Tax Services
Federal, California and local tax returns for individuals and businesses, plus representation when you need help with the IRS.
Explore Tax ServicesASSURANCE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Tax Services · Business Services
Personal attention for your taxes and your business.
You work directly with me, an Enrolled Agent, on every return, every filing and every question. I set up systems and processes that help you understand your business and stay compliant, tailored to how you actually operate.
Services
Two sides of your financial life, handled in one place
Business Services
Accounting, payroll and the systems that help you understand your business and stay compliant, from startup through growth.
Explore Business ServicesEnrolled Agent
Why work with an Enrolled Agent
Admitted to practice before the IRS
Enrolled Agents earn the designation by passing the three-part Special Enrollment Examination and a background check.
Unlimited practice rights
I can represent you in audits, collections and appeals before any IRS office.
Ongoing education
72 hours of continuing education every three years keeps my knowledge current.
Who I am
Sarah Scott
I want to understand the whole business: the operations, the people, and how the work actually gets done. Accounting is considerably more useful when you know what you're accounting for.
Enrolled Agent with a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in accounting with a specialization in taxation. Controller experience across construction, steel fabrication and healthcare, plus tax practice work on business, trust and individual returns.
Industry specialties
All types of accounting, with deep experience in three industries
Working together
A personal relationship, not a transaction
- A one-on-one conversation
We talk through your situation and goals, and you get a clear plan before any work starts.
- Tailored to you
Share documents securely, in person or online. Your work is handled personally, never passed to a junior preparer.
- Ongoing access
I walk you through the results, file electronically and stay available year-round, not just at tax time.
Stay connected
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Assurance Business Solutions
Tax deadlines, updates and tips for individuals and business owners.
Ready to get started?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Services
Tax Services
Federal, California and local tax compliance for individuals and businesses, prepared and e-filed by an Enrolled Agent.
Personal Tax Returns
Federal and state income tax returns for individuals and families.
Learn moreBusiness Tax Returns
Federal and state returns for every type of business entity.
Learn moreSales and Use Tax
California sales and use tax compliance with the CDTFA.
Learn moreBusiness Personal Property Tax
Annual business property statements filed with the county assessor.
Learn moreLocal Taxes and Licenses
City and county tax filings that come with operating a business.
Learn moreHave a question?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Personal Tax Returns
Federal and state income tax returns for individuals and families.
What's included
- Federal Form 1040 and California Form 540 / 540NR
- W-2, self-employment, rental and investment income
- Multi-state and part-year resident returns
- Prior-year and amended returns
Questions about personal tax returns?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Business Tax Returns
Federal and state returns for every type of business entity.
What's included
- Sole proprietors (Schedule C)
- Partnerships and LLCs (Form 1065, CA 565 / 568)
- S corporations (Form 1120-S, CA 100S)
- C corporations (Form 1120, CA 100)
- Trusts and estates (Form 1041, CA 541)
- Estimated tax planning
Questions about business tax returns?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Sales and Use Tax
California sales and use tax compliance with the CDTFA.
What's included
- Seller's permit registration
- Monthly, quarterly and annual returns
- Use tax on out-of-state and untaxed purchases
- CDTFA audit support
Questions about sales and use tax?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Business Personal Property Tax
Annual business property statements filed with the county assessor.
What's included
- Form 571-L business property statements
- Fixed asset and equipment listings
- Assessment reviews
Questions about business personal property tax?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Local Taxes and Licenses
City and county tax filings that come with operating a business.
What's included
- City business license tax renewals
- Gross receipts and local tax filings
- Multi-city compliance for contractors
Questions about local taxes and licenses?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Services
IRS Resolution
Owe the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board? As an Enrolled Agent I can represent you directly, so you don't have to face the IRS alone.
Payment Plans
Set up an affordable plan to pay what you owe over time.
Learn moreSettlement Negotiation
Reduce what you owe where the law allows.
Learn moreWhat Is an Enrolled Agent?
Tax professionals enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.
Learn moreHave a question?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Payment Plans
Set up an affordable plan to pay what you owe over time.
What's included
- IRS installment agreements
- Partial payment installment agreements
- California FTB payment plans
- Stopping collection notices
Questions about payment plans?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Settlement Negotiation
Reduce what you owe where the law allows.
What's included
- Offer in Compromise
- Penalty abatement (first-time and reasonable cause)
- Lien and levy releases
- Responding to IRS notices
Questions about settlement negotiation?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
What Is an Enrolled Agent?
Tax professionals enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.
Enrolled Agents (EAs) are tax professionals enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. The designation is earned by passing the three-part Special Enrollment Examination, or through qualifying prior IRS experience, and a background check.
Unlike most tax preparers, an Enrolled Agent has unlimited practice rights. That means I can represent you in audits, collections and appeals, and speak with the IRS on your behalf.
What's included
- Enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service
- Earned by passing the three-part Special Enrollment Examination covering individual tax, business tax and representation
- Completes 72 hours of continuing education every three years
- Unlimited practice rights: can represent taxpayers on any tax matter before any IRS office
Questions about Enrolled Agents?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Services
Payroll
Payroll processing and public works compliance, from weekly payroll to certified payroll and California apprenticeship reporting.
Payroll Processing
Accurate payroll and the federal and California filings that come with it.
Learn moreCertified Payroll
Certified payroll reporting for public works and prevailing wage projects.
Learn moreDAS Apprenticeship Compliance
Division of Apprenticeship Standards reporting for public works contractors.
Learn moreDIR Services
Department of Industrial Relations registration and compliance.
Learn moreHave a question?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Payroll Processing
Accurate payroll and the federal and California filings that come with it.
What's included
- Weekly, biweekly and semi-monthly payroll
- Forms 941 and 940
- California DE 9 and DE 9C
- Year-end W-2s and 1099s
Questions about payroll processing?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Certified Payroll
Certified payroll reporting for public works and prevailing wage projects.
What's included
- DIR electronic certified payroll (eCPR) submissions
- Federal WH-347 for Davis-Bacon projects
- Prevailing wage and fringe benefit calculations
- Records ready for labor compliance review
Questions about certified payroll?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
DAS Apprenticeship Compliance
Division of Apprenticeship Standards reporting for public works contractors.
What's included
- DAS 140 contract award notices
- DAS 142 apprentice dispatch requests
- Apprenticeship training fund contributions (CAC-2)
Questions about das apprenticeship compliance?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
DIR Services
Department of Industrial Relations registration and compliance.
What's included
- Public works contractor registration and annual renewal
- Project-level eCPR setup
- Responding to labor compliance and wage claims
Questions about dir services?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Services
Accounting
Full-service accounting and accounting system setup for businesses of every kind, with specialized experience in healthcare, manufacturing and construction.
Bookkeeping and Accounting
Clean, reconciled books and financial statements you can use to run your business.
Learn moreQuickBooks and ERP Setup
Systems and processes that help you understand your business and maintain compliance, from QuickBooks to full ERP implementations.
Learn moreAudit and Review Preparation
Get ready for audited or reviewed financial statements, with your books and schedules prepared and coordinated directly with your CPA.
Learn moreHealthcare Accounting
Accounting for medical, dental and healthcare practices.
Learn moreManufacturing Accounting
Cost accounting that shows what each product really costs to make.
Learn moreConstruction Accounting
Contractor accounting from a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP).
Learn moreHave a question?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Bookkeeping and Accounting
Clean, reconciled books and financial statements you can use to run your business.
What's included
- Monthly bookkeeping
- Bank and credit card reconciliations
- Monthly and year-end financial statements
- Catch-up and cleanup work
Questions about bookkeeping and accounting?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
QuickBooks and ERP Setup
Systems and processes that help you understand your business and maintain compliance, from QuickBooks to full ERP implementations.
What's included
- QuickBooks Online and Desktop setup
- ERP selection and implementation
- Chart of accounts and reporting design
- Data conversion from your old system
- Staff training and documented procedures
Questions about quickbooks and erp setup?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Audit and Review Preparation
Get ready for audited or reviewed financial statements, with your books and schedules prepared and coordinated directly with your CPA.
What's included
- Year-end close and adjusting entries
- Account reconciliations and supporting schedules
- Prepared-by-client (PBC) request lists
- Working directly with your CPA firm through fieldwork
Questions about audit and review preparation?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Healthcare Accounting
Accounting for medical, dental and healthcare practices.
What's included
- Payer deposit and revenue reconciliations
- Provider compensation and payroll
- Practice financial statements and budgeting
Questions about healthcare accounting?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Manufacturing Accounting
Cost accounting that shows what each product really costs to make.
What's included
- Inventory and cost of goods sold
- Labor and overhead shop rates
- Job and product costing
Questions about manufacturing accounting?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Construction Accounting
Contractor accounting from a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP).
What's included
- Job costing and WIP schedules
- Percentage-of-completion revenue
- AIA billing and retainage
- Bonding-ready financial statements
Questions about construction accounting?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Services
New Businesses
Starting a business in California? I work with new owners as a consultant and help with setup, from choosing an entity to running your first payroll.
Choosing a Business Entity
Pick the structure that fits your taxes, liability and plans.
Learn moreBusiness Registrations
Get registered with the agencies that apply to you.
Learn moreHiring Your First Employee
Employer setup before your first payroll.
Learn moreBookkeeping Setup
Start with books that are organized from day one.
Learn moreOngoing Compliance
Stay current on the filings that follow formation.
Learn moreHave a question?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Choosing a Business Entity
Pick the structure that fits your taxes, liability and plans.
What's included
- Sole proprietorship, LLC, S corporation or C corporation
- S corporation election (Form 2553)
- Owner pay and tax planning
Questions about choosing a business entity?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Business Registrations
Get registered with the agencies that apply to you.
What's included
- Formation with the California Secretary of State
- Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Seller's permit with the CDTFA
- City business license
Questions about business registrations?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Hiring Your First Employee
Employer setup before your first payroll.
What's included
- Employer registration with the EDD
- Payroll system setup
- Workers' compensation coverage
- New hire reporting
Questions about hiring your first employee?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Bookkeeping Setup
Start with books that are organized from day one.
What's included
- Business bank and credit card accounts
- QuickBooks setup and chart of accounts
- Receipt and document workflow
Questions about bookkeeping setup?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
Ongoing Compliance
Stay current on the filings that follow formation.
What's included
- Statement of Information filings
- California franchise tax and estimated payments
- A compliance calendar for your deadlines
Questions about ongoing compliance?
Every engagement begins with a one-on-one conversation about your goals.
About
Who I Am
Sarah Scott, Enrolled Agent
I'm Sarah Scott, an Enrolled Agent with a bachelor's degree in business administration, a master's degree in accounting with a specialization in taxation, and the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation. As an Enrolled Agent, I'm enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, with unlimited practice rights to represent taxpayers.
I like clear books, complicated problems, and systems that can be handed off without a séance with the former controller.
I want to understand the whole business: the operations, the people, and how the work actually gets done. Accounting is considerably more useful when you know what you're accounting for.
My expertise includes job and activity-based costing, sales and use tax, IRS issues, payroll taxes and compliance. I build processes that other people can understand, use and carry forward.
When you call, you reach me, not a call center. I serve clients throughout Southern California and work remotely with clients anywhere in the U.S.
Experience
- 2026 – PresentFinancial ControllerStructural steel fabrication and construction
- 2025 – 2026Assistant ControllerConstruction and engineering
- 2023 – 2026ControllerHealthcare treatment provider
Led financial operations following the CFO's departure, ensuring continuity and compliance. Partnered with auditors on year-end close, tax filings and acquisition due diligence.
- 2025Tax PreparationCPA practice, tax season
Business, trust and individual tax preparation and year-end accounting.
- 2023 – 2024General AdministratorRestoration contractor
Handled administrative and startup operations for a restoration company and its affiliated contracting entity, building core processes from the ground up, including payroll and workers' compensation.
Credentials
- Enrolled Agent, admitted to practice before the IRS · EA-00165326
- Master's degree in Accounting, specialization in Taxation
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration
- Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)
- IRS Authorized e-file Provider
Contact
Schedule a consultation
Email or send a message. I respond within one business day.
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