Frequently Asked Questions

Tax software works fine for simple W-2 returns, but if you're a business owner, have an S-Corp or LLC, earn over $60,000 from self-employment, or deal with multiple income sources, you're almost certainly leaving money on the table. A CPA doesn't just file your return; we proactively plan throughout the year to legally minimize your taxes, catch deductions software misses, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Our clients typically save far more in taxes than they pay in fees. The question isn't whether you can afford a CPA, it's whether you can afford not to have one.

We're not a big firm where you're just a number. When you work with us, you get direct access to a CPA who knows your situation inside and out, not a junior staffer or call center. We specialize in small business owners and high earners, with deep expertise in S-Corp strategy, multi-state filings, and proactive tax planning. Our tech-enabled workflow means secure portals, streamlined document collection, and faster turnaround. Most importantly, we focus on planning, not just compliance. We don't just file your taxes, we help you legally minimize them and improve your after-tax cash flow.

Absolutely! We work with clients across the entire United States through our fully virtual practice. Whether you're in Oregon, Washington, Texas, Missouri, or anywhere else, we use secure online portals for document sharing, video calls for meetings, and electronic signatures for everything. Multi-state filings are actually one of our specialties. If you have business activity in multiple states, we'll make sure you're compliant everywhere you operate. Geography is no barrier to great CPA service.

We work best with US-based entrepreneurs and investors earning between $50,000 and $1,000,000 annually. Our ideal clients own an LLC or S-Corp (or are ready to structure one properly), value responsiveness and organization, and want a long-term advisory relationship, not just someone to file a return once a year. If you want proactive planning to avoid surprise tax bills, you're comfortable working virtually with secure online tools, and you're ready to get started quickly, we're likely a great fit.

Our fees depend on the complexity of your situation. A typical new client pays around $1,200 for an individual return and $2,400 for a business entity return (S-Corp or partnership). When you add monthly bookkeeping at $300/month, the total annual investment is about $7,200. But here's the real question: what's the cost of not having a CPA? Between missed deductions, IRS notices, surprise tax bills, and poor planning, most business owners lose far more than our fees. We offer a free consultation to review your situation and show you exactly how we can help, and what you might be leaving on the table.

Getting started is simple:

1. Schedule a free consultation - We'll discuss your situation, concerns, and goals
2. Share your prior returns - We'll review them to identify opportunities and understand your history
3. Receive a proposal - If we're a good fit, we'll send an engagement letter with clear pricing
4. Onboard through our secure portal - We'll collect documents, set up your account, and get to work

Most clients complete onboarding within a week and immediately feel more organized and in control.

We pride ourselves on responsiveness. During business hours (8AM - 4PM EST, Monday through Friday), we typically respond to emails and messages the same day. Urgent matters get priority attention. Unlike large firms where you might wait days to hear back, you'll always have direct access to your CPA. Clear, timely communication is one of the things our clients appreciate most about working with us.

Don't panic, but don't ignore it either. IRS notices can range from simple corrections to audit requests, and responding correctly is critical. We handle IRS and state notice resolution regularly. We'll review the letter, explain what it means in plain English, gather the necessary documentation, and respond on your behalf. Many notices are resolved quickly once a professional gets involved. If you've received a notice, contact us right away so we can protect your interests and prevent the situation from escalating.

This is increasingly common as payment platforms report more transactions. A 1099-K shows gross payment volume, which often doesn't equal your actual taxable income. It might include refunds, reimbursements, or payments you collected on behalf of others. The IRS receives a copy, so it must be addressed correctly on your return to avoid a mismatch notice. We'll reconcile your 1099-K to your actual bank deposits, document any differences, and report everything properly to keep you compliant and avoid IRS scrutiny.

You're not alone, and this is fixable. The longer you wait, the worse penalties and interest become, and the IRS may eventually file a return on your behalf (usually not in your favor). We help clients get caught up on multiple years of unfiled returns, often uncovering refunds or negotiating penalty relief along the way. The first step is understanding exactly where you stand. Schedule a consultation and we'll create a plan to get you compliant and give you peace of mind.

If you paid any individual or unincorporated business $600 or more for services during the year, you're required to issue a 1099-NEC by January 31st. Failure to file can result in penalties ranging from $60 to $310 per form. We provide 1099 and contractor compliance support, including helping you collect W-9s, preparing the forms, and filing them with the IRS on time. Don't let this deadline sneak up on you. Let us handle it.

An LLC provides liability protection, separating your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. For most small business owners, it's a smart foundation. But the real question is how your LLC should be taxed: as a disregarded entity, partnership, S-Corp, or C-Corp. Each has different implications for your taxes, paperwork, and flexibility. We provide entity formation guidance to help you set up the right structure from day one, avoiding costly restructuring later.

The general rule: once your business profits consistently exceed $60,000 annually, it's worth analyzing the S-Corp election. At that point, the self-employment tax savings often outweigh the added costs of payroll and more complex accounting. But timing matters. The S-Corp election must be filed within 75 days of the start of the tax year (or the LLC's formation date) to be effective for the current year. If you're approaching this threshold, let's talk now so you don't miss the window.

Yes! Payroll setup is essential for S-Corp owners and any business with employees. We coordinate payroll setup and compliance, helping you choose the right payroll provider, set up proper withholdings, and stay compliant with federal and state requirements. Payroll mistakes can be expensive. Late deposits, incorrect filings, and misclassification penalties add up fast. We'll make sure you're set up correctly from the start.