Planning
Quarterly estimated payments, withholding reviews, and year-end projections so you stay on top of federal and California taxes throughout the year, not just in April.
Request Free ConsultationScope note: Tax planning focuses on tax estimates and filing strategy and does not replace legal, investment, or financial advisory services.
We learn about your income, withholding, business activity, and what worried you about last year's return.
We explain what's needed, what documents to gather, and how pricing will be determined.
We project federal and California tax for the year, compare it to withholding and prior payments, and identify any safe-harbor gaps.
We provide quarterly estimated payment amounts, W-4/DE 4 adjustments, and any timing recommendations before year-end.
We re-check the projection late in the year, confirm what still needs to be paid, and prepare for filing season.
Pricing depends on the type of service, filing complexity, number of income sources, number of states, business activity, bookkeeping condition, payroll needs, and whether prior-year or amended filings are involved. During the consultation, we review your situation and provide clear pricing before work begins.
Federal estimates are generally needed if you expect to owe at least $1,000 after withholding and refundable credits and will not meet a prepayment safe harbor. The usual target is the smaller of 90% of current-year tax or 100% of prior-year tax, rising to 110% when prior-year AGI exceeds $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately). Prior-year and special-exception rules also apply. We review installment timing and California separately.
Yes. Employers may use an optional 22% federal flat withholding method for eligible supplemental wages, which can be below your marginal tax rate. Other methods and the over-$1-million rule may apply. We project the full year and recommend withholding adjustments or estimated payments when needed.
We use current-year income projections, withholding, and credits alongside last year’s return to recommend W-4/DE 4 changes or estimated payments. A safe harbor can avoid an underpayment penalty while still leaving a balance due at filing.
Yes. California generally uses 30%, 40%, 0%, and 30% installments. Current-year California AGI of at least $1 million ($500,000 if married/RDP filing separately) removes the prior-year safe harbor. We also review the state’s lower balance-due threshold and any annualized-income or other exception.
Other services that may help:
Request a free consultation and we'll walk through your situation and next steps.