Los Angeles Office

Services We Offer

🧾 Tax Preparation - Los Angeles

Year-round filing made simple for individuals and small businesses. From W-2s to 1099s - we’ll handle it all.

🧮 Tax Resolution

🧾 Tax Preparation - Los Angeles

Got an IRS letter? Don’t panic. We’ll help you resolve back taxes, payment plans, and prior-year filings quickly and confidently.

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🤝 For Tax Professionals

🧾 Tax Preparation - Los Angeles

🤝 For Tax Professionals

Join our Service Bureau network for tools, training, and real support that help your tax business grow.

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📅 APPOINTMENTS, INTAKE & DOCUMENTS

How to Schedule an Appointment?

Appointments can be scheduled online at TheSolutionsCenter.net/appointments or by contacting us directly.

Please complete the Client Intake Form at least 30 minutes before your appointment.

Do I need to complete an intake before my visit?

Yes. Completing the intake first lets us confirm your ID, documents, and the right preparer-saving you time.

Please complete the Client Intake Form

Need to send an extra document?

The Solutions Center Document Form: Upload Documents.

How do I get copies of my return?

We can provide electronic copies upon request. Paper copy fees may apply.

You may also obtain copies of past tax returns from the IRS website, but it usually involves mailing in Form 4506 and paying a fee, while free tax transcripts (which summarize your return) are available online or by mail using Form 4506-T. For a full, exact copy of your original return with all attachments (like W-2s), use Form 4506; for a summary (transcript) for free, use Form 4506-T or the online Get Transcript tool.

To check the status of your refund: Where’s My Refund.

💳 PAYMENTS & FEES

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash and Zelle (preferred), as well as payments through QuickBooks using the secure quick links available on our Pricing page.

For Zelle payment details - contact us to confirm our ZELLE recipient information.

All payments must be completed before your return is e-filed or services are finalized.

Can I pay my fees using my tax refund?

Yes! We offer a Pay-by-Refund option for clients who qualify.

With this option, your tax preparation fees are deducted directly from your refund once it’s issued - no upfront payment required.

Please note that this service is only available for current-year tax returns that generate a refund, and all approvals are processed through our partnering bank.

Learn more on our Pricing page.

What is Refund-Pay (Pay by refund)?

A refund transfer lets you pay your prep fees from your refund. Bank and processing fees apply.
Why it costs more: Additional bank and processing fees apply when you choose this option instead of paying upfront.
Important: Once your return is submitted using Pay by Refund, the payment method cannot be changed. If the IRS delays, offsets, or reduces your refund, there is a risk we may not be paid for services already completed.

Why does my refund show a “bank product” account number?

That’s the temporary account used for Pay‑by‑Refund. It disappears once your fees are paid.

⏳ REFUNDS, TIMING & OFFSETS

How long will it take to get my refund?

Refund timing varies based on IRS processing and your individual tax situation. While we prepare and file your return as efficiently as possible, we do not control IRS processing timelines.

Most refunds are issued within 21 days after the IRS accepts an electronically filed return, but delays can occur. You can check the status of your refund directly with the IRS using their Where’s My Refund tool.

Why is my refund taking longer than others?

Refund timing varies from taxpayer to taxpayer. Processing times can be affected by IRS workload, identity verification reviews, return accuracy checks, or items that require additional review.

These delays are common and do not necessarily indicate a problem with your return.

For the most up-to-date status, please Check Where’s My Refund.

Did my tax preparer do something wrong if my refund is delayed?

In most cases, refund delays are related to IRS processing and not an issue with your tax return or preparation.

We’re happy to help you review your refund status and explain any next steps based on what the IRS is showing.

Did The Solutions Center receive my refund?

No. The Solutions Center does not receive or hold client refunds.

If Pay-By-Refund was selected, a third-party processing bank temporarily handles the refund only to deduct authorized fees, then releases the remaining funds to you.

What are offsets?

Part of your refund may be taken to pay certain debts. See the U.S. Treasury’s Offset Program: Treasury Offset (800‑304‑3107). NOTE: Federal and some state debts can reduce or fully offset your refund.

Why does my refund show a different bank account number than mine?

If you chose Pay-By-Refund (where preparation fees are taken out of your refund), the IRS may show a temporary processing bank account instead of your personal bank account.

This account belongs to the refund processing bank used to collect preparation fees not to The Solutions Center and not to your tax preparer personally.

Once fees are deducted, the remaining refund is sent to your bank account or issued as a check, based on the delivery method you selected.

The IRS often references the processing bank’s account number, which can cause confusion, but this does not mean your refund was redirected or taken by our office.

IRS paper checks are being phased out - what does that mean?

Starting September 30, 2025, the IRS will stop issuing most paper refund checks. Refunds will be sent electronically (direct deposit or other approved digital payment options). This change is part of a government-wide effort to modernize payments, reduce fraud, and speed up refund delivery.

What you should do:

Choose direct deposit when filing your tax return.
Make sure your bank routing and account numbers are up to date.
If you don’t have a bank account, ask The Solution Center about alternative refund options.

Note: Limited exceptions may apply for those unable to access electronic banking. If you typically pay taxes by check, consider switching to IRS Direct Pay or other online options to avoid delays.

Learn more on IRS.gov

📨 IRS LETTERS, ID & COMPLIANCE

What if I receive a letter from the IRS asking to verify my identity?

Follow the instructions immediately and keep copies. Reach out if you need help understanding the request.
Identity verification is done through ID.me.

What are ID.me and an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?

ID.me

ID.me is the IRS’s identity verification system used to confirm your identity online. You may be required to complete ID.me verification to access your IRS account, respond to notices, or release information to your tax professional.

If you receive a request to verify your identity through ID.me, follow the instructions promptly and keep copies for your records. Contact us if you need help understanding the request.

IRS Identity PIN (IP PIN)

An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to help prevent tax-related identity theft. When an IP PIN is assigned, it must be included on your tax return each year to avoid processing delays or rejection.

You can learn more or obtain an IP PIN directly from the IRS here: Get an IP PIN.

What happens if I get audited?

We offer guidance and support. Keep your letters and contact us—don’t ignore deadlines.

Can you help me if I need an extension?

Yes. We can file your extension. Remember: an extension to file is not an extension to pay.

What do I need to provide for an amended return?

To review and prepare an amended return, please upload all of the following:

• A copy of the originally filed tax return

• All new or corrected documents related to the change (W-2s, 1099s, credits, IRS notices, etc.)

• Current-year IRS IP PIN (if applicable)

Some amended returns must be filed by paper depending on the tax year and IRS requirements. Our team will determine the appropriate filing method.

Please upload these documents using our Document Upload Form and select “Amended Return (1040-X Review)” as the document type.

Amended returns are reviewed and billed upfront. Full tax intake is not required unless we determine additional information is needed.

💼 BUSINESS & ADVANCED TOPICS

How will my side hustle or small business affect my taxes?

Revenue and expenses are reported on Schedule C (or business return). Keep good records for mileage, supplies, home office, and merchant fees.

What business expenses can I deduct?

Ordinary & necessary expenses for your trade—think advertising, supplies, software, mileage, a portion of phone/internet, merchant fees, and professional services.

Which entity is best for my business (LLC, Sole Prop, Partnership, Corp)?

It depends on liability, taxes, and admin needs. We’ll walk options and timing so you choose what fits now and later.

Why isn’t FTB 100 / FTB 563 / CDTFA included in standard business tax fees?

FTB 100, FTB 563, and CDTFA filings are separate state filings handled by different agencies and are not part of a standard business tax return.

These filings often require additional records, reconciliation, and agency-specific review, so pricing depends on the scope of work involved.

🚫 WHEN THE IRS OR STATE CHANGES YOUR RETURN

Why was my credit rejected or disallowed on an older tax return (prior year)?

When filing older tax returns or amendments, it is common for the IRS to:

Reject certain credits initially
Request additional documentation
Or require the return to be processed by paper instead of electronically

This does not automatically mean the credit was filed incorrectly.

Why does this happen?

For prior-year filings, the IRS often applies additional review and validation steps before allowing certain credits. This can include:

Manual review of credit eligibility
Stricter validation rules than those applied to current-year returns
Requests for additional proof that may not be accepted through electronic filing
Limitations on finalizing certain credits through tax software alone

In some cases, the IRS may require:

Supporting documentation
Additional clarification
Or submission of the return through paper processing to complete the review

These steps are part of standard IRS procedures for older tax years and do not necessarily mean the credit was claimed incorrectly.

Does this mean the credit was not valid?

Not necessarily.

There are two common outcomes:

The credit is valid, but the IRS needs more information or a different submission method
The credit is ultimately not allowed due to IRS rules that may differ from what was initially expected

We review the notice to determine which applies before taking action.

Is this caused by tax software or the preparer?

No. This can occur:

Even when the return is prepared correctly
Even when the information is accurate
Even when the credit was allowed in similar situations before

Older tax years are processed differently by the IRS and are more likely to trigger manual handling.

What happens next if a credit is disallowed?

If this occurs:

Upload the IRS notice here:The Solutions Center Document Form and select “IRS / FTB Notice or Letter” as the document type.

We will review the notice and determine whether:
- Additional documentation is required
- A paper filing is needed
- Or the credit cannot be pursued further under IRS rules

You will be advised of next steps before any additional work is performed.

💳 REFUND POLICY

Do you offer refunds?

Due to the nature of tax preparation and advisory services, all fees are non-refundable once work has begun.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Tax preparation and filing
Amendments or prior-year returns
Consultations and research
Responses to IRS, FTB, or other agency notices

Time, expertise, and resources are committed immediately upon engagement, regardless of the outcome or agency decision.

Why are fees non-refundable?

Tax services involve professional analysis, preparation, and submission based on the information available at the time. While we advocate for our clients and prepare filings in accordance with tax law, final determinations are made by the IRS or state agencies, not by our firm.

Because the service is performed regardless of the result, refunds are not issued.

How much does it cost to use The Solutions Center?

The cost of using The Solutions Center varies depending on your specific tax needs. We offer competitive pricing and will provide you with a personalized quote based on your requirements.

⚠️ Important to Know

IRS decisions on credits are based on their review process, not on guarantees from tax preparers or software. While we prepare returns based on the law and available information, final determination always rests with the IRS.

For prior-year filings, it is common for the IRS to initially reject or question certain credits. Older returns are often reviewed manually and may require additional documentation or paper processing. This does not automatically mean the credit was filed incorrectly. In some cases, the IRS simply needs more information or a different submission method to complete review.

📄 IRS,FTB, OR OTHER TAX AGENCY NOTICES

I received a letter from the IRS, Franchise Tax Board, or another tax agency. What do I do?

Do not respond to the letter yourself.

Instead, upload the entire notice here: The Solutions Center Document Form as soon as possible.

👉 Use the “Did You Receive a Letter?” button on our Home Page to submit your notice.

Once submitted, our team will:

Review the letter
Determine what action (if any) is required
Contact you with next steps and pricing before any work is done

What types of letters should I upload?

Upload any letter that looks tax-related, including:

IRS notices (CP letters, balance due, audit, identity verification, etc.)
Franchise Tax Board (FTB) notices
State tax agency letters
Payroll tax or sales tax notices
Letters requesting information, payment, or response
“Scary” letters even if you’re not sure what they mean

👉 If you’re unsure - upload it anyway.

Should I call the IRS or FTB before uploading the letter?

No. Please upload the letter first.

Calling the agency before we review the notice can:

Complicate the case
Create conflicting timelines
Result in statements being made without proper context

We’ll advise you if and when a call is necessary.

Is uploading the letter the same as hiring you to fix it?

No. Uploading the letter:

Does not automatically start paid work
Allows us to review the issue
Helps us determine the correct service and pricing

You will always receive confirmation before any work begins.

Can I email or text a picture of the letter instead?

No. For security and tracking purposes, all tax notices must be uploaded through our form.

This ensures:

Nothing gets lost
We have a documented record of the notice

What if I received multiple letters?

Upload each letter (or all pages together) in one submission, making sure all pages are included.

Missing pages can delay review.

What if I already responded or paid something?

Still upload the letter and any proof of response or payment.

We need the full picture to determine next steps.

I think the letter is a mistake. Do I still need to upload it?

Yes. Many notices are issued in error but they still require review.

Ignoring or assuming it’s a mistake can result in penalties or enforcement.

Get Started on Your Tax Preparation