DON'T FILE ON AUTOPILOT.
Tax laws changed. Your life may have changed. Your income may have changed. Before you file your 2026 taxes in 2027, learn about tax changes, credits, deductions and documentation that may apply to your situation.
Start informed. Show up prepared.
California Income Tax Counsel helps you understand what may apply to you, what records your preparer may need, and what questions are worth asking before your return is completed.
Three steps before we prepare your return.
Discover
Get the FREE 2027 Money Season List and learn about selected tax changes that may affect different taxpayers.
Prepare
Use the Tax Opportunity Finder to identify records, documents and tax areas you may want to discuss with your preparer.
USE THE FINDERSchedule
Choose an Oakland or virtual appointment and have California Income Tax Counsel review your individual situation.
CHOOSE MY APPOINTMENTTax changes worth asking about before you file.
These are selected federal tax-year 2026 provisions. Eligibility depends on income, filing status, documentation and other requirements.
Raising Children?
Up to $8,231The maximum 2026 Earned Income Tax Credit is $8,231 for certain eligible taxpayers with three or more qualifying children.
Age 65 or Older?
Up to $6,000Eligible taxpayers age 65+ may qualify for an additional federal deduction of up to $6,000 per eligible person. Income limits apply.
Worked Overtime?
$12,500 / $25,000Qualified overtime compensation may be deductible up to applicable limits for eligible taxpayers.
Earned Tips?
Up to $25,000Certain workers in qualifying tipped occupations may be eligible for a deduction of qualified tips, subject to the rules.
Financed a Qualifying Vehicle?
Up to $10,000Certain taxpayers may qualify for a deduction for eligible passenger-vehicle loan interest.
Don't Guess
Ask.The point of Money Season is not to assume you qualify. It is to know what changed and have your actual situation reviewed.
Don't show up to tax season guessing what paperwork you need.
The Tax Opportunity Finder helps you identify tax areas that may require documentation or deserve a closer conversation with your preparer.
The goal is to help you arrive better prepared so California Income Tax Counsel can evaluate the credits, deductions and legitimate tax benefits for which you may qualify.
OPEN THE TAX OPPORTUNITY FINDERAreas the Finder can help you think through:
- Children & dependents
- Multiple W-2 jobs
- Side-hustle income
- 1099 / self-employment income
- Business expenses
- Mileage
- Rental property
- Education expenses
- Investment income
- Child-care expenses
- Retirement
- Overtime
- Tips
Then unlock more than tax preparation.
When your qualifying tax appointment is scheduled and completed with California Income Tax Counsel, you receive 90 Days FREE of OnStage PLUS Premium .
VALUE
90 Days of OnStage PLUS Premium plus 3 Digital Skills Courses, included after a qualifying tax appointment is completed.
Promotional eligibility and redemption terms may apply. Digital-skills education does not guarantee income, employment or business results.
One relationship for tax, accounting and business support.
Personal Tax Preparation
Federal and California return preparation for individuals and families.
Schedule βBusiness & Corporate Tax
Tax preparation for self-employed professionals, partnerships and businesses.
Schedule βAccounting & Bookkeeping
QuickBooks support, A/P, A/R, records and year-round financial organization.
Talk With Us βPayroll
Payroll organization, employee information and related business support.
Ask About Payroll βFinancial Statements
Profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow and customized reporting.
Discuss Reporting βTax Planning
Year-round conversations designed to improve readiness and reduce surprises.
Wealth Pathways βNotices & Audit Support
Help understanding notices, organizing documents and addressing appropriate tax matters.
Request Assistance βInsurance Services
Connect with Broker Jimmie Lee Oliver about available individual and business insurance services.
Broker Information βTax preparation that understands how you earn.
Choose your situation to see common areas to organize and discuss with your preparer.
Click a topic to learn what to prepare
Build Your Wealth Pathways.
Your return tells you what happened last year. Wealth Pathways helps turn what you learn into practical financial steps for the year ahead.
Review withholding, credits and legitimate deductions.
Improve records, budgeting and tax readiness.
Create savings and explore new-income skills.
Use tax season as a year-round financial checkpoint.
Waiting longer usually doesn't make the problem smaller.
If you missed a filing deadline, the next useful step is to understand where you stand and get moving.
Start with what you have.
You don't need a perfectly organized folder before contacting us. Our team can help identify missing records and the information you need next.
Over 40 years of experienceβwith a modern way to work.
California Income Tax Counsel / CA Alumni Insurance Services provides tax preparation, tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, accounting support and insurance services for individuals, families, self-employed professionals and businesses.
Our Oakland office serves clients who prefer face-to-face service. Virtual appointments and our secure client process allow us to support tax clients throughout California.
Oakland, CA 94610
Choose Your Tax Appointment
Select an available date and time below. Meet with California Income Tax Counsel in Oakland or schedule a virtual appointment.
Select an Available Appointment
Choose your preferred date and time.
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OPEN APPOINTMENT CALENDARConnect With Our Team
Send us your information and tell us how we can help. Your submission goes directly to our team. Check your email for our immediate assistance process and expect a call within 48 hours from a live person.
Jimmie Lee Oliver
510-238-8800
707-318-1613
3608 Grand Avenue, Suite 202
Oakland, CA 94610
Available throughout California