Tax Services in Roseville & Sacramento: Your Local CPA Partner for 2026
Finding the right tax professional can feel overwhelming, especially when you're searching online and seeing dozens of options. But here's something I've learned after years of serving clients in Roseville and Sacramento: when it comes to taxes, local matters.
I'm not just talking about convenience, though that's certainly part of it. I'm talking about working with someone who understands California's unique tax landscape, knows the local business environment, and can meet with you face-to-face when you need clarity on a confusing tax issue.
Whether you're a Roseville resident filing your first tax return, a Sacramento small business owner trying to navigate payroll taxes, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you understand what to look for in a local CPA and how professional tax services can save you money and stress in 2026.
Table of Contents:
Why Choose a Local CPA in Roseville or Sacramento
Comprehensive Tax Services We Offer
Understanding California State Tax for 2026
Small Business Tax Services in the Sacramento Area
What Makes Roseville and Sacramento Unique for Tax Planning
How to Choose the Right Tax Professional
Tax Deadlines and Important Dates for 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose a Local CPA in Roseville or Sacramento
Last tax season, a client named Jennifer came to our Roseville office after years of using a national tax preparation chain. "They were fine," she told me, "but when I had questions about California state taxes, they seemed confused. And when I wanted to discuss buying a rental property in Sacramento, they just didn't understand the local market."
Jennifer's experience isn't unique. Here's why choosing a local CPA in Roseville or Sacramento makes such a difference.
Face-to-Face Service When You Need It
There's something valuable about sitting down with your tax professional in person, especially when you're dealing with complex issues. Video calls and phone conversations are fine for simple questions, but when you're:
Starting a business and need to understand entity structure
Dealing with an IRS audit or notice
Planning a major financial decision like buying property or retiring
Trying to understand why your tax bill is higher than expected
…nothing beats meeting face-to-face with someone who can walk through your documents with you, answer questions in real-time, and provide personalized guidance.
Our Roseville office is easily accessible from Highway 65 and I-80, and we're happy to meet with Sacramento clients as well. Many of our clients appreciate being able to drop off documents in person or schedule a quick meeting when questions arise.
Deep Knowledge of California Tax Law
California has some of the most complex tax laws in the country. The state doesn't simply mirror federal tax law - California has its own rules about:
What income is taxable
Which deductions are allowed
How retirement distributions are taxed
Treatment of business expenses
Credits available to California residents
For 2026, California's top marginal tax rate remains 13.3% for high earners, one of the highest in the nation. But California also offers numerous credits and deductions that can significantly reduce your tax bill if you know about them and qualify.
A local California CPA stays current on these rules. We know which California deductions differ from federal, how to handle differences in depreciation schedules, and how to maximize your California credits.
I've seen countless tax returns prepared by out-of-state preparers who simply didn't understand California's unique requirements. The result? Clients either overpaid their California taxes or faced notices from the Franchise Tax Board asking for additional information or payment.
Understanding the Local Economy and Business Environment
Roseville and Sacramento have distinct economic characteristics that affect tax planning:
Roseville is known for:
The Westfield Galleria at Roseville and strong retail sector
Healthcare (Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health have major presences)
Growing tech sector
Family-owned businesses
Real estate and property management
Sacramento features:
State government employment
Healthcare and education sectors
Growing tech and startup scene
Real estate investment opportunities
Agricultural connections to surrounding areas
When you work with a local CPA, we understand these industries. If you're a state employee with CalPERS pension considerations, we know how that affects your taxes. If you own rental property in Oak Park or East Sacramento, we understand local market conditions and appropriate depreciation schedules. If you're starting a tech business in the Sacramento startup ecosystem, we know the landscape and can connect you with resources.
Year-Round Availability and Relationship Building
Tax questions don't only come up during tax season. You might wonder in July whether you should adjust your withholding, or in October whether a business purchase should happen before year-end for tax purposes.
With a local CPA, you're building a relationship, not just filing an annual form. We get to know your financial situation, your goals, and your concerns. This allows us to provide proactive advice throughout the year, not just reactive tax preparation in April.
Many of our long-term clients tell us they value having someone they can call when questions arise. "I know I can just pick up the phone or stop by the office," one Roseville client told me. "That peace of mind is worth a lot."
Supporting the Local Community
When you work with a local CPA firm, you're supporting a local business and contributing to the Roseville and Sacramento economy. We live and work in this community. We shop at the same stores, send our kids to local schools, and care about the region's success.
Many of our clients appreciate this community connection. We're not a faceless corporation in another state, we're your neighbors, and we're invested in your success.
Comprehensive Tax Services We Offer
Let me walk you through the range of services we provide to individuals and businesses in Roseville and Sacramento. Our goal is to be your complete tax and accounting solution, so you don't need to work with multiple providers.
Individual Tax Preparation
This is our most common service, and it's more than just filling out forms. When we prepare your individual tax return, we:
Review all sources of income: W-2 wages, self-employment income, investment income, rental property income, retirement distributions, and any other taxable income sources.
Maximize deductions and credits: We don't just take the standard deduction by default. We calculate whether itemizing saves you money, and we make sure you claim every credit you qualify for - Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, education credits, and more.
Handle both federal and California state returns: We ensure both returns are accurate and optimized, understanding where California rules differ from federal.
Plan for next year: As we prepare this year's return, we discuss strategies for reducing next year's tax bill.
E-file for faster refunds: Electronic filing typically results in refunds within 21 days, compared to 6-8 weeks for paper returns.
Our individual tax preparation fees are competitive and transparent. A straightforward W-2 return might cost $250-350, while more complex returns with business income, investments, and rental property might range from $500-1,000 depending on complexity. We'll provide a clear quote upfront so there are no surprises.
Small Business Tax Services
If you own a business in Roseville or Sacramento, you know taxes get complicated quickly. We provide comprehensive business tax services:
Business tax return preparation: Whether you're a sole proprietor filing Schedule C, an LLC, S-corporation, or C-corporation, we prepare accurate business returns that minimize your tax liability while keeping you compliant.
Quarterly estimated tax calculation: We calculate how much you should pay each quarter to avoid penalties and surprise tax bills in April.
Payroll services: We can handle your entire payroll process, including calculating payroll taxes, filing quarterly reports, preparing W-2s, and ensuring compliance with California's complex payroll laws.
Bookkeeping and accounting: Many small business owners struggle to keep accurate books. We offer monthly bookkeeping services, financial statement preparation, and account reconciliation so you always know where your business stands financially.
Business entity selection and formation: Thinking about starting a business or changing your entity structure? We'll help you understand the tax implications of sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, and C-corp structures and assist with formation.
Sales tax compliance: If you sell products in California, you need to collect and remit sales tax. We help you register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), calculate sales tax, and file required returns.
One Sacramento restaurant owner told me, "Before working with you, I was spending 10 hours a week on bookkeeping and still wasn't sure if my numbers were right. Now I spend 30 minutes gathering receipts, and you handle the rest. It's freed me up to actually run my restaurant."
IRS Representation and Audit Support
Receiving a letter from the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board can be frightening. We provide representation services when you face:
IRS audits: We represent you throughout the audit process, communicate with the IRS on your behalf, and work to achieve the best possible outcome.
Notice response: Most IRS and FTB notices aren't audits - they're requests for information or notifications of discrepancies. We'll help you understand what's being asked and respond appropriately.
Payment plans: If you owe taxes you can't pay immediately, we can help you set up installment agreements with the IRS or FTB.
Penalty abatement: In many cases, penalties can be reduced or eliminated if you have reasonable cause. We'll make the case on your behalf.
Offer in Compromise: For taxpayers facing significant tax debt they can't reasonably pay, we can help you apply for an Offer in Compromise, which allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed.
Having professional representation makes a significant difference in IRS matters. Tax agencies are more likely to work constructively with represented taxpayers, and you have the peace of mind of knowing someone experienced is handling the situation.
Tax Planning and Consulting
Tax preparation looks backward at what happened last year. Tax planning looks forward at how to minimize taxes in future years. Our tax planning services include:
Year-end tax planning: Each November and December, we meet with business clients and high-income individuals to discuss moves that can reduce the current year's tax bill—timing income and expenses, maximizing retirement contributions, bunching charitable deductions, and more.
Multi-year tax strategies: Some tax strategies play out over several years. We'll help you think strategically about retirement account conversions, business succession planning, real estate exchanges, and other long-term tax-saving opportunities.
Life event planning: Major life changes -marriage, divorce, birth of a child, job change, starting a business, selling a business, retirement - all have significant tax implications. We'll help you understand and plan for these.
California-specific planning: With California's high tax rates, state-level tax planning is crucial. We help clients understand the implications of moving to or from California, managing California source income, and taking advantage of California-specific credits and deductions.
Specialized Services
We also provide specialized services for specific situations:
Real estate investor services: If you own rental properties in Sacramento, Roseville, or surrounding areas, we can help with depreciation schedules, passive loss limitations, 1031 exchanges, and cost segregation studies.
Retirement planning: As you approach retirement, tax planning becomes even more important. We help clients understand the tax implications of pension vs. lump-sum distributions, Social Security taxation, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and Roth conversions.
Multi-state returns: If you lived or worked in multiple states during the year, or own property in other states, you may need to file returns in multiple states. We handle multi-state situations and ensure you don't pay more tax than necessary.
Amended returns: If you discover an error on a past return or realize you missed deductions or credits, we can prepare amended returns to correct the issue and claim refunds.
International tax services: For clients with foreign income, foreign bank accounts, or foreign financial assets, we provide FBAR filing, FATCA compliance, and foreign tax credit optimization.
Understanding California State Tax for 2026
California's tax system deserves special attention because it significantly impacts your overall tax bill. Let me explain the key features of California state tax and how it affects Roseville and Sacramento residents.
California Income Tax Rates for 2026
California uses a progressive tax system with nine tax brackets. For 2026, the rates are:
Single Filers:
1% on income up to $10,412
2% on income from $10,413 to $24,684
4% on income from $24,685 to $38,959
6% on income from $38,960 to $54,081
8% on income from $54,082 to $68,350
9.3% on income from $68,351 to $349,137
10.3% on income from $349,138 to $418,961
11.3% on income from $418,962 to $698,271
12.3% on income from $698,272 to $1,000,000
13.3% on income over $1,000,000
Married Filing Jointly rates use doubled income thresholds.
For high-income earners, that 13.3% top rate means California taxes can rival or exceed federal taxes at certain income levels. This is why tax planning is so important for California residents.
Key Differences Between California and Federal Tax
California doesn't simply copy federal tax law. Here are important differences you need to know:
Standard deduction: California's standard deduction amounts differ from federal. For 2026, California's standard deduction is $5,363 for single filers and $10,726 for married filing jointly - much lower than federal amounts.
Personal exemption: California has a personal exemption credit (federal eliminated personal exemptions in 2018). For 2026, California's personal exemption credit is $140 per exemption.
Itemized deductions: California doesn't allow deductions for state income taxes paid (obviously), and has different limitations on other itemized deductions.
Retirement income: California generally taxes all retirement income, including Social Security benefits for higher-income taxpayers. Federal law provides more favorable treatment for Social Security.
Business expenses: California doesn't conform to all federal bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing rules, which means you might have different depreciation schedules for state and federal purposes.
These differences mean you can't just transfer numbers from your federal return to your California return. Each needs to be calculated independently with understanding of California's specific rules.
California Tax Credits for 2026
California offers numerous tax credits that can significantly reduce your state tax bill. Some of the most valuable for Roseville and Sacramento residents include:
Renters Credit: If you rent your home and meet income requirements, you may qualify for a credit of $60 (single) or $120 (married filing jointly or head of household).
Child and Dependent Care Credit: California offers its own version of this credit, which can provide additional savings beyond the federal credit.
Senior Head of Household Credit: Seniors who qualify as head of household may be eligible for this credit.
College Access Tax Credit: California offers credits for contributions to college access programs.
Various business credits: California provides numerous business tax credits for things like hiring, research and development, and energy-efficient equipment.
Many taxpayers miss out on California credits simply because they don't know about them. A knowledgeable local CPA ensures you claim every credit you qualify for.
The Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
California's version of the IRS is the Franchise Tax Board, or FTB. Like the IRS, the FTB can:
Audit your returns
Send notices requesting additional information or payment
Charge penalties and interest
Place liens on property
Garnish wages
The FTB is aggressive about collecting taxes owed. If you receive an FTB notice, it's important to respond promptly. We help clients deal with FTB issues regularly and can represent you in FTB matters.
California Payroll Taxes
If you employ people in California, you're subject to California payroll taxes in addition to federal:
State Disability Insurance (SDI): For 2026, the SDI tax rate is 0.9% on wages up to the SDI wage limit.
Employment Training Tax (ETT): Employers pay 0.1% on the first $7,000 of each employee's wages.
Unemployment Insurance (UI): Rates vary by employer but typically range from 1.5% to 6.2% on the first $7,000 of wages.
California State Income Tax withholding: Employers must withhold California income tax based on employees' W-4 forms and California's tax tables.
Many small business owners find California's payroll tax requirements overwhelming. We can handle all of this for you through our payroll services.
Small Business Tax Services in the Sacramento Area
The Sacramento region has a vibrant small business community. From restaurants in downtown Sacramento to retail shops in Roseville's Westfield Galleria area, from tech startups to professional services firms, small businesses drive our local economy.
Let me share what we've learned from working with hundreds of small business owners in the area.
Common Business Structures in Roseville and Sacramento
Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest structure. You report business income and expenses on Schedule C of your personal tax return. It's common for freelancers, consultants, and small service businesses.
The advantage: Simple and inexpensive to set up. The disadvantage: No liability protection, and you pay self-employment tax on all profits.
LLC (Limited Liability Company): Very popular in California. An LLC provides liability protection and can be taxed as a sole proprietorship (single-member LLC) or partnership (multi-member LLC), or you can elect S-corp taxation.
California charges LLCs an annual $800 minimum franchise tax, even if the LLC has no income. This surprises many new business owners.
S-Corporation: An S-corp is a tax election, not a legal entity. You form a corporation or LLC, then elect S-corp taxation. This allows you to split business income between salary (subject to payroll taxes) and distributions (not subject to self-employment tax).
For many Sacramento-area small business owners earning over $60,000-80,000 annually, S-corp status saves significant money on self-employment taxes.
C-Corporation: Less common for small businesses, but used by some companies planning to seek outside investment or go public eventually.
We help business owners evaluate these structures based on their specific situation, considering not just taxes but also liability protection, administrative burden, and future plans.
Choosing Your Business Structure
One of the most common questions I get is: "What business structure should I use?"
The answer depends on many factors:
Consider an LLC if:
You want liability protection
You're okay paying California's $800 annual franchise tax
Your business is profitable but not highly profitable (under $60,000-80,000)
You want flexibility in how you're taxed
Consider S-corp election if:
Your business is profitable (generally over $60,000-80,000 annually)
You want to save on self-employment taxes
You're willing to run payroll and handle the additional administrative requirements
You're a US citizen or resident
Stay a sole proprietor if:
Your business is just getting started or is a side gig
You're not making much profit yet
You want maximum simplicity
You have liability insurance to cover business risks
I've helped countless Sacramento and Roseville business owners make this decision. We can model out the tax implications of each structure for your specific situation.
Sacramento-Area Business Tax Challenges
California's $800 minimum franchise tax: This catches many new LLC owners by surprise. Even if your LLC makes zero dollars, you owe $800 to California annually. The first year is exempt, but after that, it's due every year.
Placer County vs. Sacramento County business licenses: Requirements vary by location. Roseville businesses need to register with both the city and Placer County. Sacramento businesses deal with city and Sacramento County requirements. We help clients navigate local business license requirements.
Sales tax: If you sell products (not just services), you need to register for a California Seller's Permit and collect sales tax. The base California sales tax rate is 7.25%, but local jurisdictions add their own taxes:
Roseville: 7.75% total (7.25% state + 0.5% local)
Sacramento: 8.75% total (7.25% state + 1.5% local)
Home-based businesses: Many Roseville and Sacramento residents run businesses from home. This affects zoning, business licenses, and creates tax deduction opportunities (home office deduction) and complications (understanding what qualifies).
Tax Deductions for Sacramento-Area Small Businesses
Maximizing business deductions is one of the most effective ways to reduce your tax bill. Here are deductions commonly available to Roseville and Sacramento small business owners:
Vehicle expenses: If you use your vehicle for business, you can deduct either actual expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance, depreciation) or the standard mileage rate (67 cents per mile in 2026). Track your business miles carefully—many business owners miss out on significant deductions here.
Home office: If you have a dedicated space in your Roseville or Sacramento home used exclusively for business, you can deduct a portion of your rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, and maintenance. Use the simplified method ($5 per square foot, up to 300 square feet) or calculate actual expenses.
Equipment and supplies: Computers, office furniture, tools, inventory, supplies—these are all deductible. For expensive equipment, you might be able to expense the entire cost in one year using Section 179 or bonus depreciation.
Professional services: Fees for your CPA, attorney, consultants, and other professional services are fully deductible.
Marketing and advertising: Website costs, social media advertising, print advertising, sponsorships - all deductible.
Meals and entertainment: For 2026, business meals are 50% deductible. Keep detailed records of who you met with and the business purpose.
Health insurance: If you're self-employed, you can deduct health insurance premiums for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.
Retirement contributions: Contributing to a SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), or SIMPLE IRA not only saves for retirement but also reduces current taxable income.
I review expenses with every business client to make sure we're not missing deductions. Often, I find business owners are forgetting to deduct legitimate expenses simply because they don't realize they qualify.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments
If you're self-employed or your business is profitable, you need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to both the IRS and California FTB.
For 2026, the federal deadlines are:
April 15, 2026 (1st quarter)
June 16, 2026 (2nd quarter)
September 15, 2026 (3rd quarter)
January 15, 2027 (4th quarter)
California's deadlines are the same.
We calculate quarterly payment amounts for our business clients and send reminders before each deadline. This prevents the surprise of owing $20,000 or more when you file your return in April.
What Makes Roseville and Sacramento Unique for Tax Planning
Every region has unique characteristics that affect tax planning. Here's what makes Roseville and Sacramento special from a tax perspective.
State Employee Considerations
Sacramento is California's capital, which means a large percentage of residents work for state government. If you're a state employee, you have unique tax considerations:
CalPERS retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) pensions are taxable for federal purposes but may have different treatment for California state tax purposes depending on when you started employment.
Deferred Compensation: Many state employees participate in the Savings Plus Program. Understanding contribution limits and tax treatment helps maximize this benefit.
Retiree health benefits: State employees often have generous retiree health benefits, which affects retirement planning.
We work with many CalPERS members in Sacramento and understand the ins and outs of state employee benefits and how they interact with your tax situation.
Real Estate Investment Opportunities
Both Roseville and Sacramento offer attractive real estate investment opportunities, from single-family rentals to multi-unit properties.
Depreciation: Residential rental property is depreciated over 27.5 years. This non-cash deduction can shelter rental income from taxes.
Placer County vs. Sacramento County property taxes: Property tax rates and assessment practices differ slightly between counties, affecting your overall return on investment.
1031 Exchanges: If you're selling rental property and want to defer capital gains tax, a 1031 exchange allows you to reinvest in like-kind property. The Sacramento area's diverse real estate market makes finding replacement properties relatively easy.
Short-term rentals: Roseville and Sacramento both have Airbnb/VRBO opportunities, but the tax treatment is different from long-term rentals. Short-term rentals with significant personal use have special rules.
We help real estate investors in the area maximize tax benefits while staying compliant with IRS requirements.
Tech and Startup Scene
Sacramento's tech scene has grown significantly in recent years. If you're involved in a startup or tech company, special tax considerations include:
Stock options: Both Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Non-Qualified Stock Options (NQSOs) have complex tax rules. Exercising at the right time can save significant taxes.
Equity compensation: Restricted stock units (RSUs) and other equity compensation create tax planning opportunities and challenges.
R&D tax credits: Tech companies doing research and development may qualify for federal and California R&D tax credits.
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): If you're starting a C-corporation, QSBS rules can potentially exclude significant capital gains when you eventually sell, but you need to structure things correctly from the beginning.
Healthcare Industry
Both Roseville and Sacramento have substantial healthcare sectors (Kaiser, Sutter, UC Davis Medical Center, and many others). Healthcare professionals have unique tax situations:
Continuing education: Medical professionals' ongoing education expenses are deductible.
Professional liability insurance: Fully deductible as a business expense.
Locum tenens work: Physicians doing temporary work in different locations can deduct travel and other expenses.
Partnership structures: Many medical practices are structured as partnerships or S-corporations, creating more complex tax situations.
Agriculture Connections
While Roseville and Sacramento are urban areas, the surrounding region is heavily agricultural. If you're involved in farming or agriculture, special tax rules apply:
Section 179 expensing: Farm equipment can often be expensed immediately rather than depreciated.
Farm income averaging: Allows farmers to average income over three years, reducing tax in high-income years.
Crop insurance: Special rules apply to crop insurance proceeds.
How to Choose the Right Tax Professional
Not all CPAs and tax preparers are created equal. Here's what to look for when choosing a tax professional in Roseville or Sacramento.
Credentials Matter
CPA (Certified Public Accountant): CPAs have passed a rigorous exam, met education requirements, and maintain their license through continuing education. CPAs can represent you before the IRS for any matter.
Enrolled Agent (EA): EAs are federally licensed tax practitioners who can represent taxpayers before the IRS. They specialize in taxation.
Tax Attorney: Attorneys who specialize in tax law can provide legal advice and representation in complex tax matters.
CRTP (California Registered Tax Preparer): California requires tax preparers who aren't CPAs or EAs to register and pass a competency exam.
Avoid unlicensed preparers. Anyone can call themselves a "tax preparer," but only licensed professionals have the education, testing, and ethical requirements to ensure quality work.
Questions to Ask
When interviewing a potential tax professional, ask:
What are your credentials? Look for CPA, EA, or tax attorney.
How long have you been preparing taxes? Experience matters, especially with complex situations.
Do you specialize in any areas? If you own a business, look for someone experienced in business taxes. If you have rental property, find someone knowledgeable about real estate.
What's your availability? Do they only work during tax season, or year-round?
How do you handle IRS notices and audits? You want someone who will be there if problems arise.
What are your fees? Get clarity on how they charge - flat fee, hourly, or based on return complexity.
Do you e-file? Electronic filing is standard practice now.
How do you stay current on tax law changes? Tax laws change constantly. Your CPA should engage in regular continuing education.
Red Flags to Avoid
Be wary of tax preparers who:
Promise inflated refunds: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate preparers can't guarantee refund amounts until they review your complete information.
Base fees on refund size: This creates an incentive to inflate deductions or credits improperly.
Suggest questionable deductions: If a preparer encourages you to claim deductions you don't qualify for, run.
Won't sign the return: Paid preparers are required to sign returns they prepare and include their PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number). If they won't sign, that's a huge red flag.
Won't provide copies: You should always receive copies of everything you sign.
Promise to get you a bigger refund than competitors: Legitimate CPAs prepare accurate returns based on your actual situation. They don't compete on who can inflate refunds.
The Value of a Long-Term Relationship
The best client-CPA relationships are long-term. When we work with you year after year, we:
Understand your financial history and goals
Can provide proactive advice based on changes in your situation
Catch errors or inconsistencies more easily
Build trust and open communication
Many of our longest-term clients tell us they value the continuity and the fact that we know their whole financial picture.
Tax Deadlines and Important Dates for 2026
Staying on top of tax deadlines helps you avoid penalties and interest. Here are the key dates for 2026:
Federal Deadlines
January 27, 2026: IRS begins accepting 2025 tax returns
January 31, 2026: Deadline for employers to provide W-2s to employees and for businesses to send 1099 forms
April 15, 2026:
Tax filing deadline for most taxpayers
Deadline for contributing to IRAs and HSAs for 2025
First quarter 2026 estimated tax payment due
June 16, 2026: Second quarter estimated tax payment due
September 15, 2026: Third quarter estimated tax payment due
October 15, 2026: Extended deadline for tax returns if you filed for an extension by April 15
January 15, 2027: Fourth quarter 2026 estimated tax payment due
California Deadlines
California's deadlines generally mirror federal deadlines:
April 15, 2026: California tax return deadline and first quarter estimated payment
June 15, 2026: Second quarter estimated payment
September 15, 2026: Third quarter estimated payment
October 15, 2026: Extended deadline if you filed for an extension
January 15, 2027: Fourth quarter estimated payment
Other Important Dates
March 17, 2026: S-corporation and partnership tax return deadline (or March 16 if using fiscal year)
April 15, 2026: FBAR deadline for reporting foreign bank accounts (automatic extension to October 15)
Throughout the year: Sales tax filing deadlines (varies based on your filing frequency—monthly, quarterly, or annually)
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
Every year, we see the same pattern: clients who wait until April 10 to gather their documents and try to schedule an appointment. By then, we're completely booked, and they end up rushing through their return or filing for an extension.
The best time to file your taxes is early - January or February. You'll:
Get your refund faster
Have more time to discuss tax planning strategies
Avoid the stress of last-minute preparation
Have better access to your CPA's time and attention
If you need to file an extension, that's fine - just make sure you estimate and pay any tax owed by April 15 to avoid penalties. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do tax preparation services cost in Roseville and Sacramento?
Fees vary based on complexity. A simple W-2 return might cost $250-350. Returns with self-employment income, rental properties, or other complications typically range from $500-1,000+. Business returns vary widely based on entity type and complexity. We provide upfront quotes so you know what to expect.
Q: Should I itemize deductions or take the standard deduction?
For 2026, the federal standard deduction is $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married filing jointly. California's is lower: $5,363 (single) and $10,726 (married). We calculate both ways and use whichever saves you more money.
Q: I received a letter from the California Franchise Tax Board. What should I do?
Don't panic, but don't ignore it. FTB letters usually request additional information, notify you of a discrepancy, or inform you of tax owed. We can review the letter, explain what it means, and help you respond appropriately.
Q: Do I need a CPA or can I use tax software?
Software works well for simple returns - just W-2 income and standard deduction. Consider a CPA if you're self-employed, own rental property, have complex investments, experienced major life changes, or simply want personalized advice and peace of mind.
Q: What's the difference between a CPA and an Enrolled Agent?
Both are licensed professionals who can represent you before the IRS. CPAs have broader accounting expertise and must pass the CPA exam. Enrolled Agents specialize specifically in taxation. Either is a good choice for tax preparation.
Q: How can I reduce my California state taxes?
Strategies include maximizing retirement contributions, timing income and deductions, taking advantage of California tax credits, and carefully planning itemized deductions. For high earners, sometimes even considering residency changes is part of the conversation (though this is a major decision with many factors to consider).
Q: I'm starting a business. Should I form an LLC?
LLCs provide liability protection and are often a good choice. However, California charges LLCs an $800 annual minimum franchise tax. For very small or new businesses, sometimes starting as a sole proprietor makes sense initially. We can help you evaluate your specific situation.
Q: Can you help with previous years' tax returns?
Yes. If you haven't filed for prior years, we can prepare those returns and help you get into compliance. The sooner you address unfiled returns, the better - penalties and interest keep accumulating, and the IRS has more collection options available.
Q: Do you offer virtual services or do I need to come to your office?
We offer both. Many clients prefer in-person meetings, especially initially, but we can work virtually if that's more convenient. We use secure portals for document sharing and can meet via video call when needed.
Q: What records should I keep and for how long?
Keep tax returns and supporting documents for at least 3 years from the filing date (the IRS can audit returns from the past 3 years). Keep records for 6 years if you underreported income by 25% or more. Keep records indefinitely if you didn't file or filed fraudulent returns. For business property and investments, keep purchase records until 3 years after you sell the asset and file your return.
Next Steps: Partner with Your Local Tax Professional
Tax season doesn't have to be stressful. With the right local CPA in Roseville or Sacramento, you can approach taxes with confidence, knowing you have someone knowledgeable on your side.
Here's how to get started:
Gather your documents: Start collecting W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductible expenses, and any other tax-related documents. Even if you're not sure what you need, gather what you have.
Schedule a consultation: Most tax professionals offer free initial consultations. This is your chance to discuss your situation, ask questions, and see if there's a good fit.
Be organized: The more organized your records, the smoother the process. But don't let disorganization stop you from getting help - we work with clients at all levels of organization and can help you get systems in place.
Ask questions: No question is too simple or too complicated. A good tax professional wants you to understand your tax situation.
Think beyond April: Remember, tax planning is year-round. The best time to reduce your 2026 taxes is now, not in April 2027.
Conclusion
Choosing a local CPA in Roseville or Sacramento gives you more than just someone to prepare your tax return. You gain a trusted advisor who understands California's complex tax environment, knows the local business landscape, and can provide personalized guidance year-round.
Whether you're filing a simple individual return, running a growing business, dealing with rental properties, or navigating complex tax situations, having a local professional on your side makes all the difference.
We've spent years building relationships with clients throughout Roseville, Sacramento, and the surrounding communities. We're not just tax preparers - we're your partners in financial success, helping you minimize taxes legally, plan for the future, and navigate whatever tax challenges arise.
The 2026 tax season is here. Don't face it alone. Reach out today and let's discuss how we can help you achieve your financial goals while minimizing your tax burden.
Ready to work with a local CPA who understands Roseville and Sacramento? Contact us today for a free consultation. Let's talk about your tax situation and how we can help.
Welfo Accounting & Tax Services
Serving Roseville, Sacramento & Surrounding Communities
📞 Phone: (279) 999-2788
📧 Email: info@welfo.us
🌐 Website: https://welfo.us
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered tax advice. Tax laws change regularly, and individual circumstances vary. Consult with a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.