Clear Tax Compass works with professionals, investors, and business owners who value thoughtful preparation and a more personal level of tax support. The right starting point depends on the level of guidance and continuity that makes sense for your situation.
Careful preparation with limited planning support
Preparation plus year-round coordination
A more active advisory relationship
Starting at $1,500 annually
For clients who want annual tax preparation handled thoughtfully, with limited planning support built into the process.
Preparation of your individual and applicable returns, review of income sources and supporting details, guidance around estimated payments and timing, identification of planning considerations relevant to your situation, and follow-up during the filing period.
This engagement works well for clients with meaningful income, some investment or rental activity, a single business, or limited international considerations, where the primary need is careful preparation with some planning context.
Starting at $3,500 annually
For clients who want annual preparation plus planning support and guidance during the year as questions and decisions come up.
Preparation of individual and applicable business returns, review of your current tax setup, planning conversations at key points during the year, coordination across income sources and entities, and guidance on tax-related questions within the agreed scope.
This engagement works well for clients managing rental activity, business ownership, K-1 income, multi-state filing, foreign income or reporting considerations, or other moving pieces that benefit from more than a once-a-year filing process. Charted Course provides structure and planning touchpoints, but it is not designed as continuous advisory access throughout the year.
Quoted after fit review
For clients who want a more active advisory relationship and greater continuity throughout the year.
Everything that may be covered under Charted Course, plus a more active planning cadence, priority access for time-sensitive tax questions, coordination with outside advisors such as attorneys, financial advisors, or bookkeepers, and guidance around tax-related decisions before action is taken.
This engagement is appropriate for clients with ongoing activity, evolving circumstances, or decisions throughout the year that benefit from informed input before action is taken. Scope and pricing are confirmed during the intake process.
The full rhythm of a CTC advisory year lives on the Roadmap page.
A limited-scope, stand-alone review engagement for prospective clients who want a second look at a prior return, recent filing period, or current tax picture before deciding whether to move forward.
Review of one to two prior year returns, observations on areas worth revisiting, identification of planning questions, and a brief consultation on next steps.
Compass Review is offered selectively. If you move forward with an ongoing engagement before your current year return has been filed, the review fee is applied toward your first year. No ongoing commitment is assumed or implied on either side.
Starting at $500
Interested in a Compass Review? Complete the intake form and note that you are inquiring about a review.
An Enrolled Agent is a federally licensed tax professional authorized to prepare returns, advise on tax matters, and represent taxpayers before the IRS. A CPA holds a broader state-issued accounting license, while the EA credential is focused specifically on taxation. For clients whose primary need is thoughtful tax preparation, planning, and IRS-related guidance, that tax focus is the point.
Tax preparation focuses on preparing and filing returns accurately based on what has already happened. Ongoing advisory extends that work throughout the year, so planning considerations, tax-related decisions, and changes in your situation can be addressed before filing season. The difference is less about forms and more about the level of guidance and continuity that makes sense for your situation.
Clear Tax Compass is generally structured around ongoing relationships rather than standalone annual filings. True North is the entry point for clients who primarily need annual preparation handled thoughtfully, with limited planning support built into the process. Compass Review is also available selectively for prospective clients who want a second look before deciding whether to move forward.
Responses are reviewed within a few business days. If your situation appears to be a good fit, you will hear back with next steps, which may include a short introductory call. If the practice is not the right match, you will still receive a response. The intake form is there to make sure the conversation is useful on both sides before anything begins.
Yes. Clear Tax Compass is a virtual practice and can work with clients outside California when the engagement is a good fit. Federal tax work is consistent regardless of location, and state-specific issues can be addressed as needed within the scope of the engagement.
If you think your situation may be a fit, the next step is a short intake form.
It takes a few minutes and helps determine whether and how we can work together.
Common gaps, warning signs, and questions worth asking when a tax situation has become more complex than a standard filing process can address.
