Tax Relief Professionals in Irvine California

California has unique tax codes, operational processes, and resolution options. If you're dealing with a state tax problem, an Irvine-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 Irvine. Call (844) 545-5640 to ask about hours or to make an appointment:

Santa Ana

801 Civic Center Drive W.

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Laguna Niguel

24000 Avila Rd.

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Long Beach

501 W. Ocean Blvd.

Long Beach, CA 90802

El Monte

9350 East Flair Dr.

El Monte, CA 91731

Los Angeles

300 N. Los Angeles St. Room 1259

Los Angeles, CA 90012

San Bernardino

290 N. D St.

San Bernardino, CA 92401

Van Nuys

6230 Van Nuys Blvd.

Van Nuys, CA 91401

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 Irvine with their phone numbers:

Chapman University Tax Law Clinic

City: Orange

Phone: 877-242-7529 , 714-628-2535

Public Law Center

City: Santa Ana

Phone: 888-230-3741, 714-541-1010

Inland Counties Legal Services LITC

City: Riverside

Phone: 888-245-4257 , 951-368-2555

Bet Tzedek Legal Services Tax Clinic

City: Los Angeles

Phone: 323-939-0506

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.

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.

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.