Tax Center
Key deadlines, refund tracking, record-keeping guidance and answers to common questions — all in one place.
Upcoming tax due dates
Key federal and California deadlines for the 2027 filing season. When a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
| Date | Who | What’s due |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2027 | Individuals | Fourth-quarter 2026 federal and California estimated tax payments due. |
| Feb 1, 2027 | Employers | W-2s to employees and most 1099-NEC/1099-MISC forms to recipients and the IRS. |
| Mar 15, 2027 | Businesses | Partnership (Form 1065) and S corporation (Form 1120-S) returns, or file for extension. |
| Apr 15, 2027 | Individuals & C corps | 2026 individual returns (Form 1040 / CA 540) and C corporation returns due, or file for extension. First-quarter 2027 estimated payments due. Last day for 2026 IRA and HSA contributions. |
| Jun 15, 2027 | Individuals | Second-quarter 2027 federal and California estimated tax payments due. |
| Sep 15, 2027 | Individuals & businesses | Third-quarter federal estimated payment due. Extended partnership and S corporation returns due. |
| Oct 15, 2027 | Individuals | Extended 2026 individual returns due. |
Track your refund
Have your Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount handy.
Your client portal
Your data is safe with us. The client portal protects your information with multiple layers of security, so you never have to email sensitive documents.
- Upload tax documents from your computer or phone
- Download current and prior-year returns anytime
- Encrypted storage and transfer, available 24/7
New to the portal?
Register, then email Sandy so she can approve your account and upload your returns.
Sending documents
Scan or photograph each document clearly and upload them in one batch when you can.
Prefer paper?
Fax documents to (925) 362-9969 or bring them to your appointment.
Record retention guide
General guidelines for how long to keep financial records. Your situation may differ — ask Sandy if you’re unsure.
| Record | How long to keep it |
|---|---|
| Tax returns & supporting documents | At least 3 years from the filing date (7 years if you claimed a bad-debt or worthless-securities deduction). Many CPAs recommend keeping the returns themselves permanently. |
| W-2s, 1099s & K-1s | Keep with the return for the same period. |
| Home purchase & improvement records | Until 3 years after you sell the property and report the sale. |
| Investment purchase records | Until 3 years after the investment is sold, to support cost basis. |
| Retirement account records (Form 8606, statements) | Permanently, to document nondeductible contributions. |
| Business payroll records | At least 4 years after the tax is due or paid. |
| Business receipts & bank statements | At least 7 years. |
| Corporate records, deeds & legal documents | Permanently. |
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring last year’s return (if you’re new to the practice), all W-2s, 1099s and K-1s, mortgage and property tax statements, charitable receipts, childcare and education expenses, and any IRS or FTB letters. Returning clients can request a personalized tax organizer that lists exactly what to gather.
How do I send my documents securely?
Use the secure client portal. It’s encrypted, available 24/7, and keeps your completed returns on file so you can download copies whenever you need them.
When should I schedule my appointment?
For returning clients, appointments before April 10 leave enough time to complete your return properly. Appointments after that date may require filing an extension.
What if I can’t file by April 15?
An extension gives you until October 15 to file, but not to pay. Any tax owed is still due in April, so we’ll estimate your liability and help you make a payment with the extension.
How can I get a copy of a prior-year return?
Register for the client portal and email Sandy to approve your access. Prior-year returns can then be uploaded for you to download.
Do you help with IRS or California tax notices?
Yes. Don’t ignore the letter — send a copy through the portal and we’ll review it with you and help determine the right response.
Questions about your return or your tax picture?
Existing clients can book an appointment online or send a note anytime. Sandy answers personally.