Frequently Asked Questions

Pat Stoller's Tax Service provides comprehensive tax preparation services for individuals, families, and small businesses throughout the San Jose area. With decades of experience—especially in estate and trust taxation—we help clients navigate annual filings, complex reporting requirements, and life-event–related tax situations. Our goal is to make the process clear and manageable while ensuring every return is accurate and compliant with federal and California state tax laws.

Tax preparation focuses on filing your return correctly, while tax planning looks ahead to future years to reduce tax liability and avoid surprises. In a high-tax state like California, proactive planning can have a meaningful impact. We help clients evaluate retirement contributions, charitable strategies, timing of income and expenses, and how major life changes—such as inheritance, caregiving, or selling a business—may affect future filings.

Small business owners often face complex decisions involving entity selection, bookkeeping systems, cash-flow management, and long-term tax strategy. Our business consulting services provide practical, experience-driven guidance designed to help owners strengthen their financial foundations. Whether you’re forming an LLC, evaluating partnership structures, or planning for growth, we offer steady, informed support tailored to local business needs.

Many small businesses miss opportunities related to home office deductions, qualified business expenses, depreciation, and proper treatment of contractor payments. Some owners also overlook California-specific reporting rules that affect credits, payroll taxes, or passthrough entity elections. We help clients understand what applies to their situation so deductions are used appropriately and confidently.

Our virtual tax preparation service allows clients to securely upload documents, meet by phone or video, and receive the same level of accuracy and personal attention as an in-person appointment. This option is ideal for busy professionals, caregivers, or clients living outside San Jose who still want a trusted advisor with long-term knowledge of their financial picture.

Yes. Estate and trust taxation is one of our firm’s core strengths. We support trustees, executors, and beneficiaries with fiduciary filings, distribution planning, and the tax implications involved in settling an estate. Because these situations often arise during emotionally difficult times, we approach the work with clarity, care, and steady guidance.

We offer notary services for a wide range of financial and legal documents, including estate paperwork, powers of attorney, business agreements, and tax-related authorizations. Many clients appreciate being able to handle both their tax needs and essential documentation in one trusted location.

Clients choose Pat Stoller's Tax Service because we offer decades of experience, a grounded and personal approach, and deep expertise in estates, trusts, and small business taxation. Rather than emphasizing rapid growth or high-volume processing, we prioritize clarity, long-term relationships, and careful, individualized service. Our commitment to the community—and to the people we serve—guides everything we do.

Yes. Through virtual tax preparation, we support both local residents and clients throughout California. Many families also use our services to coordinate tax responsibilities for older parents or adult children who live in different areas.

We’re here to help. Whether you need tax preparation, year-round planning, small business guidance, estate and trust support, or virtual services, Pat Stoller's Tax Service provides steady, experienced direction you can rely on. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.