self employment income reporting error ... help please!

You need to file an amended (or original) return for 2005, preparing a Schedule C for your 2005 business income and expenses. I think your chance of being prosecuted for criminal fraud is nil, and that's the only reason you'd need an attorney. You do, however, desperately need an accountant.

-- Phil Marti Clarksburg, MD

You should seek a good tax professional in your area. They can save you more money than they cost you. Missy Doyle

Did you report this income on Schedule C of your federal return? If not, you need to file amended federal and state returns. If you did include the income on your federal return all you should need to do is file an amended state income tax return. The California tax enforcers make the IRS look like push overs but you still shouldn't need a tax attorney. You might benefit, however, from engaging the services of a tax professional (CPA or EA) who specializes in small business taxation. My guess is that misreporting your state income is not the only error you made. Good luck.