Individual Income Taxes

First of all, I want you to understand the difference between me and the folks at your favorite tax franchise (“Registered Tax Preparers” or RTPs).  Registered Tax Preparers have no formal educational requirement; they must pass an IRS exam, and take about 15 hours of Continuing Education each year.  On the other hand, licensed preparers such as Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents, and lawyers face high continuing education standards, and also have education and work experience requirements.

To become a CPA, I completed 150 hours of college-level education. I also passed the Uniform CPA examinations, worked under the supervision of a CPA, and I am required to complete 40 hours of continuing education annually.  Most importantly, I am subject to a Code of Ethics and various professional standards set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  I also adhere to practice regulations (laws) from set by the Texas State Board of Public Accountants.  For example, if I ever serve more than 11 months in prison (for anything) I will lose my CPA license.

Now you’re thinking: But my tax returns are simple!Well, they might not be.  As you change jobs, travel, and move from place to place – even as a single person – you encounter plenty of opportunities to save on taxes.  Unfortunately, you probably have don’t have a preparer for this year’s return, who cares about next year before it comes.  You likely don’t have someone who reads the Tax Code itself, and can recommend tax deductions for business models that did not exist before the year 2000.  Some of my clients are CPAs themselves, who trust me to ask them the right questions so they know what to look for when preparing their own tax returns – and yes, they read this blog weekly too.

Now, I’m sure you think that I’m really expensive, right?  Again, I’m sorry to disappoint, but I’m actually quite affordable.  My fees are very competitive, and I will tell you why.  I save you money by not spending on a lavish office – you’re too busy to come by anyway.  I use technology to serve clients in multiple states (and abroad), providing them flexibility and the utmost convenience.  My practice is relatively small and I am my own boss, so I can maintain intimate relationships with my clients.  I don’t have quotas, and because I have multiple streams of income, I can focuson quality, and not quantity.  I limit the number of returns I prepare per year, so I can provide the most overall value to my clients.

If you want the best tax consulting available on the market, please contact me at albertokagbue[ at] cpa [dot] com.

My Guarantee: If you receive an inquiry from any taxing authority, on a return prepared by my firm Cerebral Financial Strategies LLC, at no charge to you, we research the claim and draft an appropriate response, including any documentation required, for your review and signature. You will be responsible for additional taxes due if any. However, if we made an error, any penalties or interest assessed by the taxing authority will be refunded to you in the form of a service credit toward future tax preparation fees.