If you’re looking for help with taxes in San Fernando, chances are you have a specific question, not just a tax return that needs to be filed.
Maybe you haven’t filed taxes in a few years. You received a letter from the IRS that you don’t understand. You started working for yourself and aren’t sure how 1099 taxes work. Or maybe you filed your return and suddenly owe much more than you expected.
Tax problems can feel overwhelming, especially when you don't know where to start.
At Taxman Tax Services, we help taxpayers understand what’s happening, what information may be needed, and what their next steps could be. Here are seven common tax questions and some important things to know before deciding what to do next.
1. I Haven't Filed My Taxes in Years. What Should I Do?
If you have unfiled tax returns, the important thing is to address them rather than continuing to put them off.
The first step is usually figuring out which years haven’t been filed and gathering the tax documents and income information available for those years. Even if you’re missing some records, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck.
The IRS recommends filing past-due returns as soon as possible. Depending on your circumstances, unfiled returns can lead to penalties, interest, collection activity, or other complications.
One important point many people don’t realize: filing and paying are two different issues. If you can’t afford to pay everything you may owe, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should continue delaying the return.
If you haven’t filed for one year or several years, Taxman can help you look at the situation, determine what needs attention, and work through the filing process.
You don’t need to know how to fix everything before asking for help. That’s why we’re here.
2. What If I Owe the IRS and Can't Pay?
Don’t ignore a tax balance simply because you can’t afford to pay it all at once. Depending on your situation, payment options may be available.
The IRS offers different ways for qualifying taxpayers to address balances, including short-term and longer-term payment arrangements. Other options may exist in certain financial circumstances.
Which approach makes sense depends on factors such as how much you owe, whether all required returns have been filed, your financial situation, and the type of tax debt involved.
This is also why you should be careful with companies promising to “settle your IRS debt for pennies on the dollar.” Not everyone qualifies for every IRS relief program.
If you owe taxes and don’t know what to do next, bring the information to Taxman. We can help you understand what you’re dealing with and determine the appropriate next steps for your situation.
3. I Received a Letter From the IRS. Should I Be Worried?
Don’t panic, but don’t ignore the letter either. An IRS notice doesn’t automatically mean you’re in serious trouble.
The IRS sends notices for many reasons. A letter might concern a balance, missing return, change to your tax return, discrepancy in reported information, or a request for additional information.
The first thing to determine is what the IRS is actually asking for and whether there is a deadline to respond.
This is where many taxpayers become overwhelmed. IRS letters contain unfamiliar terminology, dollar amounts, tax years, and instructions that may be difficult to understand if you don’t deal with taxes regularly.
Instead of guessing or immediately sending a payment, have the notice reviewed.
Bring your IRS or California tax notice to Taxman Tax Services. We can help you understand what the notice says and what may need to happen next.
4. I'm Self-Employed or Get 1099s. How Do My Taxes Work?
If you’re self-employed or receive 1099 income, taxes generally aren’t handled the same way as they are for a traditional W-2 employee.
When you’re an employee, your employer typically withholds taxes from your paycheck. When you work for yourself, that withholding may not happen automatically.
That can create a surprise at tax time.
Self-employed taxpayers may also have qualifying business expenses that affect their taxable income. Depending on the business, these could involve supplies, equipment, certain vehicle expenses, advertising, software, professional services, or other ordinary and necessary business costs.
But not every expense is automatically deductible, and the rules depend on the circumstances.
You may also need to consider estimated tax payments during the year rather than waiting until tax season.
Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor, gig worker, or small-business owner, Taxman can help you organize your tax information and better understand how your self-employment income affects your return.
5. Why Do I Owe Taxes This Year?
Owing taxes doesn’t necessarily mean something went wrong with your return. Often, it means not enough tax was paid during the year compared with your final tax liability.
There can be many reasons. Maybe your employer didn’t withhold enough. You started a second job. You earned 1099 or self-employment income. Your household income changed. A credit you previously received changed. Or your overall tax situation was simply different from the previous year.
That’s why comparing only this year’s refund to last year’s can be misleading.
At Taxman, we believe you should understand more than just the number at the bottom of your return.
If you owe unexpectedly, we’ll look at the information behind the return and help you understand what contributed to the result. Depending on your situation, there may also be changes worth considering for the upcoming year.
6. I Made a Mistake on a Tax Return I Already Filed. Can It Be Fixed?
Possibly. Some mistakes can require an amended tax return, while others may be corrected during IRS processing without you filing an amendment.
An amended return may be appropriate when important information changes, such as income, filing status, deductions, credits, dependents, or tax liability.
But discovering a mistake doesn’t mean you should immediately file another return.
First, determine what the error is and whether an amendment is actually necessary.
For example, forgetting income can be different from noticing a simple mathematical error. The IRS may automatically correct certain errors or request missing information.
If you’ve already filed and now think something is wrong, Taxman can review what was originally reported and help determine what may need to be corrected.
7. How Can I Avoid Another Tax Surprise Next Year?
Tax planning shouldn’t begin the week you’re ready to file your return.
If you owed more than expected this year, received a much different refund, started earning self-employment income, or experienced a major financial change, it may be worth looking at your taxes before the next filing season.
For employees, that could mean reviewing federal tax withholding. For self-employed individuals, it could involve estimated tax payments and better tracking of business income and expenses.
Major changes such as getting married, having a child, changing jobs, starting a business, or adding another source of income can also affect your tax situation.
A conversation now can sometimes prevent confusion later. That’s one reason Taxman Tax Services isn’t just about filing a return. We want our clients to better understand their tax situation and know where to turn when something changes.
Tax Problems Are Easier When You Know Where to Start
Taxes can get complicated quickly, but you don't have to walk into a tax office already knowing the solution. That's our job.
At Taxman Tax Services, we’ve created a comfortable, approachable tax experience for people in San Fernando and surrounding communities, including Sylmar, Pacoima, Mission Hills, Granada Hills, and other parts of the San Fernando Valley.
Whether you need to file your regular tax return or you’re dealing with unfiled returns, 1099 income, an unexpected balance, a tax notice, or a previous filing that may need another look, the first step is understanding the situation.
Taxes can be complicated. Getting help shouldn’t be.
Need Help With Taxes in San Fernando?
If you have a tax question that’s been sitting in the back of your mind, don’t wait until it becomes more confusing.
Bring your tax documents, IRS notice, previous return, or simply your questions to Taxman Tax Services. We’ll take a look at your situation, explain what you’re dealing with in plain language, and help you understand the next step.
Contact Taxman Tax Services to schedule an appointment for tax help in San Fernando.