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.
Book 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.
If your withholding won't cover at least 90% of this year's tax (or 100% of last year's tax, 110% for higher earners), the IRS expects quarterly estimated payments. Self-employment income, RSU vesting, stock sales, rental income, and partner K-1s are common reasons.
Yes. The default 22% federal supplemental rate often under-withholds for higher-income employees. We model your full year and recommend additional withholding or quarterly payments so you aren't surprised at filing.
We review last year's return, adjust your W-4 and California DE 4 if you're a W-2 employee, and set up quarterly payments for any non-wage income so the balance owed at filing is small.
Yes. California has its own estimated payment schedule with front-loaded percentages (30% Q1, 40% Q2, 0% Q3, 30% Q4). We calculate both federal and California payments together.
Other services that may help:
Book a free consultation and we'll walk through your situation and next steps.