If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I’m a federally licensed Enrolled Agent with 15+ years of experience resolving complex tax matters for individuals and small businesses nationwide. I’m not a data-entry shop — I focus on real solutions. Common services include:
• Back tax filings
• IRS and state notice response
• Audit representation
• Strategic tax planning
• Business entity setup and restructuring
• Real estate and asset sale tax strategy
I’m not bound by state lines or gimmicks. Just practical, expert-level help — no fluff, no BS. If your tax situation needs more than a quick refund promise, let’s talk.
Overview
Hired 84 times
Serves Saint Charles, IL
Background checked
1 employee
7 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay, Square cash app, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2022
2021
2020
Services offered
Employment status
Customer is self-employed
Customer is not self-employed
Work location
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and work quality.
Excellent 4.9
41 reviews
5
93%
4
5%
3
0%
2
0%
1
2%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Deborah G.
Mar 24, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
James made an incredibly stressful tax year feel completely manageable. My situation was complicated — a divorce, a home sale, and filing in multiple states — and he handled everything with professionalism and clarity. He communicated what to expect at every step, responded quickly to my questions, and his pricing was remarkably fair for the level of service provided. After everything I was navigating personally, it was such a relief not to have to struggle with taxes on top of it all. I'll never go back to doing them myself. I'd recommend James without hesitation and will absolutely be using him again.
Individual Tax Preparation
Douglas P.
Jun 25, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
This is my first year working with James and I’m very impressed with his professionalism and how thorough he is. He’s made it very straightforward to organize my tax returns, manage changing tax situations, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.
Individual Tax Preparation
David B.
Feb 16, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
James Came over to house, and not only did he do a fantastic job on this year taxes, he also was willing to fix some discrepancies and take care of our 2018 filings. If you are not getting your taxes dones by James you're missing the boat!!
Individual Tax Preparation
Tanya T.
Feb 20, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
James helped me prepare my taxes. He was fast and sufficient. He welcomed questions and did nothing rush me at all. I was so pleased that I referred my sister. She is now working with him. I will definitely hire him next tax season.
Individual Tax Preparation
Jeffrey B.
Feb 26, 2022
•
Hired on Thumbtack
James was great. Helped get our mess of professional and personal taxes together. Looking forward to donating back to the IRS to help others not have to work so hard as well. Bonus.
Business Tax Preparation
Credentials
Background Check
James Salvato
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is straightforward and based on the complexity of your tax situation. I provide clear estimates up front so there are no surprises. Individual returns start at a base rate with additional forms priced only as needed. Business returns and IRS resolution cases are quoted based on the level of work involved. I also offer discounts for multi-year filings and bundled business services.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I start with a short consultation to understand your needs — whether it’s tax preparation, IRS issues, or small business planning. From there, I gather your documents securely and review your situation in detail. I’ll provide a clear estimate up front and outline the next steps so you know exactly what to expect. Throughout the process, I keep communication simple and direct, and I make sure every question gets answered before moving forward.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am an IRS Enrolled Agent (EA), which means I’m federally licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states. I’ve spent years working with individuals and small businesses on tax preparation, planning, and resolution. Beyond tax filing, I have specialized training in IRS representation, penalty abatement, and small business entity structuring. My background also includes extensive hands-on work with S-corps, partnerships, and complex multi-state returns.
I'm also an enrolled agent licensed to practice before the IRS. Aside from signing off on financial statements, I can pretty much do everything a CPA can do, including represent you if you get audited by the IRS.
