Tax Law (Questions About Taxes)/Expert Profile


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Vanessa D. Powell, CPA

U.S.
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Expertise

General taxation and tax law questions. Federal income tax, California income tax, payroll tax, sales tax, gift tax. Individuals, trusts, estates, partnerships, corporations, exempt organizations, employee benefit plans. No property tax questions, please.

Experience in the area

I'm a CPA, licensed in the state of CA. I work for a large accounting firm in Southern California. Half of every year I spend in the tax department, and the other half in the audit department.

Organizations

California Society of CPAs. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Education/Credentials

I graduated summa cum laude from Colorado Tech with a B.S. in accountancy. In order to maintain my license, I take 80 hours every two years, and take at least 16 hours of CPE every year in taxation.

Awards and Honors

Graduated Summa Cum Laude (highest honor)

Past/Present Clients

I have clients from all over the world and United States of all varieties. I work with a lot of employee benefit plans, farms, not-for-profits, partnerships, and wealthy individuals.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
Eddie05/21/12101010 
Rick05/18/12101010Vanessa was prompt, thorough in her answer .....
Sue05/17/12101010 
judy05/12/12101010I really appreciate the fast response and .....
Doug05/07/12101010 

Recent Answers from Vanessa D. Powell, CPA

2012-05-16 tax implications of savings withdrawl:

Hi Rick-    Congratulations on your first home!    Definitely DEFINITELY take the difference out of your series EE savings bonds.  You will not have to pay state tax on the interest, and it is easy to

2012-05-16 Married but seperate:

Hi Dominic-    Filing MFS is probably a good idea, as you won't be held accountable or legally/financially responsible should she choose to be dishonest.  That being said, you should know that filing MFS

2012-05-15 CA tax while residing overseas:

Hi Eddie-    Yes, non-residents of CA can be taxed on "CA-based source income."  Even if you don't live here, if the income technically comes from CA #as in your situation, where the company is based in

2012-05-15 Health savings account:

Hi Sue-    You can deduct health insurance premiums along with any other medical expenses on your schedule A, but only the amount that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI.  You can't use the HSA to pay premiums unless

2012-05-10 Falsifying information to IRS:

Hi Judy-    I'll do my best here, but it sounds like a very complicated situation.  I'm not sure what your goal is here.  If you would like to have the IRS look into fraudulent tax returns filed by the

 

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