Maria Serafica CPA

Maria Serafica CPA Your resource for personalized tax and accounting services.

You probably have retirement questions: How much should I save before I quit working? When should I start taking Social ...
07/15/2026

You probably have retirement questions: How much should I save before I quit working? When should I start taking Social Security benefits? Can I retire before Medicare coverage kicks in? What about taxes in retirement? We can provide you with answers based on your individual financial circumstances and retirement goals. Contact us at (805) 501-1430.

As a small business owner, it’s easy to think of a succession plan as involving only two people: you and your successor....
07/14/2026

As a small business owner, it’s easy to think of a succession plan as involving only two people: you and your successor. But a smooth transition may also require support from managers and other key employees. Communicating thoughtfully about your intentions and progress can help build confidence, reduce uncertainty and keep the business moving forward. Contact us at (805) 501-1430 for help addressing the tax, financial and strategic aspects of your plan.

Is federal tax debt blocking you from achieving your financial goals? Unresolved tax debt can lead to interest and penal...
07/13/2026

Is federal tax debt blocking you from achieving your financial goals? Unresolved tax debt can lead to interest and penalties, tax liens, asset seizures — and even the denial or revocation of your passport. These consequences can make it difficult to move forward. The good news is relief may be just a phone call away. We can assess your situation and help you find a path forward. Contact us at (805) 501-1430 to discuss your next steps.

The ultimate success of a business often comes back to decisions made at its inception. If you’re planning to start a bu...
07/10/2026

The ultimate success of a business often comes back to decisions made at its inception. If you’re planning to start a business, one key decision is choosing its structure, commonly sole proprietorship, C corporation, S corporation, partnership or limited liability company. In addition to owner liability variations, all have different tax requirements that can affect everything from hiring to cash flow to owner income. Another critical decision is choosing a tax year — either a calendar year or a fiscal year (12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December). Call us at (805) 501-1430. We can help you make the best decisions for your current situation and your business’s future.

Are your bills piling up? Managing accounts payable can be challenging for small businesses — especially when payment ob...
07/08/2026

Are your bills piling up? Managing accounts payable can be challenging for small businesses — especially when payment obligations aren’t clearly tracked. QuickBooks Online tools can help by organizing upcoming bills, automating bill entry, and simplifying electronic or check payments. Stronger payables management may reduce missed deadlines and late fees and improve cash flow visibility. We can help your business use QuickBooks Online more efficiently and streamline your payables process. Contact us at (805) 501-1430 to learn more.

Did you know the IRS can file a tax return on your behalf if you don’t file one yourself? It’s called a Substitute for R...
07/07/2026

Did you know the IRS can file a tax return on your behalf if you don’t file one yourself? It’s called a Substitute for Return (SFR) — and it’s rarely in your favor. The IRS uses information it already has, such as W-2 and 1099 forms, to prepare the SFR. But it usually skips deductions and credits you may be entitled to, often resulting in a higher tax bill. You could also face penalties, interest and collection actions, such as liens or levies. The good news? You can fix it. Filing an accurate return can generally replace the SFR and may reduce what you owe, though penalties and interest may still apply. Call us at (805) 501-1430 for help.

The IRS is more likely to audit certain types of businesses, such as those that are primarily cash-based. Although you p...
07/06/2026

The IRS is more likely to audit certain types of businesses, such as those that are primarily cash-based. Although you probably can’t change the nature of your transactions, you can control the accuracy of your tax returns. Minimize errors by maintaining meticulous documentation. Generally, you should keep tax records for at least three years — the normal statute of limitations for an IRS adjustment. And don’t try to go it alone: Call us at (805) 501-1430 for help reducing the likelihood of attracting IRS scrutiny, as well as for support if your tax return is ever questioned.

Do you dream of retiring early? As in, really early? So do adherents of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Man...
07/05/2026

Do you dream of retiring early? As in, really early? So do adherents of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Many FIRE followers aim to retire in their 40s or even 30s! They make it happen by saving at least 50% of their current income, which some maximize by working second jobs. Obviously, this requires discipline and planning. But if early retirement is a priority, call us {Phone%} so we can help you make it happen.

Maintaining healthy operating cash flow helps drive your company’s success. But accomplishing this objective isn’t alway...
07/04/2026

Maintaining healthy operating cash flow helps drive your company’s success. But accomplishing this objective isn’t always easy. One practical approach is to speed up customer payments while carefully managing the timing of your own bills. Prudently shortening your cash conversion cycle can improve liquidity and give your business greater financial flexibility. Please call us at (805) 501-1430 for help identifying opportunities to strengthen your cash position and keep your business moving in the right direction.

If you’re getting married, or were recently married, congratulations! Taxes are likely the furthest from your mind, but ...
07/03/2026

If you’re getting married, or were recently married, congratulations! Taxes are likely the furthest from your mind, but there are a few tax-related chores you need to consider. For example, next year, for 2026, you’ll be filing your first tax return as a married person. That could affect the amount of tax you should have withheld from your paycheck. Use the IRS Withholding Estimator to check. Then provide your employer with a new Form W-4. If your last name has changed, notify the Social Security Administration, which will inform the IRS. You and your new spouse should also review financial accounts, insurance coverage, estate plans and tax strategies. We can help. Contact us at (805) 501-1430.

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100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700
Santa Monica, CA
90401

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