FAQ - Can We Help You?
What is an Enrolled Agent?
Enrolled Agents have been around since 1884 and are federally licensed to practice before the IRS. In contrast, CPAs are licensed by the state, not the United States Government. All Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation, unlike CPAs and attorneys, who may or may not specialize in taxes. EA's are subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS, and take a comprehensive examination administered by the IRS which covers all aspects of the Tax Code. All are required to complete 72 hours of continuing education to stay abreast of any and all tax law changes. Enrolled Agents are authorized to appear in place of a taxpayer before the IRS. We are required to abide by the provisions of Circular 230. Susan has been an enrolled agent since 1984; Karen since 2006. For more about Enrolled Agents, visit naea.org.
What Services Do You Offer?
We provide full tax, accounting, and financial services; including tax planning and preparation, electronic filing, S-corporations, trusts, estates, partnerships, and IRS audit representation. We specialize in multi state and complicated tax returns. To learn more about financial planning and investment services offered, visit www.susanwalla.com
Do You Prepare State Returns?
Yes. In addition to preparing Pennsylvania income tax returns, we prepare many out-of-state returns. We are also experts in completing all local and Philadelphia returns.
How Many Clients Do You Serve?
We serve over 300 individuals and businesses. The average client has been with us for 10 years. We have many clients who have been with us for over 40 years, including several who have been with us for 50 or more.
What Tax Software is Used?
We use a professional tax program from Intuit called Lacerte. The software is continually updated throughout the tax season, so you can be assured that all the latest tax regulations are being considered.
How Long Have You Been in the Tax Business?
Susan Walla has been an Enrolled Agent since 1984 and has been working with taxes for more than 30 years. For more about our history, visit our History Lessons page.
What Professional Organizations Do You Belong to?
Susan Walla is an active member of the following organizations: NAEA, NATP, and NSA. Karen Walla is an active member of NAEA and NATP.
What Hours are You Available?
Our office is open year-round by appointment only. We schedule times during weekends as well as Monday through Friday.
Can you Represent Me in the Event of an Audit?
Yes. Because Susan and Karen Walla are Enrolled Agents and have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, they have the ability to do this.
How Much Do You Charge?
All income tax returns are charged per form according to a fee schedule, with some exceptions. Because of the great variation in the complexities of returns completed, it is difficult to determine exactly what the charge will be until we consult with you regarding your personal tax situation. Our prices are competitive with other private tax professionals. Additional fees may be added to your bill if your records are not in good order. Separate fees may be charged for additional consultations, meetings, or complicated computations. Susan's hourly consultation rate is $240/hour and $120/hour for bookkeeping. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card for tax and accounting services only.
Do I Need an Appointment?
Our hours are by appointment only; however, if you are unable to schedule an appointment and would rather drop off or mail your information, you may request a Walla-Gram. The Walla-Gram contains everything you need to make sure that you send over all appropriate documents so that we can prepare your return. Once the Walla-Gram has been received by our office, an acknowledgment postcard is sent to you. Please call our office for more information.
Are You Available Year-Round?
We are available all year to answer your tax questions. However, we may charge for inquiries requiring 15 minutes or more, or involving computations. Fees will be based primarily on the time devoted to the assignment, including conferences, phone calls, factual investigations and analysis, research, document preparation and other services rendered on your behalf.
Who's Who?
Susan does need a little help during the busy tax season! Karen Walla wears many hats while working full-time with Susan, including: Enrolled Agent, bookkeeper, office manager, technical guru and webmaster. Carol also assists with tax preparation and client contact. She has many years of tax experience. Nancy is also helping us out this year answering phones, scheduling and keeping the office up and running.