Frequently Asked Questions

Filing Extension FAQs

What is the October 15 tax filing extension?

If you live in Los Angeles County your tax deadline was automatically extended to October 15, 2025 because of the California wildfires. Read the IRS Notice here.

“Individuals and households that reside or have a business in Los Angeles County qualify for tax relief. The declaration permits the IRS to postpone certain tax-filing and tax-payment deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. Accordingly, certain deadlines falling on or after Jan. 7, 2025, and before Oct. 15, 2025, are postponed until Oct. 15, 2025.

As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period.”

Does the extension give me more time to pay my taxes?

Yes. The extension applies to both tax-filing and tax-payment. If you live in Los Angeles County you need to file and pay your taxes by October 15, 2025.

“The Oct. 15, 2025, deadline applies to individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025. This relief also applies to the 2024 estimated tax payment normally due on Jan. 15, 2025, and estimated tax payments normally due on April 15, June 16, and Sept. 15, 2025.”

What happens if I miss the October 15 deadline?

Missing the October 15 deadline can result in significant IRS and state penalties, plus interest on any balance owed.

The IRS imposes both “Fail to File” and “Fail to Pay” penalties.

Can Thomas Tax Co. guarantee my return will be filed by October 15?

Yes—if we receive your complete documents by October 2, 2025 we guarantee on-time filing. If you delay, we can’t ensure timely submission. That’s why we encourage clients to book early.

Common Questions

How much does it cost to have my taxes done with Thomas Tax Co.?

$875 – Standard Return

Best for: W-2 employees, families with dependents, and itemized deductions.

- Federal + CA return

- W-2 income

- Dependents

- Itemized deductions (mortgage, charitable, medical)

- Interest & Dividends

- Accuracy Triple-Check

- Same-day response guarantee

- Discovery Call

$1,100 – Complex Return

Best for: self-employed professionals, creatives, and high-income earners.

- Federal + up to 2 state returns

- Multiple K-1’s or 1099-B’s

- Schedule C (contractors, freelancers, sole proprietors)

- Stock compensation (RSUs, ESPPs, ISOs)

- Rental property reporting (1–2 properties)

- Expanded credits & deductions

- Proactive recommendations for next year

- Accuracy Triple-Check

- Same-day response guarantee

- Discovery Call

Custom Fixed-Price Quote – Advanced Return

Best for: clients with multiple income sources and complex needs.

We will provide a personalized and fixed-fee price for your complex return.

What is your Same Day Response Guarantee?

Thomas Tax Co. will respond to your call or email the same day as long as we hear from you by 8pm.

How is Thomas Tax Co. different from TurboTax or DIY tax software?

DIY software leaves you on your own. It can’t answer questions, handle equity comp, or proactively catch deductions. With Thomas Tax Co., every return is reviewed by multiple tax experts, and we guarantee same-day responses.

How are you different from a traditional CPA firm?

The #1 reason people leave their CPA firm is lack of responsiveness (the #2 reason? Errors). We pride ourselves in 5-Star Service and commitment to returning your call or email the same day if you contact us before 8pm.

CPAs often take days to return calls and some will surprise clients with unexpected large invoices because they bill by the hour.

We do things differently:

Responsive—same-day answers

Treat everyone with care and respect

Fixed-fee pricing, no surprises

Who do you serve?

We specialize in helping Los Angeles County professionals, self-employed business owners, digital creators, and families with complex tax needs.

Santa Monica professionals with equity compensation, multiple W-2s, or rental property

Hollywood Hills digital creators & entrepreneurs with 1099 income, freelance work, and variable deductions

Woodland Hills families who need multiple returns processed and personal + business tax care integrated

Can you help if I own rental property?

Yes. Our Advanced and Custom packages cover rental properties. We’ll make sure you’re capturing depreciation, expenses, and reporting properly.

Do you work with stock options, RSUs, or other equity compensation?

Absolutely. Many of our Santa Monica and tech/entertainment clients have equity comp. We’ll help ensure it’s reported correctly and optimize your filing to avoid missed deductions.

Can you handle multiple sources of income (1099, K-1, W-2)?

Yes. Our Advanced package is designed for clients with multiple income streams, including self-employment, partnerships, and investment income.

Do you provide year-round tax planning?

While our focus during this campaign is tax preparation and filing for the October 15 deadline, we also offer tax planning sessions and reviews as add-ons.

Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it.

"Tax season is no longer a daunting, annual chore but an integral part of a continuous, year-long financial management process."

- B.D.

"I don’t have the nagging thought of having to reconcile expenses and the dread of tax season or fear that I might make too much and owe too much taxes."

- C.Z.

"Tax season transformed into a much more manageable and stress-free experience"

- C.S.

We deliver tax returns through a collaborative process led by Brian Thomas (California Tax Education Council Registered Tax Preparer #A355130) with participation from other staff members and partners such as Formations.