Yes. We provide secure virtual tax preparation services, making it easy for you to manage filings remotely. This option saves time while maintaining the same level of accuracy and professionalism as in person appointments. Our virtual process is designed for convenience without compromising quality or compliance.

Beyond any required Continuing Education, our team regularly attends training to keep us current on the evolving tax code.  Our accountants continuously monitor updates to federal and Washington state tax codes. Staying current ensures your filings are accurate, helps you avoid paying unnecessary tax and keeps you in compliance with the IRS and other reporting agencies.

Even if you believe the notice to be informative with no further action needed; provide us a complete copy of the notice as soon as possible. Some notices may require research and additional work before a response can be made.

Both reduce your overall tax bill, but in different ways:

A credit is a direct, dollar-for-dollar reduction of your actual tax liability. A $1,000 tax credit saves you exactly $1,000. We always analyze your situation to maximize both options.

A deduction lowers your taxable income. For example, if you are in the 22% tax bracket, a $1,000 deduction saves you $220.

We are here for you all year long! While tax season is our busiest period, we remain open throughout the year to handle ongoing business consulting, entity structuring, bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, and support for estate or life transitions. Please note that our hours are reduced during the off-season, so we kindly ask that you contact our office in advance to ensure availability before stopping by. Please reach out whenever a question arises.

We want to ensure that we provide the most accurate tax return possible. If all information needed to prepare and review the return is provided, we do our best to stand by a 3 week turn around. A few steps that will expedite the preparation time are:

• Provide your documents knowing that clarification and additional information might be needed.
• Utilizing your tax organizer to collect your tax documents.
• Notify your accountant when all documents have been provided, especially if providing your documents digitally.

To ensure our current clients receive the highest level of dedicated, proactive care, we intentionally manage our growth.

If you are interested in partnering with us, please reach out to our team. We start with a brief conversation to learn more about your needs. If our capacity permits and we are a strong mutual fit, we will guide you through our onboarding process.

The fastest way to check your refund status is directly through the taxing agencies:

• For Washington state business or property tax filings, or individual filings in other states, we can provide direct links to the appropriate regional portals. For electronic filings with direct deposit, refunds are typically processed within 21 days of submission.
• For federal refunds, use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov.

Discovering that your personal information has been compromised is incredibly stressful. Acting quickly is the best way to limit the damage, secure your accounts, and protect your tax filing status.

Here is a step-by-step recovery plan, including crucial actions required by the IRS:

Step 1: Secure Your Credit & Financial Accounts

Before dealing with tax specifics, immediately protect your broader financial footprint:

• Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a free, one-year fraud alert on your credit file. The bureau you contact is legally required to notify the other two.
• Freeze Your Credit: Consider a total credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
• Report the Theft to the FTC: File an official identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov. This will generate a personalized recovery plan and an official FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, which you will need when dealing with creditors.

Step 2: Handle Tax-Related Identity Theft

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a bogus refund.

If you know your data was compromised, but haven’t experienced tax issues yet:

You do not need to file a special form with the IRS, but you should proactively protect your tax account by opting into the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program detailed in Step 3.

If you receive an IRS notice or an e-file rejection:

If you try to e-file your tax return and it is rejected because a return has already been filed using your SSN, or if you receive a letter from the IRS (such as a Letter 5071C, 4883C, or 5747C) flagging a suspicious return:

1. Respond immediately: Follow the exact verification instructions outlined in the specific IRS letter you received.
2. File your real return by paper: Complete your actual tax return, fill out IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit), attach it to the back of your return, and mail it to the IRS.
3. Pay taxes due: Continue to file your returns and pay your taxes on time, even if you have to do so via paper mail while the IRS investigates the fraud.

Step 3: Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

An IP PIN is a unique, six-digit number assigned to you by the IRS that verifies your identity when you file. Once enrolled, the IRS will automatically reject any electronic return filed under your SSN that doesn’t include your exact IP PIN, effectively blocking scammers from filing in your name.

Confirmed identity theft victims are automatically enrolled by the IRS, but any taxpayer can proactively opt in for extra security.

How to Apply for an IP PIN

The IRS provides a few different pathways to secure an IP PIN depending on how you choose to verify your identity:

• Option 1: Online (Fastest Method)
  The quickest way to receive your number immediately is to log into your account online. If you don’t have an existing account, you will be prompted to verify your identity securely through ID.me.
  Apply or retrieve your PIN online: Go directly to IRS.gov/getanippin.
• Option 2: Submit a Paper Application
  If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is below $84,000 as an individual (or $168,000 if married filing jointly) and you are unable to verify your identity online, you can submit a paper application.
  Download the application form: Use IRS Form 15227. The IRS will call the phone number you provide on this form to verify your identity before mailing your PIN.
• Option 3: In-Person Appointment
  If you cannot verify your identity online or via the Form 15227 phone process, you can make an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. You will need to bring two forms of official identification.
  Find a local center: Use the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Locator or call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment.

Important IP PIN Reminder: A new IP PIN is generated for your account every single calendar year for security. If you opt into the program online, you must log back into your IRS online account every January to retrieve your new code, as the IRS will not mail it to you.

If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, please let our office know as soon as possible so we can properly guide your electronic filing process and help protect your account.

You have a couple of options:

Paper Checks

When making your payment, be sure to note the following in the memo of your check:

• The taxpayer social security number
• The tax year
• The reason for the payment (Balance Due or Estimated Tax)
• Example: Joe Taxpayer 123-45-6789 2025 Estimated Payment

Electronic Payment

You can simply pay your balance by going to https://www.irs.gov/payments:

When you get to the page to verify your identity, you will need to enter the taxpayer’s information (social security number, etc).

• You will have the option to pay directly from your bank account or by credit card (with a fee).
• Select Pay individual tax
• Select Make a payment
• Reason for Payment (Balance Due or Estimated Tax)

Effective tax strategy goes far beyond an annual filing deadline. By analyzing your financial picture year-round, we identify proactive ways to minimize your liability, maximize deductions, and ensure there are no stressful surprises come April. We handle the shifting regulations so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Whether you are managing an established company or launching a brand-new venture, we tailor our strategies to match your specific goals and industry challenges. We actively support our clients across all business structures:

• Sole Proprietors & LLCs: Streamlining your personal and business tax strategy.
• Partnerships & S-Corporations: Navigating complex entity compliance and profit distributions.
• C-Corporations & Nonprofits: Managing advanced corporate structures and charitable tax requirements.

From day-one startup decisions to long-term corporate growth, you continue to receive the same personalized attention and reliable guidance you trust.

Standard federal filing deadlines depend on your business entity type and whether your business operates on a calendar year (ending December 31) or a fiscal year:

• S-Corporations & Partnerships (Forms 1120-S & 1065): Due on the 15th day of the 3rd month following the close of the tax year.
  • Calendar year businesses: March 15th
• C-Corporations (Form 1120): Due on the 15th day of the 4th month following the close of the tax year.
  • Calendar year businesses: April 15th (Note: C-Corps with a fiscal year ending June 30 have a special deadline on the 15th day of the 3rd month—September 15th).
• Sole Proprietorships & Single-Member LLCs (Schedule C): Reported on your individual income tax return and due on April 15th.

Note: If any tax deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the due date automatically moves to the next business day.

If you are self-employed or run a business and use a specific portion of your home regularly and exclusively for work, you may qualify for the home office deduction. However, due to tax law changes, employees who receive a W-2 are generally not eligible for this deduction, even if they work remotely. We can help you determine if you meet the criteria.

Business tax preparation involves organizing and clarifying financial records, preparing federal and state returns, and ensuring compliance with the latest tax laws. At Bliss & Tuttle, CPAs, we have over four decades of experience assisting Olympia businesses with tax planning, preparation, and filing.

We handle the day-to-day and month-end financial recording for your business. This includes categorizing income and expenses, reconciling bank and credit card accounts, maintaining general ledgers, and delivering accurate financial statements.

We regularly provide core financial statements—primarily your Balance Sheet and Income Statement (Profit & Loss)—on a monthly or quarterly basis. These reports give you a clear, structured view of your business’s financial standing and ensure your records are ready for tax season.

We offer convenient, secure paperless options so you can easily upload digital files, bank statements, and receipts directly to us. If you have physical paper documents, you can bring them to our office, and we will convert them into digital copies for processing.

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your passing, while a trust allows you to manage and distribute assets both during your lifetime and after. Trusts can help streamline the transfer process and may offer added privacy.

We help clients evaluate which option fits their goals. In many cases, combining both tools creates a stronger and more flexible plan that supports your family’s future.

Estate planning documents should be reviewed every few years or following major life events—such as marriage, divorce, a new child, or a significant change in financial status. Periodic updates ensure your plan accurately reflects your current wishes and intent.

For client trusts, regular reviews are critical to ensure ongoing legal compliance and operational effectiveness as state laws and personal circumstances evolve.

CPAs ensure trust income, distributions, and related filings comply with tax laws. At Bliss & Tuttle, CPAs, we help trustees manage obligations while protecting beneficiaries’ interests. Estate planning services also extend to trust taxation, providing long term financial security and clarity for families managing complex assets. Our guidance ensures compliance and peace of mind.

Yes, estate planning is a key service we provide. Our CPAs assist with the tax implications of estates and trusts, ensuring assets are managed and transferred efficiently. This planning helps protect your legacy, reduce unnecessary tax burdens, and provide clarity for trustees and beneficiaries.