California · Tax Prep · IRS Notices · Notary
Taxes done easy. Peace of mind included.
Friendly, detail-oriented tax help for individuals, families, and small business owners across California — without the corporate cold shoulder.
Stephanie
Founder · CEO
What we do
Three ways we take the stress off your plate.
Individual Tax Prep
1040s done with care — W-2s, credits, dependents, and standard deductions optimized for your real life.
IRS Notice Help
Got a letter from the IRS? Don’t panic. We read it with you, explain what it actually means, and respond properly.
Notary Services
Bonded California notary available for signings, acknowledgments, and loan docs — by appointment.
13+ yrs
Helping California families file with confidence
1,200+
Returns prepared with care and accuracy
98%
Clients who come back the next year
CA Notary
Bonded & commissioned — signings on request
“Forward Self Help made my tax filing process smooth, professional, and stress-free. Stephanie took the time to explain everything clearly and helped me maximize my deductions. I finally found a company I can trust year after year.”
Monica R.
Oakland, CA
“I needed help with both my taxes and legal paperwork, and Forward Self Help handled everything with patience and professionalism. The service was affordable, fast, and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend them to anyone needing reliable support.”
David T.
Berkeley, CA
Who we serve
Real Californians. Real situations.
From first-time W-2 filers to multi-property landlords, we help people across every walk of California life keep more of what they’ve earned.
Aaliyah
Salon owner · Schedule C
Long Beach
Marcus & Renée
Real-estate investors
Sacramento
Daniela
Content creator · 1099
Los Angeles
The Nguyen family
First-time filers
San José
James
Rideshare & delivery
Fresno
Ms. Patrice
Retired · IRS notice resolved
Berkeley
How it works
Simple, human, and on your schedule.
Whether it’s your very first return or you’re running a one-person LLC, you’ll always know what’s happening next.
Book a ConsultBook your free consult
Tell us a little about your situation — W-2, side hustle, IRS letter, or notary need. No prep required.
Upload your documents securely
We’ll send a simple checklist and a secure link. Snap photos with your phone — that’s it.
Review, sign, and breathe
We walk through every number with you, e-file when you’re ready, and stay on call all year if anything comes up.
Honest pricing
Flat-rate starts. No surprise fees.
For individuals
Individual Tax Return Preparation
Filed with W-2s, credits, and standard deductions — handled clearly so you keep more of what you earned.
- Federal & California state return (Form 1040 + CA 540)
- W-2, 1099-INT/DIV, retirement & unemployment income
- Credits review (EITC, CTC, education, dependent care)
For business owners
Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Prep
For founders, freelancers, landlords, drivers, and creators — every legitimate deduction, captured.
- Schedule C / single-member LLC return
- 1099-NEC, 1099-K, and side-hustle income
- Home office, mileage, equipment & software deductions