Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Tax Preparation & Planning Services in Chicago
Since 1969, Strauss Tax Service has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive tax and financial planning solutions for individuals, families, small businesses, and Trust and Estate administrators. Our team of Enrolled Agents (EAs) holds the highest federal tax licensing credential, granting us unlimited representation rights before the IRS. We specialize in personalized tax preparation, year-round tax planning, estate and trust tax services, retirement planning, and investment education. Our approach combines decades of experience with a commitment to client education, ensuring clients understand complex tax laws and make informed financial decisions.We represent taxpayers in IRS audits, respond to tax notices, and provide ongoing support for evolving financial needs. Our quarterly newsletter, The Strauss Report, keeps clients informed about tax law changes. With offices in Chicago and Downers Grove, we serve clients across Illinois, emphasizing transparency, expertise, and long-term financial strategy.
Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Estate and Trust Taxes
Retirement Planning
Investment Advising
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined experience in tax and financial planning.
- Our team includes federally licensed Enrolled Agents with unlimited IRS representation rights.
- We provide personalized tax education to help clients make informed financial decisions.
- We offer comprehensive services including estate planning, retirement strategy, and audit support.
- Our quarterly newsletter keeps clients updated on evolving tax laws and regulations.
Associations and certifications
- Enrolled Agents (EAs)
Services
Tax Preparation
We prepare personal and business tax returns with detailed explanations of complex IRS regulations. Our process includes document review, deduction maximization, and year-round support for tax notices or amendments. Clients receive tailored guidance to ensure compliance and financial clarity.
Estate and Trust Taxes
Our experts handle tax filings for estates and trusts, including final 1040s, 1041s, and 706s. We guide executors and trustees through post-death tax obligations, coordinate with legal advisors, and explain inheritance tax implications to ensure smooth asset distribution.
Retirement Planning
We analyze retirement readiness by reviewing 401Ks, Social Security benefits, and withdrawal strategies. Our advice covers tax-efficient income planning, medical expense considerations, and rollover options to help clients achieve financial security in retirement.
Tax Planning
We develop proactive tax plans for life events like business startups, inheritances, or divorce. Quarterly newsletters and ongoing consultations help clients anticipate liabilities, optimize withholdings, and adapt to changing tax laws throughout the year.
IRS Representation
Our Enrolled Agents represent clients during IRS audits and resolve tax disputes. We handle back filings, penalty negotiations, and correspondence with tax authorities to minimize stress and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
People
Judi Strauss
Owner and Principal
Dr. Judi Strauss, Ph.D., Enrolled Agent, has provided tax and financial planning services since 1969. She holds degrees from Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and Union Graduate School, and teaches as a former professor of Human Resource Management.
Beth Ann Austin
Office Manager
Beth Austin manages office operations at Strauss Tax Service. With a background in software quality assurance and certifications in software testing, she ensures efficient client service and administrative coordination.
Questions
What tax services do you offer?
We provide tax preparation, planning, estate/trust tax filings, retirement strategy, and IRS audit representation for individuals and small businesses.
Are you licensed tax professionals?
Yes, our team includes Enrolled Agents (EAs), the only federally licensed tax practitioners with unlimited IRS representation rights.
Do you help with estate tax planning?
We assist executors and trustees with estate tax returns, inheritance laws, and post-death tax compliance to ensure smooth asset distribution.
How do you support retirement planning?
We review retirement accounts, Social Security timing, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies to help clients achieve long-term financial security.
Can you represent me during an IRS audit?
Yes, our Enrolled Agents provide full audit representation, including document preparation, penalty negotiations, and IRS correspondence.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Chicago and Downers Grove, Illinois, with office locations in both communities.
