How we Operate

Philtax is primarily operated by Philip Fiegler. Philip has been in practice for a number of years, with nearly two decades as an Enrolled Agent. We limit the number of clients we have, so we are not for everyone. We know who you are when you call. You do not need to remind us that you are "Joe Smith's friend", or "Jane Jones' husband". We provide personalized service. We look at short and long term tax ramifications all the time. Philip is not someone who just takes your tax forms and cranks out a tax return while you sit there. He constantly thinks about how today's decisions might affect something down the line.

Philtax is available all year round to answer your questions and take care of your issues. We have significant experience with IRS problem resolution, and pride ourselves on keeping current with all their areas of focus. We have a complete understanding of the operational procedures of the IRS Examination and Collection divisions. We are not looking to build short-term relationships. We try to provide tools to help you succeed, and take pride in being able to explain complex tax issues in language that a lay person can understand and relate to. We constantly try to educate and teach clients things they can do to save on taxes, and provide tools and advice to keep their professional fees reasonable.

We ask more questions than some other practitioners do. We want to make sure you remain in compliance while taking advantage of everything that the tax code allows.

Infrastructure and Technology

We try to remain near the cutting edge of technology, and continually invest in the software, hardware, and infrastructure needed to do so. Our office is mostly paperless and we pride ourselves in the ability to find a prior year tax return or any document related to a client quickly and efficiently. This site contains a link to a secure "dropbox" for exchanging documents and files. You will not have to worry about files too large to e-mail.  We have moved to a system where you follow a link in an email one time and create a password and security questions.  There is NOTHING to download or install.  The password you create will open all encrypted email attachments we send you and get you into your dropbox.

Professional Network

When you need another professional like an attorney or an insurance agent, we often know someone whose skills we are confident in and whom we consider to be a trusted party with integrity.

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Philip Fiegler

Philip Fiegler decided he wanted to become an Enrolled Agent in late 1991. He studied accounting and tax in 1992, and passed the Enrolled Agents Exam on his first attempt in 1993, after finishing one tax season at H & R Block.

He prepares returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships/LLCs, estates (including Form 706), and trusts. He specializes in self-employed people, many of whom are in creative fields, real estate investors, complex estate and fiduciary matters, and representation before the IRS and other government bodies.

He is a member of NAEA/CSEA, CSTC, and became a Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute in 1999. Philip has previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of his local CSEA chapter for 4 years, and was the Program Chair for 3 years. He has done Graduate work at NTPI and is a multiple-year attendee and member of the American Academy of Tax Practice. He currently serves on the Northern CA practitioner liaison panel, a group of about 15 people who meet several times a year with top IRS officials to discuss policies, procedures, and systemic issues.

Philip has been a speaker providing continuing education for tax professionals at many local and regional seminars since 1999.

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What is an Enrolled Agent?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and who is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals.

What does the term "Enrolled Agent" mean?

"Enrolled" means to be licensed to practice by the federal government, and "Agent" means authorized to appear in the place of the taxpayer at the IRS. Only Enrolled Agents, attorneys, and CPAs may represent taxpayers before the IRS. The Enrolled Agent profession dates back to 1884 when, after questionable claims had been presented for Civil War losses, Congress acted to regulate persons who represented citizens in their dealings with the U.S. Treasury Department.

How does one become an Enrolled Agent?

The license is earned in one of two ways, by passing a comprehensive examination which covers all aspects of the tax code, or having worked at the IRS for five years in a position which regularly interpreted and applied the tax code and its regulations. All candidates are subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS.

How can Enrolled Agent help me?

Enrolled Agents advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. Enrolled Agents' expertise in the continually changing field of taxation enables them to effectively represent taxpayers audited by the IRS.

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Cool Quotes

"I am proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is - I could be just as proud for half the money." - Arthur Godfrey, Entertainer

"The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax." - Albert Einstein, Physicist

"Income tax has made more liars out of the American people than golf." - Will Rogers, Humorist

"Did you ever notice that when you put the words 'The' and 'IRS' together, it spells 'THEIRS'" - Author Unknown

"Our tax code is so long it makes War and Peace seem breezy." - Steven LaTourette, Congressman from Ohio

"There are two systems of taxation in our country: one for the informed and one for the uninformed." - Learned Hand, Judge, Second Circuit Court of Appeals (1872-1961)