Donna L. Stern, C.P.A.

Every year, tax season rolls around, and many Orange County residents rush to get their filings in. But in the process, a lot of people, especially professionals, business owners, and high earners, make the same mistakes. These missteps can lead to audits, delays, or paying more than necessary. While online software has made taxes more “DIY,” there’s still a lot that can go wrong, especially when your income or financial situation is more complex. At Donna L. Stern, C.P.A. , we’ve seen it all, from missed deductions to incorrectly filed investment income. Here are the top mistakes we see people in Orange County making when it comes to their taxes. Overlooking Local and State Tax Nuances Many Orange County residents don’t realize that California tax rules can be very different from federal ones. For instance, some deductions allowed by the IRS aren’t permitted by the California Franchise Tax Board. People often assume that if their federal return looks good, their s...

  When it comes to taxes, everyone wants to get it right. That’s especially true in Orange County, where financial situations can get complicated fast. Whether you’re a business owner, a high-income earner, or simply someone with investments and multiple income streams, working with a seasoned tax preparer isn’t just helpful, it’s smart. But how much does it cost to hire a tax preparer in Orange County? Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know what to expect before you schedule your next appointment. Pricing Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All The truth is, the cost of tax preparation varies widely. It depends on a few key things: The complexity of your return The number of income sources you have Whether you own a business or rental properties If you’re filing jointly or separately The credentials and experience of the tax preparer In Orange County, a basic tax return might cost a few hundred dollars. But if your financial picture is more complicated, say, you own a busin...

When it comes to filing taxes, every state has its own set of rules, deductions, and incentives, and California is no exception. If you’re a resident, there are several strategic ways to reduce your tax liability or improve your overall financial plan. Some of these advantages are well-known, others are more subtle, but all are worth exploring. At Donna L. Stern, C.P.A. , we specialize in personal, estate, and trust tax services for clients in Orange County. Our expertise helps high-net-worth individuals and families take advantage of California’s complex tax landscape in efficient and compliant ways. Here are some of the most relevant tax strategies and programs for our clients: Health Insurance Penalty Avoidance While not a tax credit, California’s individual mandate for health insurance functions as a potential penalty on your return. If you’re uninsured, you may face a penalty unless you qualify for an exemption. For high-income taxpayers, this is usually not a...

Every year, tax season rolls around. And every year, people ask the same question: When should I start getting ready to file? If you live in Orange County, California, the answer might be sooner than you think. Many people wait until January or February to start thinking about their taxes. But if you’ve ever found yourself rushing to gather paperwork at the last minute, you know that’s not ideal. Whether you’re dealing with personal income taxes, self-employment income, or more complex matters like estate and trust tax in Orange County , starting early can save you a lot of stress. Here’s a practical guide to help you know when and how to begin preparing your taxes, especially if you want the process to go smoothly. Don’t Wait Until January: The Benefits of Early Planning It might seem odd to talk about taxes in the fall, but believe it or not, the best time to start preparing is before the year ends. That’s because tax planning and tax preparation are two different t...