Locating a CPA/EA who is well versed in non-resident taxes

[sekharan 0]

I asked a few questions in an attempt to file my own taxes, but experts suggest discussing these with a tax adviser instead.

Over the last week, I have been to a few I was able to get reviews of through Yelp and it has been a disaster.

Besides money and time lost, it is pretty clear that most tax advisers are not well versed in non-resident taxes.

It seems that their main clients are either US residents or H1B workers (who are required to file as residents).

Hence, my questions are:

1. How do I go about locating a CPA/EA who is well versed in non-resident taxes located in the Los Angeles area (Orange County area is not too far away either)

2. If I find none, can I work with a qualified person who lives in a different state and have him file my taxes on my behalf (electronically or via scans going back and forth)

3. Is there a central registry of such qualified people I can view (preferably with reviews) - akin to "yellow pages"

[ann and aties 9]

Hi. I'm an EA who lives in the SF bay area, but I don't do individual taxes. The answer to your second question is yes, but be sure they know how to do a California return as well as the federal. The California Society of Enrolled Agents has a search engine at their website (I would also take the extra step to do a yelp search on those names as well.)

I agree that it is a specialized field that would take someone willing to do the correct research to get the right answers. Having said that, it ain't rocket science - the answers are there for the professionals willing to do the research. Pub 519 from the IRS, available online, may be of help. Good luck!

[sekharan 0]

Hi. I'm an EA who lives in the SF bay area, but I don't do individual taxes. The answer to your second question is yes, but be sure they know how to do a California return as well as the federal. The California Society of Enrolled Agents has a search engine at their website (I would also take the extra step to do a yelp search on those names as well.)

I agree that it is a specialized field that would take someone willing to do the correct research to get the right answers. Having said that, it ain't rocket science - the answers are there for the professionals willing to do the research. Pub 519 from the IRS, available online, may be of help. Good luck!

I would sincerely appreciate your answer to this: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/417580-effect-of-filing-married-filing-separately-tax-return-on-aos-based-off-marriage/