Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend starting tax preparation as soon as you receive all necessary documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.), typically by early February. Early preparation allows time for tax planning opportunities and ensures you meet all deadlines. For complex returns, starting earlier gives us time to address any issues that may arise.

For individual returns: W-2s, 1099s, previous year's tax return, receipts for deductible expenses, mortgage interest statements, and documentation for any major life changes. For business returns: profit and loss statements, balance sheet, payroll records, business expense receipts, and depreciation schedules. We'll provide a complete checklist based on your specific situation.

Tax savings vary by individual situation, but our clients typically save 15-30% on their tax liability through strategic planning. Small businesses often save $5,000-$25,000 annually through proper deductions, entity structure optimization, and timing strategies. The key is year-round planning, not just tax season preparation.

Yes, we have extensive experience with multi-state tax compliance. We handle returns for all 50 states and understand the complexities of state tax laws, reciprocity agreements, and allocation requirements. This is particularly important for businesses with operations or employees in multiple states.

We provide complete audit representation and support. Our team will handle all communications with the IRS, prepare necessary documentation, and represent you throughout the audit process. We'll work to resolve any issues efficiently and achieve the best possible outcome. Most audits result in minimal or no additional tax when properly handled.

Absolutely. We help clients resolve various tax issues including back taxes, payment plans, penalty abatement, and offers in compromise. Our team has experience negotiating with the IRS and state tax authorities to find solutions that work for your financial situation. The sooner you address tax problems, the more options are typically available.

For most businesses, we recommend monthly bookkeeping with transactions recorded weekly. This ensures accuracy, provides timely financial insights, and makes tax preparation much smoother. High-volume businesses may benefit from weekly or bi-weekly bookkeeping, while smaller businesses might manage with monthly or quarterly services.

Bookkeeping involves recording daily financial transactions, while accounting includes analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing financial data. Bookkeeping creates the foundation with data entry and basic categorization. Accounting builds on this with financial statement preparation, analysis, tax planning, and strategic financial advice.

Yes, we specialize in bookkeeping cleanup and catch-up services. We'll review your records, identify and correct errors, reconcile accounts, and bring everything current. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity and timeframe involved. Once clean, we can implement systems to keep your books organized going forward.

We primarily recommend QuickBooks Online for most small to medium businesses due to its functionality, integrations, and cost-effectiveness. For larger businesses, we may suggest more robust solutions like NetSuite or Sage. The choice depends on your business size, industry, and specific needs. We provide setup, training, and ongoing support for any platform.

Most payroll setups can be completed within 1-2 weeks. We'll need employee information, current payroll records, tax ID numbers, and bank account details. For companies with complex pay structures or multiple locations, setup may take 2-3 weeks. We coordinate the transition to ensure no disruption to your pay schedule.

Yes, we handle all payroll tax calculations, deposits, and filings including federal, state, and local requirements. This includes quarterly 941 forms, unemployment tax filings, and year-end W-2 and 1099 preparation. We ensure all deposits are made on time to avoid penalties and keep you compliant with all regulations.

Absolutely. We manage multi-state payroll compliance including varying state tax rates, unemployment insurance requirements, and local ordinances. We stay current with the different requirements in all 50 states and ensure proper withholding and reporting for each jurisdiction where you have employees.

While our accuracy rate is 100%, if an error occurs, we correct it immediately at no cost to you. We'll process corrective payments, handle any necessary tax adjustments, and manage communications with affected employees. We also have procedures in place to minimize the likelihood of errors occurring.

Our pricing is transparent and based on the scope and complexity of services needed. We offer fixed-fee pricing for most services, so you know exactly what to expect. Factors affecting pricing include business size, transaction volume, complexity, and frequency of service. We provide detailed proposals outlining all costs upfront with no hidden fees.

We combine technical expertise with personalized service. Unlike large firms, you'll work directly with experienced CPAs who understand your business. We focus on proactive advisory services, not just compliance, and use technology to provide real-time insights. Our clients appreciate our responsiveness, accuracy, and strategic approach to their financial needs.

We work with businesses across many industries including technology, healthcare, retail, construction, restaurants, real estate, and professional services. Each industry has unique accounting and tax considerations, and our team has experience with industry-specific requirements, regulations, and best practices.

We use bank-level security including encrypted data transmission, secure cloud storage, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates. Our team receives ongoing cybersecurity training, and we maintain cyber liability insurance. We also sign confidentiality agreements and follow strict protocols for data handling and access.

Yes, we can work collaboratively with your existing team or provide specific services to complement their work. Many clients use us for specialized services like tax planning, audit support, or consulting while maintaining their current bookkeeper. We're flexible and can structure our services to fit your needs and existing relationships.

We pride ourselves on responsive communication. Most questions are answered within 24 hours during business days, and urgent matters are typically addressed within a few hours. During tax season, response times may be slightly longer, but we always keep clients informed of our availability and expected response times.