Find Tax Relief & Resolution Services Near Berkeley, CA

California has unique tax codes, operational processes, and resolution options. If you're dealing with a state tax problem, a Berkeley-based local pro has the knowledge and experience required to solve that problem. Additionally, local tax pros are focused on providing their clients with the highest level of personalized services. In contrast, the big tax relief firms tend to lack experience with the tax laws in California, and they are notorious for using aggressive sales tactics to push clients into programs that aren't necessarily the best option for their situations.

There are three tax professionals who can represent you in front of the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), the Employment Development Department (EDD), the State Board of Equalization (SBE), and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA): tax attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), and enrolled agents (EAs). All of these pros can help you make payment arrangements, apply for settlements, deal with audits, dispute tax assessments, and appeal unwanted collection actions, but generally, only a tax attorney can represent you in court. When hiring a tax pro, look for someone who has experience with your tax problem. 

If you want in-person assistance, the IRS has the following locations near Berkeley. Call (844) 545-5640 to ask about hours or to make an appointment:

Oakland

1301 Clay St., Suite 160S

Oakland, CA 94612

San Francisco

450 Golden Gate Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Walnut Creek

185 Lennon Ln.

Walnut Creek, CA 94598

San Jose

55 S. Market St., Suite 100

San Jose, CA 95113

Santa Rosa

777 Sonoma Ave.

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

At all of the above IRS locations, you can ask questions about your account and get basic help with tax law issues. You can also make payments with checks or money orders, and some locations accept cash if you have the exact change. Additionally, you can pick up tax forms, apply for payment plans on back taxes, and file Form 911 to request assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

LITCs offer tax help to people who meet income guidelines or other eligibility requirements. Typically, to get help, your income must be at or below 250% of the poverty line, and you must be dealing with an issue related to $50,000 or less in tax. Here are the LITCs near Berkeley with their phone numbers:

Chinese Newcomers Service Center

City: San Francisco

Phone: 415-421-2111

Justice and Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco

City: San Francisco

Phone: 415-782-8978

UC Law SF LITC

City: San Francisco

Phone: 415-703-8287

There is a wide range of tax relief professionals from local CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys to big nationwide firms with hundreds of salespeople on staff. This guide explains how different types of tax pros approach tax relief and how to find the best help for your situation. It also talks about the inherent problems with most online reviews of the best tax relief firms.

Should you hire a tax attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent for your tax issue? While many of them provide similar services, from tax relief to audit representation. The key is finding the one that fits your needs the best. This article covers how these professionals can help with specific tax issues and guides you on considerations like their experience, location, price, and professionalism. Read more to find the right pro for your situation. 

Unfortunately, there are several big companies in the tax relief industry that put profits in front of consumers. This guide explains the red flags to be aware of when you're contacting tax relief companies for free consultations. Bottom line—be wary of big promises from salespeople who aren't licensed tax pros.

Find out how to identify the best tax relief services by reviewing multiple sources. This guide breaks down what to look for and what to avoid when making a hiring decision. Know the signs of legitimate reviews and how to avoid biased platforms.

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB), the Employment Development Department (EDD), the State Board of Equalization (SBE), and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) can take severe action against you if you don't pay your individual or business taxes. However, the state also has options to help you get out of tax debt. This article explains what can happen if you don't pay your state taxes, and then, it outlines options for dealing with California tax problems.