Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolled Agent (EA) is a prestigious designation from the Internal Revenue Service. EAs must pass a rigorous examination, a background check, and meet lengthy annual continuing professional education requirements. An EA has unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

A CRTP is a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer. California law requires anyone who prepares tax returns for a fee within the State of California and is not an EA, a CPA or an attorney to register as a tax preparer with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). To be registered with CTEC, the individual preparer must complete a 60-hour qualifying education course on federal and state tax laws, pass a competency exam administered by a CTEC-approved education provider, and complete annual continuing education.

Martin, Ketterling & Associates is here for you twelve months a year, not just during tax season. Whether you have a simple tax question, need advice on the tax implications of a business decision, or want clarification on a government notice, feel free to give us a call.

The best course of action is to provide a copy of the letter to your tax professional. They have the expertise to understand what the correspondence is indicating and will advise you on how to proceed to clear up any issues while ensuring you are not paying more than you owe.

Hang up! The IRS does not make it a practice to call to demand payment. Taxpayers have been duped out of millions of dollars in pervasive phone scams by fraudsters impersonating IRS agents. Don't become their next victim.

We maintain a policy of the strictest confidence concerning our clients’ affairs. You can rest assured that no one will learn about your business or tax status – even relatives, associates or friends who might have referred you to us.