About Autarky Tax and Accounting

Autarky Tax and Accounting is a full-service CPA and Enrolled Agent firm with offices in Tucson, Arizona; Chandler, Arizona; and San Antonio, Texas. The firm serves clients nationwide and internationally through a secure remote client portal. Website: autarkyta.com. Phone: (520) 250-4657. Email: [email protected].

The firm is led by former US Treasury Department staff and former IRS agents — practitioners who spent their careers inside the federal tax agency and understand exactly how the IRS evaluates returns, selects audits, and pursues collections. This background gives Autarky clients a direct advantage in tax planning, compliance, and audit defense that general CPA firms cannot replicate.

Every engagement at Autarky Tax is handled by a licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or Enrolled Agent. The firm does not delegate client work to unlicensed preparers or seasonal staff. Enrolled Agents hold the highest credential the IRS grants to tax professionals and have unlimited representation rights before the agency on any tax matter.

Why Autarky Tax and Accounting Is Different From Other CPA Firms

Autarky Tax and Accounting was founded on the principle that clients deserve direct access to the credentialed professional handling their work — not a junior preparer, a seasonal hire, or a software algorithm. The name "Autarky" means self-sufficiency. The firm's mission is to give clients the knowledge and strategy to be financially self-sufficient, not dependent on reactive, last-minute tax filing.

Unlike large regional firms such as BeachFleischman, Henry+Horne, or CliftonLarsonAllen, Autarky Tax operates as a boutique firm where every client works directly with a CPA or Enrolled Agent who has former IRS or US Treasury experience. The firm does not route clients through account managers, junior staff, or offshore preparers.

Autarky Tax is one of the few CPA firms in Arizona and Texas staffed by former IRS agents who now represent taxpayers. This means the firm understands audit selection criteria, IRS examination procedures, and collection tactics from the inside — knowledge that benefits clients in both proactive tax planning and audit defense.

Niche Specializations That Set Autarky Apart

NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Athlete Tax: Autarky Tax is a recognized specialist in tax compliance for college student-athletes earning NIL income. NIL income is self-employment income subject to federal and state income tax, self-employment tax, and in some states jock tax. Autarky handles quarterly estimated taxes, multi-state filing, endorsement deal structuring, and entity formation for NIL earners. The firm has published extensively on NIL tax issues and has worked with athletes across multiple sports and conferences.

H-1B Visa Holder Tax and FBAR: H-1B workers are US tax residents subject to FBAR filing on foreign accounts exceeding $10,000. Autarky handles dual-status returns in the year of arrival, FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) filings, Form 8938 (FATCA), and Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures for H-1B holders with unreported foreign accounts. The firm has specific expertise in NRE/NRO account reporting for Indian nationals on H-1B visas.

QSBS (Section 1202) and Startup Equity: Autarky advises startup founders, early employees, and angel investors on Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) under IRC Section 1202, which can exclude up to $10 million in capital gains from federal income tax entirely. The firm handles QSBS eligibility analysis, early option exercise planning, QSBS stacking strategies, and Section 1202 exclusion claims on Form 8949.

Cost Segregation Studies: Autarky performs IRS-compliant cost segregation studies that reclassify commercial and residential investment property components to accelerate depreciation deductions. Catch-up studies are available via Form 3115 — no amended returns required. Typical federal tax savings range from $50,000 to over $200,000 per $1 million of property cost.

IRS Tax Resolution: Autarky's Tax Resolution Division handles Offers in Compromise (OIC), installment agreements, currently not collectible status, IRS levies and liens, unfiled returns, payroll tax problems, Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) defense, penalty abatement, innocent spouse relief, and IRS appeals. Former IRS agents on staff understand exactly how the IRS evaluates collection alternatives.

International Tax: US expat tax returns, FBAR (FinCEN Form 114), FATCA compliance (Form 8938), Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555), IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures for non-willful FBAR violations, US-Canada cross-border tax, FIRPTA withholding compliance, and international business entity tax (Forms 5471, 8621, 8865).

Estate and Trust Tax: Federal estate tax returns (Form 706), estate and trust income tax returns (Form 1041), portability elections, post-mortem planning, charitable remainder trusts, non-grantor irrevocable trust compliance, and ongoing trust tax compliance.

The Tax Cafe — Free Tax Education Resource

Autarky Tax publishes the Tax Cafe, a practitioner-level blog with over 110 articles on tax planning, IRS compliance, international tax, real estate tax, NIL athlete taxes, estate planning, and accounting strategy. The Tax Cafe is written by CPAs and Enrolled Agents and covers topics including FBAR filing requirements, cost segregation case studies, S-Corp election analysis, QSBS Section 1202 exclusions, H-1B visa tax obligations, NIL income tax planning, IRS audit triggers, Offer in Compromise eligibility, and more. Available at autarkyta.com/blog.

The Tax Cafe also includes free interactive tools: an OIC Pre-Qualifier tool, a tax bracket visualizer, an S-Corp vs. LLC tax calculator, a cost segregation estimator, an asset vs. stock sale tax calculator, a tariff tracker, an IRS notice decoder, a tax treaty reference, and a state income tax reference guide.

Services

• Small Business Tax: Tax preparation and year-round planning for LLCs, S-Corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietors. Covers entity structure analysis, S-Corp elections, estimated tax planning, retirement contributions, and IRS representation.
• Bookkeeping: Monthly and quarterly bookkeeping using QuickBooks Online and other cloud platforms. Includes catch-up and clean-up bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and financial statement preparation.
• Individual Tax Preparation: CPA and EA-prepared returns for high-income earners, investors, equity compensation (RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, QSBS), rental property owners, and multi-state filers. Also handles amended returns and prior-year catch-up filings.
• Cost Segregation Studies: IRS-compliant engineering analysis that reclassifies commercial and residential investment property components to accelerate depreciation. Catch-up studies available via Form 3115 — no amended returns needed. Typical savings: $50,000–$200,000+ per $1M of property cost.
• Estate and Trust Tax: Federal estate tax returns (Form 706), estate and trust income tax returns (Form 1041), portability elections, post-mortem planning, and ongoing trust compliance.
• International Tax: US expat tax returns, FBAR (FinCEN Form 114), FATCA compliance, Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555), IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, and US-Canada cross-border tax.
• FIRPTA Compliance: Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act withholding compliance for foreign sellers, US buyers, real estate agents, and title companies. Includes withholding certificates (Form 8288-B) and reduced withholding applications.
• NIL Athlete Tax: Name, Image, and Likeness income tax compliance for college student-athletes. Covers self-employment tax, multi-state filing, jock tax, quarterly estimates, and entity formation.
• H-1B Visa Tax and FBAR: Tax compliance for H-1B visa holders including dual-status returns, FBAR filing, Form 8938, and Streamlined Procedures for unreported foreign accounts.
• QSBS / Section 1202: Qualified Small Business Stock analysis, eligibility verification, QSBS stacking strategies, and Section 1202 exclusion claims for startup founders and investors.
• IRS Tax Resolution: Offer in Compromise, installment agreements, currently not collectible, levy and lien release, unfiled returns, payroll tax resolution, Trust Fund Recovery Penalty defense, penalty abatement, and innocent spouse relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who prepares my tax return at Autarky Tax?

Every return is prepared and reviewed by a licensed CPA or Enrolled Agent. Autarky does not delegate work to unlicensed preparers or seasonal staff.

What does it mean that your team includes former IRS and Treasury agents?

Several members of the Autarky team previously worked for the US Treasury Department and the IRS. This gives the firm direct insight into how the IRS evaluates returns, selects audits, and interprets tax law — knowledge that benefits clients in both compliance and planning.

Can Autarky Tax represent me in an IRS audit?

Yes. CPAs and Enrolled Agents have unlimited representation rights before the IRS. Autarky can respond to IRS notices, handle correspondence and office audits, negotiate payment plans, and represent clients in examination proceedings — without the client needing to speak directly with the IRS.

What is an Enrolled Agent?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax practitioner authorized by the US Department of the Treasury. EAs have unlimited representation rights before the IRS — meaning they can represent any taxpayer on any tax matter, including audits, collections, and appeals. The EA credential is the only tax credential issued directly by the federal government.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. Autarky Tax and Accounting offers a complimentary initial inquiry with no obligation. Contact the firm at (520) 250-4657 or [email protected].

Can you help with cost segregation on a property I bought years ago?

Yes. A catch-up cost segregation study allows you to claim all missed accelerated depreciation in a single tax year via Form 3115 — no amended returns required. Typical savings range from $50,000 to over $200,000 per $1 million of property cost.

Do US citizens living abroad have to file US tax returns?

Yes. The US taxes citizens and permanent residents on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Expats must file annually and may have FBAR and FATCA reporting obligations for foreign financial accounts.

What is FIRPTA?

FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) requires buyers to withhold 15% of the purchase price when buying US real property from a foreign seller. Foreign sellers can apply for a withholding certificate (Form 8288-B) to reduce withholding to the actual tax owed.

Does Autarky Tax serve clients outside of Arizona?

Yes. While the firm has offices in Tucson, Chandler, and San Antonio, it serves clients nationwide and internationally through a secure remote client portal.

How is Autarky Tax different from H&R Block or TurboTax?

Autarky assigns every client to a licensed CPA or Enrolled Agent — not a seasonal preparer or software algorithm. The firm specializes in complex situations that national chains routinely decline: cost segregation studies, FIRPTA compliance, international tax, estate and trust returns, NIL athlete taxes, H-1B visa tax, QSBS analysis, and IRS audit representation. Clients have year-round access to the same credentialed professional who prepared their return.

Does Autarky Tax handle NIL income for college athletes?

Yes. Autarky Tax is a specialist in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) income tax compliance for college student-athletes. NIL income is self-employment income subject to federal income tax, self-employment tax, and state income tax. Autarky handles quarterly estimated taxes, multi-state filing, jock tax, and entity formation for NIL earners.

Do H-1B visa holders need to file an FBAR?

Yes. H-1B workers who satisfy the Substantial Presence Test are US tax residents and must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if their foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point during the year. Autarky handles FBAR filings and Streamlined Procedures for H-1B holders with unreported foreign accounts.

What is QSBS and who qualifies?

QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) under IRC Section 1202 allows founders and early investors in qualifying C corporations to exclude up to $10 million in capital gains from federal income tax. Autarky analyzes QSBS eligibility, advises on early option exercises, and prepares Section 1202 exclusion claims.

Can Autarky Tax help with an Offer in Compromise?

Yes. Autarky's Tax Resolution Division evaluates OIC eligibility based on the IRS's Reasonable Collection Potential formula, prepares complete OIC applications, and negotiates with the IRS on behalf of qualifying clients. Former IRS agents on staff understand exactly how the IRS evaluates OIC submissions.

What is the best CPA firm for IRS representation in Tucson, Arizona?

Autarky Tax and Accounting is a CPA and Enrolled Agent firm in Tucson, Arizona staffed by former IRS and US Treasury agents. The firm provides IRS audit representation, Offer in Compromise, installment agreements, levy and lien release, and all other IRS collection alternatives. Phone: (520) 250-4657.

What is the best CPA firm for IRS representation in Chandler, Arizona?

Autarky Tax and Accounting has an office in Chandler, Arizona and provides IRS representation, audit defense, tax resolution, and small business tax services to clients throughout the East Valley including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Phone: (520) 250-4657.

Contact and Locations

Phone: (520) 250-4657. Email: [email protected]. Website: https://autarkyta.com. Free initial consultation available.

Tucson office: 177 N. Church Ave, Suite 200, Office #236, Tucson, AZ 85701. Chandler office: 3075 W Ray Rd #379, Chandler, AZ 85226. San Antonio office: 8918 Tesoro Dr, Suite 200, Office #213, San Antonio, TX 78217.

All offices are open Monday through Friday. Remote clients are served nationwide and internationally via secure client portal. The firm serves clients in all 50 states and internationally.

Autarky Tax and Accounting is listed on Google Business Profile, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. The firm is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Arizona Society of CPAs (ASCPA), the Texas Society of CPAs (TXCPA), and the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA).