For Individuals

COLLEGE FINANCIAL PLANNING

How Can You Pay for Your Kid to go to College, Spend and Save as You Are Now, and Increase the Amount of Money You have for Retirement?

ESTATE PLANNING DONE RIGHT

Make Sure Your Family Transitions Prepare Your Children and Your Family for Financial Freedom.

How Do Taxes for Freelancers and Santa Cruz County Gig Workers Work?

Key TakeawaysIf you had freelance or side gig income in 2025, you report it on Schedule C. If your net profit is $400 or more, you also file Schedule SE for self-employment tax. Even if you never receive a 1099, your freelance or side gig income is still...

How Long Should My Tax Refund Take? What Santa Cruz County Taxpayers Can Expect

Key TakeawaysMost federal tax refunds are issued within 10–21 days after the IRS accepts your e-filed return. E-filing with direct deposit is the fastest method, usually delivering refunds within about three weeks. Returns claiming credits like the Earned...

Are IRA Contributions Deductible for Santa Cruz County Savers?

Key TakeawaysTraditional IRA contributions may be deductible, depending on your income, filing status, and whether you or your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are...

Santa Cruz County Taxpayers Filing in 2026: When Should You Hire An Accountant For Taxes?

Key TakeawaysIf your return is truly simple (one W-2, standard deduction, no investments or side income), tax software may be sufficient. If you have self-employment income, rentals, investments, multi-state issues, or major life changes, filing with a...

How Much Do I Have To Make To File Taxes With My Santa Cruz County Tax Preparer?

Key Takeaways For the 2025 tax year, a single taxpayer under age 65 generally does not need to file if total income is below $15,750 (assuming no special circumstances apply) Certain types of income, like self-employment income or taxable Social Security,...

How Do Trump Accounts Work For Santa Cruz County Kids?

Key TakeawaysTrump Accounts are long-term, tax-deferred savings accounts designed specifically for children Parents or guardians manage the account until the child turns 18, after which the child takes over Certain children (especially those born between...

Answers for Santa Cruz County Filers: Are People Getting Bigger Tax Refunds This Year?

Key TakeawaysYes, many filers may see larger refunds (potentially $300 to $1,000 more) based on current estimates The increase is largely tied to new tax cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and outdated withholding during 2025 Whether a big...

What Do I Need To File My Taxes This Year With My Santa Cruz County Tax Pro?

Key TakeawaysBring valid government photo IDs and Social Security cards (or ITINs) for every person listed on your return to verify identities and prevent fraud. Collect all W-2s and 1099s, including the new Form 1099-DA for any digital asset or cryptocurrency...

Which Tax Credits Do I Qualify For? A Guide For Santa Cruz County Taxpayers

Key TakeawaysThe Child Tax Credit is up to $2,200 per child, with up to $1,700 available as a refundable payment even if you owe no taxes. Adoptive parents can now claim a credit of up to $17,280, with up to $5,000 of that amount now fully refundable. If you...

What Tax Changes Are Coming in 2026 For Santa Cruz County Filers?

Key TakeawaysTax rates didn’t change, but brackets and deductions did. Inflation adjustments mean more income is taxed at lower rates. The SALT deduction cap jumped to $40,400, making itemizing relevant again for many households. New deductions for tips and...

How You’re Missing Legal Tax Deductions

Here’s a certain truth: the State and Federal Government would love to have more of your hard-earned money in their accounts. Sure, even though it’s painful, none of us begrudge paying our legal and fair share of taxes.

But the problem is that regular taxpayers, like you, are missing out on legal and safe deductions, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in unclaimed refunds every year!

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