Italiano Tax Solutions, Inc. Dba Lacy Italiano, EA

Representation is a sizeable share of the work: answering notices from the taxing authorities, filing past-due returns, negotiating offers in compromise and installment agreements, and pressing for penalty abatement or innocent spouse relief. Liens, levies and trust fund recovery cases come through the same door. Lacy Italiano, an enrolled agent and a Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute, founded the firm in 2009 and runs it as president.

The rest divides between preparation and books. Returns are prepared for individuals and businesses as well as estates, trusts and nonprofits, with California sales tax and payroll tax work alongside, plus business set-up and probate accountings. Bookkeeping is led by a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor across both QuickBooks Online and Desktop, from initial setup and cleanup through monthly reconciliations and reporting. Account numbers and Social Security numbers are asked for through a secure portal, not by email.