| Bring us | You leave with |
|---|---|
| Bring usA tax question | You leave withA direct answer from a CPA or EA |
| Bring usA tax bill you did not expect | You leave withNew withholding or estimated payment amounts |
| Bring usA return with a mistake | You leave withA corrected return, filed |
| Bring usA year you did not file | You leave withThat return, prepared and filed |
Book a tax help Everett WA session with a CPA or EA
You book sessions in 30 or 60 minute blocks, with a senior CPA or EA on the call.
Booking.Send a short summary of your questions, and we size the session from it.
Leftover time.We keep unused minutes on your account for later questions or your next return.
Advice for your facts.You get an answer based on your income, filing status and state, on the call.
If we answer the question in one session, you owe nothing further.
Why you owed taxes this year and how to fix withholding
In 2026, employers can withhold a flat 22% on bonuses paid separately from regular wages, up to $1 million a year. The 22% is only withholding; you settle the actual tax on your return, so if your top rate is higher, you add withholding or estimated payments during the year.
A trial return.We run your year through professional tax software, using your latest pay stub and last year's return.
New withholding.We give you updated Form W-4 figures, or an estimated payment to cover the gap.
Equity pay.For restricted stock units (RSUs), employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) and stock options, we model the vesting, purchase, exercise and sale dates that apply to you.
Estimated tax payments: due dates and safe harbor
If you are self employed or have too little withholding, you make federal estimated payments when you expect to owe $1,000 or more at filing. The safe harbor is the minimum the IRS accepts in prepayments before it charges a penalty.
Safe harbor.You avoid the underpayment penalty by paying at least 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's, on time, if last year's return covered all 12 months.
Higher incomes.If your adjusted gross income last year was over $150,000, or $75,000 filing separately, you need 110% of last year's tax for the prior year test. Farmers and fishers follow separate rules.
We work out the four amounts and adjust them each quarter when you earn more or less.
Amend a filed return or file a missed one
To claim a refund, you file an amended return within 3 years of filing the original or 2 years of paying the tax, whichever is later.
For a year you did not file, we pull your IRS wage and income transcript to see what employers and banks reported, then prepare the return.
Reserve a 30 or 60 minute tax session
Send two or three lines about your question, and we reply with a time and a fee.
Reserve a tax sessionA senior CPA or EA takes the call.
Free tax help in Everett and when to hire a professional
The IRS runs or sponsors free tax help Everett WA residents can use:
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers. The IRS gives in person help by appointment at local offices.
VITA sites. Volunteers prepare free returns for people who generally earn $69,000 or less in the 2026 filing season, and for taxpayers with disabilities or limited English at any income.
IRS Free File. The IRS lists guided software at no cost for adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in the 2026 filing season.
A paid CPA or EA earns the fee when you have self employment, rentals, equity pay, a missed return or more than one state.
Help with IRS debt, audits and annual returns
A balance you cannot pay.Our IRS tax relief team handles payment plans and offers in compromise.
An open audit.We take over the case through IRS audit representation.
A full year.We offer individual tax preparation each spring and tax planning for the year ahead.
“The team here at Maris has been so helpful for me. I really appreciate the time they took to explain my taxes last year and the year before.”
How much tax help costs at Maris & Associates CPAs
We bill a session by the time you book, and a projection, amended return or missed return by the work involved.
- Session length.
- 30 or 60 minutes.
- Scope.
- A projection, an amended return or a missed return.
- Income sources.
- Wages only, or self employment, rentals or equity pay.
- Years.
- One year, or several to bring you current.
A single 30 minute session with one question is the lightest case.
These are the factors, not a quote. You see the fee in writing before we start.
What to send before your tax session
Write down your question and its tax year, and we take it from there.
Send us your tax questionWe keep what you share with us confidential.