An Enrolled Agent practice built around clarity, preparation, and long-term client trust.
San Juan Financial is a small, credentialed team led by Patricia “Patti” Kappen, EA. We work with individuals, families, and business owners across South Orange County who want a tax professional who will still be there next year — and the year after that.
A corporate controller who chose taxpayer representation as her life’s work.
Before founding San Juan Financial, Patti served as a corporate controller — closing books, managing cash, and translating financial reality into decisions owners could act on. That perspective still shapes how she reads a return, a notice, or a set of QuickBooks files today.
She earned her Enrolled Agent credential in 2002 and completed advanced training through the National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI). Her practice focuses on proactive planning, thorough preparation, and direct representation before the IRS and state tax agencies.
Patti is a past president of both the California Society of Enrolled Agents and the local Orange County chapter, with prior service on the National Association of Enrolled Agents’ board. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and has held financial-advisory and California insurance licenses over the course of her career.
Please verify current licenses and affiliations directly with the firm before publication.
Credentialed professionals, working together on your file.
Tax planning and preparation, IRS representation, business advisory, and long-term client relationships.
Individual and small business tax preparation with a focus on careful documentation and accuracy.
Return preparation and client review; supports both individual and business engagements.
Bookkeeping, QuickBooks support, and day-to-day client coordination.
Team roster and credentials should be verified with the firm before publication. Photographs of individual professionals will be added once provided by the firm.
What an Enrolled Agent is — and why it matters here.
Enrolled Agents are federally authorized tax professionals who may represent taxpayers before the IRS on audits, collection matters, and appeals. The credential is issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and requires ongoing continuing education.
Federal authority to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
Advanced representation training through NAEA’s National Tax Practice Institute.
Past state and local society presidencies; prior national board service.
Ongoing professional education tracked and current with IRS requirements.
Plan Ahead — or Get a Clear Path Forward.
Whether you want a proactive tax strategy or need experienced help with a pressing IRS matter, our team is ready to review your situation and outline the next step.