How do I prepare and file my federal and state tax return?

Preparing and filing your federal and state tax return begins with gathering accurate income records, deductions, and tax documents. Tax Wise Pros reviews your financial information, identifies available deductions and credits, and prepares both federal and state returns to ensure accuracy and compliance while also providing proactive tax planning guidance.

What documents do I need to provide for tax preparation?

Most individuals will need W-2s, 1099 forms, prior year tax returns, mortgage interest statements (Form 1098), investment or brokerage statements, retirement contribution records, and documentation for deductions or credits. Tax Wise Pros provides a personalized checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

How do 401(k) distributions affect my taxes?

Most 401(k) distributions are taxable as ordinary income. Withdrawals before age 59½ may also trigger early withdrawal penalties unless an exception applies. Required Minimum Distributions can significantly impact retirement tax brackets without proper planning.

What tax strategies can retirees use to save more?

Retirees may benefit from Roth IRA conversion strategies, coordinating Social Security timing with withdrawals, managing Required Minimum Distributions, capital gains planning, income bracket management, and charitable giving strategies. Tax Wise Pros focuses on long-term retirement tax efficiency.

How is an Enrolled Agent different from a CPA or tax attorney?

An Enrolled Agent is federally licensed by the U.S. Treasury and specializes in taxation with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. CPAs often focus on accounting and reporting, while tax attorneys specialize in complex legal tax matters.

How long does the IRS have to audit my tax return?

In most cases, the IRS has three years from the filing date to audit a return. This period may extend to six years in cases of substantial underreporting and is unlimited in cases of fraud or failure to file.

What are the benefits of working with a professional tax planner?

Working with a professional tax planner provides long-term tax reduction strategies, retirement income optimization, proactive year-end planning, reduced IRS risk, and greater peace of mind.

TAX PREPARATION AND PLANNING SERVICES

Tax Wise Pros, founded by Enrolled Agent Susan Alefi, EA, was built on care, integrity, and a holistic approach—helping clients navigate today’s tax needs while planning confidently for the future.

Welcome to Tax Wise Pros!

Tax Wise Pros, owned and operated by Susan Alefi, EA, was founded with the vision of providing a more thoughtful, strategic approach to tax preparation. We specialize in individual tax returns (Form 1040), federal and state filings, and trusts and estates. Our focus is not just on filing, but on helping clients plan for better tax outcomes over the long term.

As an Enrolled Agent, Susan is federally licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS, and her clients’ best interests are at the heart of everything she does. Remote services are available to clients across the U.S.

Why I Started Tax Wise Pros:

After 30 years in the financial industry, I saw that most tax prep is rushed and transactional—focused on deadlines, not outcomes. People rarely get expert advice to improve their returns. I started Tax Wise Pros to change that, offering thoughtful, strategic tax preparation that helps clients plan ahead and keep more of what they earn.

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Tax Preparation

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Roth IRA Conversion Strategies

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Remote Services Across US

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Tax Planning Services

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401(k) Strategies

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Managing taxes and financial planning can be complex, but our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

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MANAGING TAXES

PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN ALEFI, EA FOR TAX PREPARATION AND TAX PLANNING SERVICES

If you just want tax preparation and nothing more, that’s ok... give us a call. We will be careful, accurate, and we will provide a good price for great work!

And if you want tax preparation along with a more comprehensive long term planning approach, then that's where we shine the brightest!

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Tax Planning & Preparation FAQ

Clear answers from Tax Wise Pros to help you file, plan, and save with confidence.

Preparing and filing your federal and state tax return begins with gathering accurate income records, deductions, and tax documents. At Tax Wise Pros, we review your financial information carefully, identify available deductions and credits, and prepare both federal and state returns to ensure accuracy and compliance. We also evaluate opportunities to improve your tax position for future years through proactive planning.

Most individuals will need:

W-2s (employment income)
1099 forms (self-employment, interest, dividends, retirement income, etc.)
Prior year tax return
Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)
Investment or brokerage statements
Retirement contribution records
Documentation for deductions or credits

If you’re unsure, we provide a personalized checklist so nothing is missed.

We offer secure virtual tax preparation services nationwide. Most clients meet with us remotely using secure online systems and video consultations. In-person appointments may be available upon request in the San Diego area.

If you missed a filing deadline, the IRS may assess penalties and interest. We can prepare and file prior-year returns, evaluate penalty relief options, and communicate with the IRS on your behalf to help resolve the issue quickly.

Most 401(k) distributions are taxable as ordinary income. Withdrawals before age 59½ may also trigger early withdrawal penalties. Required Minimum Distributions can significantly affect retirement tax brackets without proper planning.

Roth IRA conversion strategies
Social Security and withdrawal coordination
Required Minimum Distribution management
Capital gains planning
Income bracket control
Charitable giving strategies

We focus on long-term retirement tax efficiency, not just annual filing.

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is federally licensed by the U.S. Treasury and specializes in taxation with unlimited IRS representation rights. CPAs focus on accounting and reporting, while tax attorneys handle complex legal matters.

The IRS generally has three years to audit a return, extended to six years for substantial underreporting, and unlimited time in cases of fraud or failure to file.

Choose a federally licensed Enrolled Agent with experience in tax planning and IRS representation. Tax Wise Pros serves clients nationwide through secure virtual consultations, with in-person options in San Diego.

Long-term tax reduction strategies
Retirement income optimization
Proactive year-end planning
Reduced IRS risk
Peace of mind

Year-end tax planning typically takes a few weeks. Starting several months before December 31 allows time to implement strategies such as Roth conversions, income timing, and charitable planning.