Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about tax assessment, tax strategy, IRS representation, and how we work — answered clearly.
What is an IRS Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional federally licensed by the IRS — the highest credential available for non-attorney tax professionals. EAs must pass a three-part IRS Special Enrollment Exam and complete ongoing continuing education. Unlike CPAs or accountants, EAs specialize exclusively in taxation and are authorized to represent clients before the IRS in any state.
What is a tax assessment and why do I need one?
A tax assessment is a structured review of your past returns, current financial situation, and upcoming life or business events. It identifies areas where you may be overpaying, spots compliance gaps, and uncovers planning opportunities you may be missing. It's the starting point for any meaningful tax strategy — you can't plan effectively without knowing exactly where you stand.
What is tax strategy and how is it different from tax preparation?
Tax preparation is backward-looking — it documents what already happened. Tax strategy is forward-looking — it shapes decisions before they happen. A strong tax strategy involves structuring your income, timing deductions, choosing the right entity type, optimizing retirement contributions, and planning major transactions to legally reduce your tax burden over time. Most people only get tax preparation. Our clients get both.
What states does Sisu Tax serve?
We serve clients nationwide as a virtual-first practice. We have particular depth in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts — states with complex tax environments where proactive planning makes the biggest difference. Wherever you are, if you have a U.S. tax situation, we can help.
Can you represent me if I get audited by the IRS?
Yes. As an IRS Enrolled Agent, Jason Seibel is federally authorized to represent clients before all levels of the IRS — including audits, collections, and appeals — in any U.S. state. You do not need to be present at IRS meetings; we handle communication with the IRS on your behalf.
Do you work with small businesses and self-employed clients?
Absolutely. A significant part of our practice focuses on small business owners, LLCs, S-Corps, partnerships, and self-employed professionals. We handle entity selection, quarterly estimated taxes, payroll tax compliance, business deductions, and year-round planning — not just annual filing.
How do I share documents securely with Sisu Tax?
We use SecureSend — an encrypted document portal — for all sensitive file transfers. We never request tax documents, SSNs, or financial records via regular email. Current clients receive a secure link to upload and access documents through the client portal.
What is a Fractional CFO and who needs one?
A Fractional CFO is a part-time chief financial officer — you get CFO-level strategy, reporting, and financial oversight without the full-time cost. It's ideal for growing businesses that need more financial guidance than a bookkeeper provides but aren't ready to hire a full-time CFO. Services include cash flow planning, financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic financial decisions.
What does a Comfort Letter include?
A Comfort Letter is a professional document prepared for lenders, licensing boards, landlords, or legal proceedings confirming financial standing, income, or tax compliance. Common uses include mortgage applications for self-employed borrowers, business license applications, and immigration documentation. We prepare these with the specific language and details required by the requesting party.
How do I get started with Sisu Tax?
Reach out through the contact form at sisutax.com/contact or email jason@sisutax.com. We start with a consultation to understand your situation — your income sources, business structure, past returns, and goals — before recommending services. There's no pressure and no jargon. Just a straightforward conversation about where you are and where you want to be.