Tax Questions
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Tax Questions
DMV Questions
Live Scan Questions
Notary Questions
Income Tax FAQs
1. How do I know if I have to file a tax return?
Whether you’re required to file a tax return will depend on several factors, including your gross income, filing status, age, and whether you’re a dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return. And you may have to file even if you don’t owe any tax.
2. What income do I have to pay taxes on?
According to the IRS, income includes money, property or services. Any income is taxable unless the law specifically exempts it, and all taxable income must be reported on your tax return. Some nontaxable income must be reported, too, even though you won’t pay taxes on it.
3. What filing status should I choose?
Tax filers are treated differently based on household status. To inform the IRS of which rules apply to you, you’ll have to choose a filing status. There are five: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household and qualifying widow(er) with dependent child.
4. Do I have any dependents?
A dependent is a person you’re responsible for supporting. If you can claim a dependent, you can become eligible for certain tax breaks, including the child tax credit. You may also qualify for head-of-household status.
5. How do I know my tax bracket and tax rate?
The U.S. has a progressive tax system, so not all your income is necessarily taxed at the same rate. There are seven tax brackets under current tax law. To find out which one you fall into — and what your tax rate is — chat with an agent today or call us at (323) 984-8600
6. Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
Deductions reduce taxable income. You have a choice between taking a standard deduction or itemizing your deductions. To decide which deductions to take, chat with an agent today or call us at (323) 984-8600
7. Whats the difference between a tax credit and a tax deductions?
Both tax credits and tax deductions can reduce the amount of tax you must pay. Deductions reduce the amount of income you pay taxes on, which in turn can reduce your tax. Credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of tax you owe.
9. What are some deductions and credits I can claim?
The deductions and credits you’re eligible to claim vary depending upon your situation. To find out which deductions and/or credits to take, chat with an agent today or call us at (323) 984-8600
10. When are taxes due?
Each year, you’re required to file your federal income tax return for the previous calendar year by Tax Day. Usually, the filing deadline is on or around April 15, though if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday the deadline can be bumped to the next business day.
11. When will I get my refund?
According to the IRS, most refunds are issued within 21 days for taxpayers who e-filed and who are having their refund directly deposited. Refunds take up to six weeks if you submitted paper returns.
12. What if I can't afford to pay the tax I owe?
If you can’t afford to pay your taxes, it’s imperative you still file tax a return and make arrangements to pay what you owe. Failing to file and/or pay your taxes on time will result in interest and penalties.
DMV FAQs
1. Can I renew my registration with Total Tax Plus?
Yes. You can renew your registration at our office. As long as you have your vehicle registration or renewal notice, you have insurance for your vehicle and have verified e-smog verification for your vehicle (if applicable).
2. I paid my registration, but my vehicle failed smog check / I haven't paid my parking tickets. Is my registration still valid?
Even if you pay your registration fees, your registration will not be renewed if your vehicle does not meet other requirements (like smog certification or outstanding parking tickets). In this case, you have to pay your parking tickets and your renewal fee, and then you get your smog check.
3. I don't plan to drive my vehicle this year. Do I still have to pay a renewal fee?
No. If you do not plan to use your vehicle this year, but you plan to store it somewhere, you need to apply for Planned Non-Operation. Then you will have to pay the PNO filing fee before your expiration date. It can not be expired.
4. I want to renew my registration at Total Tax Plus. Does it matter which insurance company I'm using?
Yes. You can only renew with us if your insurance company electronically reports information to DMV. You can call us to see if your insurance company is on the list of insurance companies that electronically report to DMV.
5. Why can't everyone renew my registration with Total Tax Plus?
Sometimes you need to share certain documents with DMV, like an insurance card. You can’t renew with us in that case because DMV needs to have that information on file to process your renewal (if required).
Live Scan FAQs
1. What are Fingerprint records used for?
Fingerprint records are used to determine an individual’s (Applicant) suitability for employment, licensing, certification and/or volunteer position. In other words, a background check is conducted to determine if the applicant has engaged in any criminal activity, or has prior felony convictions, that would make them unsuitable for the position they are applying for.
2. Once I have my fingerprints taken will they always be in file with the Government?
No. Once your fingerprint record has been processed and your suitability for licensing and/or employment have been reported to your Referring Agency, your fingerprint record is deleted. The only civilian fingerprint records kept on file are those belonging to convicted felons.
3. When should "Alias" Information be provided?
You should fill in the “Alias” (aka) section of the “Request For Live Scan Service” form if you have ever used a different name in an official capacity (i.e., maiden name, professional name, etc.).

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the rule is to list it when in doubt.
4. Do I need to give my social security number?
Yes. If you do not provide the Live Scan Operator with your Social Security number, you will not receive service. The Department of Justice has strict policies and procedures for the care and safety of citizens’ (applicants’) personal information. Total Tax Plus, by law, must adhere to these rules.
5. Can I request my Live Scan be expedited for an additional charge?
No. Unfortunately, the DOJ does not offer an expedited process.
6. What is a rolling fee?
Total Tax Plus's rolling fee is the amount charged to digitally capture your fingerprints and transmit them electronically to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
7. What is the cost of a DOJ fee?
Typically the charge is $32.
9. What is the cost of an FBI fee?
The FBI reduced its processing fee last year. Typically the charge is $19. and can vary depending on the type of license.
10. Can any employer or organization request Live Scan?
No. An organization, employer and/or licensing agency must be authorized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to submit applicant fingerprints for background checks. There must be a mandated requirement based upon the type of business the organization, employer and/or licensing agency conducts to obtain authorization.
11. I am curious about my personal records. Can I request a Live Scan?
Yes, you may utilize Total Tax Plus' Live Scan fingerprinting and request a "Personal Criminal Record Review" from the California Department of Justice. The DOJ will mail you a copy of your background information.
Notary FAQs
1. What is an acceptable ID?
A California driver's license or nondriver's ID, U.S. passport (or passport card), an inmate identification card, a driver's license or official nondriver's ID issued by a U.S. state, a Canadian or Mexican driver's license issued by an appropriate public agency, a U.S. military ID. (Note: Matricula consular cards issued by Mexico's government do not meet California's statutory requirements.)
2. What do I need to bring to get something notarized?
You must bring the document that needs to be notarized and signed in the presence of the notary, along with a valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Why does a document need to be notarized?
To ensure the person signing a document is appropriately identified, ensure the intended person signs the document under their own free will and ensure the transaction can be independently verified after the fact.
4. Can I get something notarized without ID?
California Notaries Must Identify Signers For Jurats And Acknowledgments. Even though it's a standard of professional practice, many states do not require signers to present proof of identity for jurats — but California does.

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