We are a Southern California firm with over 15 years
of tax preparation and bookkeeping experience, providing personal tax and small business bookkeeping services to individuals, families and the self-employed.
"We believe independent contractors, freelancers and self-employed persons should have the opportunity for "affordable" professional tax preparation, bookkeeping, and reporting services so you can focus on what you do best - growing your business."
- Chris Compton, CRTP AFSP
Owner, Essential Tax and Bookkeeping
About Us
With over 15 years of tax preparation experience in California serving individuals, families and of course, the self employed - oh yes, we are Schedule C gurus!
What sets us apart from other firms is that in addition to preparing and filing our clients’ personal tax returns, we specialize in helping small unincorporated business owners (freelancers, independent contractors, sole proprietors) grow their business without the stress and headaches of doing their own books and taxes. These areas aren’t just our primary focus - they’re our only focus!
Our expertise helps people:
- save time and money
- get a clearer picture of their finances
- stay organized and compliant for tax time, and
- file their taxes.
Perhaps you’re tech-savvy and run your business from your phone 24/7, but time is money and you hate taking time out to manage your finances. Keeping track of who owes you what; adding another shoebox to the shelf for your receipts; filing 1099’s for your contractors; keeping log sheets to write down those business miles; knowing which deductions you “can” and “can’t” take; getting organized for tax time - all of this can be daunting, taking precious time away from growing your business or relaxing with your family.
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We get it and we're here to help!
We'll manage your business income and expenses, saving you significant time and headaches.
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We'll produce monthly reports that show you how your business is performing.
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We'll stay on top of your quarterly and end-of-year responsibilities like estimated tax payments and 1099 submissions, to ensure everything is filed and paid on time.
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We'll prepare and file your taxes for you, with your business transactions neatly categorized to the right places, while maximizing your deductions to ensure you aren’t paying any more than you should be.
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And, we'll keep your books organized, so in the event of an audit, the documentation you need to substantiate your deductions will be there.
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Tax Preparation
and e-File
Professional Tax Preparation and e-File has never been easier with our online service. And with bank-level encryption, you can rest assured that your information stays safe and secure. Avoid the stress and hassle of old-school, paper-based, in-person tax appointments - we can do it all from the comfort of your home or office.
- Federal (1040)
- CA State (540)
- K-1 Reporting
- Capital Gains/Losses
- Rental Income
- Sales of Property/Investments
- Self-Employment Income/Expenses
- Maximize Tax Credits/Deductions
Federal 1040 and CA State Tax Preparation and e-File Services starting at $240.00.
To get started, Click Here!
See our fee schedule HERE
*Our firm specializes in Personal Tax and Bookkeeping services for Individuals, Independent Contractors, Freelancers and Sole-Proprietors. We do not provide any services for corporate entities (LLP, LLC, Corporations).
Our Fees
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Our firm’s focus is personal and self-employed tax and bookkeeping services. That means we don’t offer services to corporate entities, which enables us to offer very competitive rates!
Simple Federal 1040 / CA State 540 Tax Preparation and e-File: $240.00
for single, w-2 income-only filers with no itemized deductions or dependents
Advanced Federal 1040 / CA State 540 Tax Preparation and e-File: $280.00
w-2’s, 1099’s, interest/dividends, dependents, itemized deductions, associated qualifying tax credits
Self-Employment Income (Schedule C): $100.00 per business
income, expenses, business use of home, business use of vehicle(s)
Sales of Properties, Investments, K-1 Reporting (Schedule D): $100.00 per item
Rental Income, K-1 Income/Loss from Partnerships or S-Corps (Schedule E): $100.00
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(per rental property, partnership or S-corp)
Tax Preparation and e-File Additional States (other than CA): $150.00 per state
to get started
Bookkeeping
Affordable. Secure. Tax Compliant.
(and tax-deductible!)
Our bookkeeping services are tailor-made for the self-employed. Avoid the hassle of lengthy
spreadsheets and receipt organizers so you can focus on what you do best - growing your business.
Great for:
independent contractors
freelancers
sole-proprietors
Service Includes:
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Advanced Federal and CA State tax return preparation / e-file*
(a $380.00 value per year!) -
income and expense bookkeeping
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monthly profit & loss statement
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digital receipt capture
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max. 100 transactions per month
$175.00
monthly (recurring)
+ one time $300 setup/onboarding fee
ESSENTIAL
ESSENTIAL PLUS
Our most popular plan!
for those who pay contract labor and use a vehicle for business
Service Includes:
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All services in the ESSENTIAL
plan AND -
automated mileage tracking**
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end of year 1099 filing***
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quarterly estimated tax reminders
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max. 200 transactions per month
$225.00
monthly (recurring)
+ one-time $300 setup/onboarding fee
"Catch-Up" Services
Worried about end-of-year?
Struggling to organize all those receipts and transactions?
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We can help get you caught up
on your books for
tax time!
Contact Us Today
For a Free Quote!
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Bookkeeping Service Plan Conditions and Limits:
* Advanced federal 1040 / CA state 540 Tax Preparation and e-File includes one (1) Federal 1040, one (1) State CA540, and one (1) Schedule C per client, per year.
** Automated mileage tracking includes one (1) vehicle. Add'l vehicles add $25 per month, per vehicle.
*** End of year 1099 filing includes up to five (5) contractors. Add'l 1099 filings add $20 per contractor.
Get
in touch
Questions? Just ask-
We look forward to hearing from you!
472 Pine Knot Ave. #1713
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(760) 668-6676 (call or text)
Email: essentialtaxus@gmail.com
Essential Tax and Bookkeeping is a licensed, bonded and insured
tax preparation firm.
Registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
CTEC ID: #A335035
IRS AFSP Record of Completion.
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Member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).