax Board.
posted by latkes at 11:57 AM on March 7, 2022

Best answer: I did 4 years at once, a few years ago. My taxes are not very exciting. I used FreeTaxUsa, and federal taxes were free, state taxes were about $15. If the taxes are a bit more challenging, get recommendations for a competent tax preparer. Honestly, tax prep software is really good these days. Gather what tax info is available, and get started; that's the hardest part. It's an amazingly common scenario, tax preparer will not lecture or shame.
posted by theora55 at 2:36 PM on March 7, 2022

Best answer: They can get help filing their taxes for free with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance if they make under $58K annually, or with Tax Counseling for the Elderly if they are over 60 years old. Both will file multiple back years' taxes.
posted by olopua at 4:39 PM on March 7, 2022