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Ismail F. Bharmal, EA, CPA
Ismail F. Bharmal, EA, CPAPresident & CEO

About Me

I have extensive professional knowledge in the accounting and tax industry obtained through education, training and over 36 years of experience. I knew that I wanted to be an accountant by the time I was in the 8th grade, and it was always my dream to open my own accounting firm. After completion of my training at a reputable Karachi accounting firm in 1982, I joined KPMG as a Senior Auditor and practiced there until March 1987. Immediately following, I held positions as finance manager and senior accountant/office manager until 1993, when I brought my lifelong dream of starting a professional accounting firm into reality.

Since 1994, Bharmal & Associates, Inc. (known as Reliable Business Support until 2005) has served thousands of individuals and small business clients in their accounting, tax and financial service needs.

  • University of Karachi, 1979 – Bachelors in Commerce in Accounting
  • Certified Public Accountant – California Licensed (CPA)
  • IRS licensed Enrolled Agent (EA)
  • Quickbooks Advanced Certified Pro Advisor
  • General Securities License (Series 6, 7, & 63)
  • Registered Investment Adviser License (65)
  • Life, Health and Disability Insurance – California Licensed

  • Business Advisory
  • Tax Planning
  • Tax Resolution
  • Entity Formation
  • Cash Flow Management

  • Offer In Compromise: Client owed over $200,000 in back taxes and had no way he could pay this debt in his lifetime. I was able to settle it for $20,475.
  • Appeal for an Audit Assessment: Client was assessed over $100,000 in a tax audit. Previous CPA filed an appeal and failed to follow through. After several hearings, I was able to remove the entire assessed tax liability.
  • Penalty Abatement: A business client didn’t file their partnership tax return on time (5 partners) . The IRS charged $5,850 in penalties and interest. I was able to abate the full amount.
  • Amended Tax Return: Client’s tax return was prepared by a popular tax franchise firm. My review revealed errors and omissions resulting in a proposed amendment and $80,000 refund!

I have created four phases in successfully delivering results when meeting with clients. These are the intro., gather, analyze and implement phases. In the intro. phase, we meet to not only get to know one another and see the “fit” but I get a light background of the issue or situation. Once we decide to work together, I compile all relevant information. On many occasions, this can take weeks based on the complexity of the engagement. Once we have a complete stock of the information, my team and I dive into understanding and proposing solutions. We take both a detailed and high level view so we don’t miss anything. Finally, in the implement phase we bring our suggestions to life. Whether it be preparing a tax return, completing an audit or representing a client, this is where our plan comes to action. As you can see, we spend a significant amount of time getting to know the situation and client. This approach has proven to bring the best results for clients.

Aside from maintaining an active lifestyle combined with regular exercise and diet, I am a musician at heart. I am deeply passionate about South Asian (Indian & Pakistani) music and actively involved in various Karaoke groups in the community.

Furthermore, I have always enjoyed cooking and traveling; something I hope to do more of in the future.