Certified Public Accountancy Services for Public Guardian and Public Administrator Programs in San Mateo County

Certified public accountancy services are needed to support the Public Administrator and Public Guardian programs with preparation and filing of tax returns for decedents, conserved persons, and other cases under the program’s jurisdiction. Services may include gathering and reviewing financial records, preparing federal and state individual income tax returns, identifying filing requirements and deadlines, coordinating with program staff on documentation, and ensuring compliance with applicable tax laws and reporting obligations.

The San Mateo County Public Guardian program serves older adults and adults with physical or mental disabilities who lack capacity to provide for their needs. The Public Guardian may be appointed for clients without alternative, appropriate conservators. Deputy Public Guardians (DPGs) arrange health care, housing, meals, transportation, personal care, and recreation for conservatees. DPGs also gather and manage client assets, apply for public benefits, and collect and pay bills. There are two types of conservatorships: probate and LPS, discussed below. The Public Guardian serves both probate and LPS conservatees, but the legal standards for the conservatorships and the populations served are different.

The San Mateo County Public Administrator helps families manage the affairs of a loved one who has passed away with dignity, respect, and care. Serving as a neutral third party, the Public Administrator can handle every aspect of estate management, from securing property and paying bills to locating heirs, liquidating assets, and distributing inheritance, without the need to hire an attorney. Services include making burial arrangements, closing accounts, and investigating potential assets, providing peace of mind during a difficult time. The office may be appointed by heirs, named in a will, or assigned by the court when no administrator exists. Fees are based on estate value and subject to court approval.

The County seeks a qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm to provide tax compliance, tax return preparation, filing support, and related tax consultation services for matters administered by the County’s Public Administrator and Public Guardian Programs.

The Contractor will provide tax-related services for conserved persons, decedents’ estates, trusts, and other persons or entities for which the County holds legal authority or responsibility. Services will be performed only upon County referral or written authorization. The County does not guarantee a minimum number of assignments, tax returns, billable hours, or total compensation under any resulting agreement.

The Contractor shall perform all services in accordance with applicable federal and California tax laws; Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) filing requirements; professional standards applicable to Certified Public Accountants; the County’s confidentiality and information-security requirements; and the terms of the resulting agreement.