Personal Tax Preparation for Individuals & Families
Professional tax prep that fits your real life
When you are ready to move beyond DIY software, Nor Cal Tax offers personal tax preparation that helps individuals and families in Sacramento file accurately, maximize deductions, and feel confident about every return.
Tailored tax prep for your life stage
Support for young professionals, couples, families, and retirees
Your tax return should reflect where you are in life, not just what boxes you check on a screen. Whether you are a young professional with your first stock options, a newly married couple figuring out how to file together, or a growing family juggling childcare, education costs, and a new home, we adjust our personal tax preparation to fit your situation. For retirees, we help sort through pension income, Social Security, and retirement account withdrawals so nothing is overlooked. We take time to understand what changed for you this year and explain how those changes affect your individual income tax prep. With Nor Cal Tax, you get guidance that keeps pace with your life instead of treating every return the same.
Our approach to individual tax prep
Simple process, detailed review, year-round support
We make it easy to file taxes with a professional, especially if you are switching from TurboTax or another preparer. New clients can have last year’s return reviewed so we can spot any missed opportunities or recurring issues before we start. During preparation, we ask focused questions about your income, deductions, and credits, from student loan interest and HSA contributions to childcare expenses and education costs. Every return is prepared and reviewed by experienced professionals who know how to apply the rules to your specific situation. When tax season ends, we remain available year-round to answer questions about big decisions like buying a home, changing jobs, or expanding your family.
Common Tax Situations We Handle
From W-2s to side gigs, investments, and life changes
Most people’s taxes are more complex than they seem at first glance, especially when work, family, and finances are all changing at once. We regularly help W-2 wage earners fine-tune their withholding so they are not surprised by a big refund or balance due. Our team supports individuals with self-employed side income or gig work, making sure 1099 income, Schedule C details, and estimated taxes are handled correctly. We also help clients navigate investments, rental properties, and even crypto so that gains, losses, and reporting requirements are clear. To make it easier to see yourself in our services, here are a few of the situations we handle every year:
- W-2 employees who want to make sure their withholding is on track and their credits are fully used.
- Individuals with side gigs or 1099 income who need help tracking expenses and avoiding underpayment penalties.
- Families with children who want to understand childcare credits, education credits, and how life events affect their return.
- Investors and rental property owners who need clear reporting for stocks, funds, crypto, and real estate activity.
Explore more individual and family tax resources
Next steps for stress-free personal tax prep
Get started with a trusted, family-run tax preparer
Getting started with Nor Cal Tax is straightforward, whether you prefer to meet in person in Sacramento or work with us virtually. We provide a clear checklist of what to gather, help you upload documents securely, and keep you updated on progress until your return is filed. Along the way, you can ask questions about this year’s results and how to plan better for next year. Our goal is to make filing feel manageable, predictable, and confidently handled, not rushed or confusing. When you are ready, we are here to help you move your personal tax preparation off your plate and into expert hands.
Frequently asked questions about personal tax preparation
Clear answers for individuals and families
I usually use TurboTax—why should I hire someone?
Many people outgrow DIY software once they have multiple income sources, investments, or major life changes like marriage and children. A professional can ask follow-up questions software will never ask and spot patterns over time, such as repeated under-withholding or overlooked credits. We also provide advice about upcoming decisions, like whether to adjust your W-4 or change retirement contributions, so you are not just reacting each April. For many clients, the time saved, stress reduced, and potential tax savings make hiring a professional well worth it.
Will my information be safe and confidential?
Yes, we take your privacy and security very seriously and use secure systems to protect your data. Our client portal is designed for encrypted document upload and storage, so sensitive information does not travel through email. As tax professionals, we also follow strict ethical standards and confidentiality rules. You can feel comfortable sharing the details we need to complete your family tax preparation accurately and securely.
How quickly can my taxes be done?
Turnaround time depends on the complexity of your return and how quickly we receive complete information from you. Many straightforward personal returns can be completed within several days once all documents are in, while more complex situations may take a bit longer to review thoroughly. Our priority is accuracy and clarity rather than rushing, and we communicate with you about timing and next steps. Once finished, we e-file your return so you can receive any refund as quickly as the IRS allows.
Can you help if I worked in multiple states or had multiple jobs?
Yes, we regularly assist clients who moved during the year, worked in more than one state, or juggled several jobs. Multi-state returns and multiple W-2s can be confusing in DIY software, especially when credits, withholdings, and part-year residency rules are involved. As Enrolled Agents, we are trained to handle these complexities and ensure each state is filed correctly. We walk you through how your income is allocated and explain any differences from prior years so you understand the results.
Do you offer any discounts for new clients or referrals?
While specific promotions may vary, we focus first on delivering strong value through careful, thorough tax preparation. Many clients find that the potential savings from accurate filing, better planning, and error avoidance easily outweighs the cost of our service. We encourage you to ask about current pricing and any available programs when you contact us, so you have a clear picture before we begin. Regardless of discounts, our goal is to become your long-term tax partner, providing consistent support year after year.
