Wondering what tax resolution really costs? At Boulanger CPA, we offer flat-rate pricing for serious IRS, FTB, CDTFA, and EDD payroll tax problems — no hourly billing, no vague estimates, and no salespeople. We work exclusively with clients who owe $25,000 or more in back taxes, or who are facing IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD audits, aggressive collections, levies, or garnishments. This page explains exactly how we structure our pricing, what’s included in each phase, and why strategy comes first in every case we handle.


At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we don’t bill by the hour, we don’t offer teaser rates, and we don’t make empty promises. We quote flat fees based on case complexity — and every quote comes after a strategic review of your IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD matter.


Our firm handles serious cases only — typically $25,000 or more in back taxes, or high-stakes enforcement such as IRS/FTB audits, CDTFA sales tax audits, payroll tax investigations, garnishments, or aggressive state collection actions.


🔹 We Operate in Two Phases

Every case we take is handled in two structured phases. This ensures clarity, control, and zero billing surprises.


PHASE 1: Case Control & Strategic Review

We offer two options depending on your compliance status:

Option 1: Phase 1 – Strategy Only

Starts at $1,500 (for IRS/FTB collection cases)
For IRS/FTB, CDTFA, or EDD audit defense, Phase 1 begins at $3,500+ due to the depth of analysis required.


Best for clients who are already compliant and need a detailed analysis and resolution strategy. For audit defense matters, this phase focuses on reviewing audit notices, testing auditor methodology, and building your defense strategy.


Includes:

  • IRS & FTB transcript pulls and account review
  • Analysis of enforcement risk and next-step deadlines
  • Review of settlement eligibility (Offer in Compromise, IA, CNC, etc.)
  • Audit defense review (IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD notices, sampling methods, markup/ratio analysis)
  • Phase 2 flat-fee quote + written resolution plan


Option 2: Phase 1 Plus – Strategy + Compliance

Flat Fee: $3,200


Best for clients who need unfiled returns prepared as part of their initial case workup.


Includes everything in Phase 1, plus:

  • Up to 3 years of individual or business tax return preparation
  • Compliance restoration to meet resolution eligibility
  • State-level filing coordination (FTB, CDTFA, etc.)


Note: Phase 1 Plus ($3,200) applies to collection clients who need compliance restored. Audit defense cases require a separate Phase 1 engagement, beginning at $3,500 due to complexity.

Option 2B: Phase 1 Plus – Audit Review & Defense Strategy

Flat Fee: $5,000+


Best for clients facing IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD audits who need a comprehensive defense plan.

Includes everything in Phase 1, plus:

  • Review of audit notices and record requests
  • Analysis of auditor methodology (sampling, markup tests, credit card ratios, payroll data)
  • Preparation of a defense strategy memo
  • Flat-fee Phase 2 quote for full defense and appeals representation


Phase 2: Resolution & Audit Defense (IRS, FTB, CDTFA, EDD)

Flat-fee quote provided after Phase 1
Typical range: Collection Resolution (OIC, IA, CNC, levy release): $3,500–$7,500+

Typical range: Audit Defense (IRS, FTB, CDTFA, EDD): $7,500–$12,500+ (depending on scope)


Collection Resolution May Include:

  • Negotiation of Offer in Compromise or Payment Plan
  • Penalty abatement and settlement strategy
  • Wage garnishment or bank levy release
  • Restoration of compliance (back tax resolution)

Audit Defense May Include:

  • Representation in IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD audits
  • Audit methodology review (sampling, markup ratios, payroll testing)
  • Preparation of defense memoranda and position letters
  • Appeals, petitions for redetermination, and OTA hearings
  • Multi-year or multi-entity audit defense strategy


Note: Collection cases and audit defense are quoted separately after Phase 1. Collection matters typically fall between $3,500–$7,500. Complex audits (IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD) typically require $7,500–$12,500+ depending on scope and years involved.

🔒 You’re Not Paying for Forms — You’re Paying for Strategy


We don’t sell tax prep. We don’t pitch false hope. We provide real strategy for people facing serious IRS or California enforcement — whether it’s an IRS or FTB audit, a CDTFA sales tax examination, or an EDD payroll tax investigation. Our focus is protecting you from aggressive auditors and collections, and making sure it’s handled right the first time.


When you hire Boulanger CPA:

  • You work directly with a licensed CPA who handles audits and collections daily
  • You get a customized defense plan for IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD enforcement
  • You know exactly what it will cost — with flat-fee transparency and no surprises


💬 Past Client Outcomes

Case Type Fee Charged Result
FTB Debt – $92K $6,500 Settled via Offer in Compromise
IRS Garnishment – $68K $4,000 Garnishment released; Partial Pay IA negotiated
7 Years Unfiled Returns $3,500 Full compliance restored + no levy filed

📞 Ready to Build a Real Plan?


If you owe more than $25,000 — or you’re facing an IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD audit or enforcement action — let’s get a real strategy on the table. The sooner you act, the more options you have.


📍 Based in Orange County, serving clients across California. In-person and virtual consultations available.


📞 Call (657) 218-5700 or Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does tax resolution typically cost with a CPA?

Collections (IRS/FTB): Most serious collection cases (installment agreements, CNC, OIC, levy releases) fall between $3,500–$7,500 depending on years and complexity.

Audit Defense (IRS, FTB, CDTFA, EDD): Audits are more complex and typically begin at $7,500–$12,500+ depending on scope, years, and whether an appeal is required.

Is your pricing hourly or flat-fee?

Flat-fee only. No hourly billing, no teaser rates, and no surprises. Each engagement is quoted as a flat fee after Phase 1 review so you know the total before we proceed.

What does the $1,500–$3,200 Phase 1 fee cover?

For collection cases(IRS/FTB): transcript analysis, enforcement timeline review, settlement eligibility (OIC, CNC, IA), and if selected, preparation of up to 3 years of returns (Phase 1 Plus at $3,200). You receive a written plan and a Phase 2 quote.

How is Phase 1 different for audit defense?

Audit Phase 1(IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD) is deeper and begins at $3,500–$5,000 depending on scope. It includes audit notice review, analysis of auditor methodology (sampling, markup tests, credit-card ratios, payroll testing), records checklist, and a written defense strategy with a flat-fee quote for Phase 2 representation.

What happens in Phase 2?

Collections: We implement the strategy—OIC/IA/CNC filings, levy/garnishment releases, penalty relief, and compliance restoration—typically $3,500–$7,500+.

Audit defense: Representation with IRS/FTB/CDTFA/EDD, challenges to sampling/assumptions, submission of position letters, conferences/meetings, appeals or petitions for redetermination/OTA if needed—typically $7,500–$12,500+ depending on complexity.

Why is Phase 1 required before a full quote?

You can’t price a fix until you understand the problem. Phase 1 confirms compliance, risks, document quality, and—in audits—the agency’s methods and assumptions. That’s how we give a precise flat-fee for Phase 2 and avoid bad advice or surprise overages.

Do you work only with local clients?

We’re based in Orange County and serve clients across California. Virtual and in-person consultations are available. Local clients often prefer a CPA they can meet with during high-stakes matters like CDTFA sales tax audits or EDD payroll investigations.

What types of cases do you take?

We focus on serious matters —generally $25,000+ in IRS/FTB tax debt or active enforcement—and audit defense for IRS, FTB, CDTFA, and EDD. If we’re not the best fit, we’ll tell you up front.