Hi, I’m Mallory Carra, a Los Angeles-based CTEC Registered Tax Preparer specializing in federal and California state income tax returns for freelance journalists and other sole proprietors. I understand the unique needs of freelancers because I’ve lived them: I’ve worked as a journalist for more than 20 years across print, digital media, and audio — including more than a decade as a freelancer managing my own client base, business licenses, expenses, records, and income taxes.
I’m also an adjunct journalism professor at USC Annenberg, where I teach the foundations of journalism and lead Freelancing 101 workshops that help students navigate the business side of working for themselves. You won’t have to explain the nuances of freelance work to me — and like any good journalist, I’ll know the right questions to ask.
Services
Tax Consulting
This includes questions about federal, California, and local taxation.
Income Tax Prep
With specialization in Schedule C for freelancers and sole proprietors.
Bookkeeping
For select clients only.
FAQs
NO. I’m happy to answer tax questions through a paid consultation, but I do not provide free advice by email, text, DM, or casual conversation.
A “quick question” still requires professional knowledge, research, and responsibility. That is the service.
My fees are fair, transparent, and based on the scope and complexity of the work. I do not publish a one-size-fits-all price list because tax returns vary in complexity and in the condition of the records provided. I do not publicly advertise rates due to the IRS’ rules for tax preparer advertising.
Yes. You’re noticing a pattern here. Consultations are paid appointments because they involve reviewing your individual circumstances and providing individualized guidance. If you need professional tax advice, please book professional tax time.
You must provide complete, accurate, and organized records that substantiate the income, expenses, deductions, and credits you want reported. Depending on your situation, that may include:
- W-2s, 1099s, and other income statements
- Receipts and invoices
- Business income and expense records
- Mileage logs
- Records related to health insurance, education, dependents, investments, or charitable contributions
- Prior-year tax returns
- Any notices received from a tax agency
If you want to claim it, you need to be able to support beyond guesses, vague memories, and “I’m pretty sure I spent about…”
No. Your tax outcome depends on your income, withholding, payments, deductions, credits, and other individual circumstances. A refund is not a prize, and a larger refund does not automatically mean a better-prepared return.