▸ Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
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Q1
What is an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax practitioner licensed directly by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The credential is generally earned by passing a three-part IRS examination covering individual tax, business tax, and representation, and it comes with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS — the same practice rights held by CPAs and tax attorneys. Unlike a CPA license, which is state-issued and covers broad accounting practice, the EA credential is federal and focused entirely on tax. You can verify any Enrolled Agent — including me — in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.
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Q2
What do you charge?
It depends on complexity — a single-state W-2 return is a very different job from an S corporation with multi-state activity. Rather than publish a menu that won't fit your situation, I quote a flat fee up front after a short conversation about what your return involves. No surprises, and no charge for the initial conversation.
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Q3
Do I need to be near Boston to work with you?
No. I meet local clients in person, but most tax work today is done remotely — secure document exchange, email, and video calls. State returns can be prepared for any state, and multi-state situations are a particular focus of mine.
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Q4
How will you handle my documents?
Carefully — this is the part of the job my previous career prepared me for. I spent years as a security engineer protecting sensitive healthcare data, and I apply the same standards here: documents are exchanged through secure channels, not loose email attachments, and access is limited strictly to the people who prepare your return — nothing is outsourced, and no one sees your information who doesn't need to.
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Q5
Can you help if I've fallen behind on filings?
Yes. Unfiled years, amended returns, and catch-up filings are routine work, not a judgment situation. The sooner it's addressed, the more options you have — including first-time penalty relief that's often available when your filing history is otherwise clean.
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Q6
When should I reach out?
Earlier than you think. For tax preparation, ideally before year-end or in January — the best planning moves happen before December 31, not in April. For entity questions (LLC, S election, incorporation), reach out before you make the change, since timing often drives the tax result. And for IRS notices: right away. Notices have deadlines, and they rarely improve with age.