OC TAX FILING · ORANGE COUNTY
Did you work abroad, move to California midyear, or earn income here after moving away? We review your federal and California filing requirements separately. Meet with us in Costa Mesa or work with us remotely.
HOW WE HELP
Living overseas does not automatically make you a U.S. nonresident for tax purposes. We start with your citizenship, immigration status, travel dates and income. For noncitizens, the green card and substantial presence tests can affect which federal return applies.
California generally taxes residents on income from all sources, including income earned abroad. For a nonresident, California generally taxes only California-source income. If you were a resident for part of the year, we separate income received while you were a resident from California-source income received during the rest of the year.
WHAT WE CAN DISCUSS
The exact work is confirmed before your preparation begins.
Learn about OC Tax Filing ↗FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA FILING
Suppose you moved away from Irvine but kept a rental property there. Rent from that property can still be California-source income. We review the move date, income and filing thresholds to determine whether you need Form 540NR.
FTB guide for part-year residents and nonresidentsA non-U.S. citizen who is a nonresident for federal tax purposes and must file an individual federal income tax return generally uses Form 1040-NR. Moving out of California alone does not make you a federal nonresident.
If you need a U.S. tax ID for a federal tax purpose and are not eligible for a Social Security number, Form W-7 is the IRS application for an ITIN. It generally accompanies a federal return unless an exception applies.
IRS instructions for Form W-7A U.S. person with a financial interest in or signature authority over reportable foreign accounts generally must file an FBAR if their combined value exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. The threshold applies across accounts, not to each one separately.
The FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) is filed separately with FinCEN, not with your income tax return. Tell us about foreign accounts before requesting a quote so we can identify whether separate help is needed.
FinCEN’s FBAR filing guidanceGET READY
Use this list as a starting point. We may need other records after learning more about your situation.
Do not send private documents through the contact form. Ask how to share them before sending.
PRICING
Our tax preparation services start at $125. Your quote for this service depends on the work needed. We confirm the fee and included returns before starting.
We quote based on the countries involved, income sources and forms needed.
Discuss your return ↗THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Start with the year and type of return. We discuss the work and fee.
We explain what documents are needed and how to share them.
Ask questions and approve the prepared return before the agreed filing.
Possibly. Wages for work performed in California or rent from California property can trigger a filing requirement if the applicable thresholds are met. If you need to file as a nonresident or part-year resident, you generally use Form 540NR.
No. California does not allow the federal foreign earned income exclusion or a personal foreign tax credit for income taxes paid to another country. If you were a California resident when you earned wages abroad, income excluded federally may still be taxable in California.
You can request individual return preparation using an existing ITIN. We confirm which returns we can prepare and whether your ITIN needs renewal. Applying for a number or verifying identity documents for a W-7 application is separate from preparing the return.
No. Your visa can affect which days count, but your travel history and other facts also matter. Bring both.
The focus is U.S. federal and California individual returns. Tell us which other countries are involved so we can confirm the scope before you start.
SERVING ORANGE COUNTY
Our office is in Costa Mesa, serving clients across Orange County.
Contact us to arrange a visit or ask about remote preparation.
