Services
If you’re looking for a firm that will focus on your individual needs, and always treat you like a client who matters, look no further. Our firm is large enough to offer a full range of professional services, but small enough to give you the individual attention that you deserve.
We will thoroughly and conscientiously study your personal situation, and tailor our advice to your specific needs.
TAX SERVICES |
BUSINESS SERVICES
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Business Services
Managing a business can feel like a constant sprint from one crisis to the next. Maybe you have ideas about the next big move for your business, but spending hours on your own accounting is taking up all of your “spare” time. We can help. All of our services are tailored to the particular needs and size of your business. Whether it’s bookkeeping, consulting, payroll, or so much more, we can help you realize your vision by giving you the time to focus your expertise where it should be–on your core products and services.
Small Business Accounting
While every business has a different focus, there are some commonalities shared by all that succeed. Accurate, informed accounting is a key element of that success. Our experienced staff excel at all aspects of business accounting. Here are a few of the services we provide. We offer them on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
- Reconcile bank statements to the cash account of your business’s general ledger.
- Create income statements for set periods that will track revenue, costs of doing business, and the net profit/loss of your business.
- Create a balance sheet that will give you a snapshot of your business’s financial position at a particular time.
- Examine your general ledger to detect inconsistencies and then correct missing and/or erroneous information.
- Offer expert financial consulting. Whether you are preparing for a loan, contemplating expansion, questioning a tax liability, or resolving other issues we are here to help. Not only do we compile, correct, and interpret your business’s accounting information, we also offer an experienced accounting perspective so you can make informed financial decisions and prosper in today’s competitive business environment.
Payroll
Payroll processing can be time-consuming, time-sensitive, and fraught with dangerous tax implications. Payroll laws frequently change and vary from state to state. Hiring in-house employees to process your payroll is expensive but doing it yourself takes up time that could be spent managing your business. We believe we have a better solution with our affordable payroll service. Our knowledgeable staff will implement and administer a payroll system specifically tailored to the needs of your business. First, we will discuss your payroll preferences. Frequency of paychecks, employee benefits, workman’s comp, taxes, and other important issues will all be considered. Then we will set up a payroll system that will generate checks, reports, and all relevant information for tax and employment authorities. We also file all quarterly and annual payroll tax returns and paperwork, making tax-time far less stressful. Contact us today to learn more about our payroll solutions.
Cash Flow and Budgeting Analysis
Cash is the lifeblood of a business. Many a profitable business with large assets and loyal customers has had to halt services because of a cash crisis. Our accountants can help you create optimal liquidity for your business by constructing a sound, flexible budget based on a thorough cash flow analysis. Here’s how we do it. We track income, spending, and debt for your business through previous cycles and make recommendations as to their realignment. We explore refinancing options and/or untapped sources of revenue that may increase the availability of cash on hand. We scrutinize your spending to discover redundancies and inadequate cost control. From this data we create a budget that syncs expenses to income and maximizes liquidity. Let us help you stabilize your cash flow so your business can whether day to day financial fluctuations and increase its long-term profitability.
Business Planning & Consulting
Are you starting or buying a business? Perhaps you want to expand and need to convince the bank that your business is a good investment. Do you feel like you need to hire more employees, but are not sure if you can afford them? Many entrepreneurs have powerful ideas that never see the light of day because of unforeseen setbacks and red tape. That’s why we offer professional business planning and consulting. We help you get a clear picture of where your business is financially. Then, with your input, we craft a plan that takes all the variables into account–potential customers, financing, competition, staffing, tax implications–these are just a few of the items we will explore. Sometimes, rather than long-range planning, a business simply requires expert advice and know-how in order to resolve some pressing issues. That’s where our financially based business consulting is of real value. Whatever the challenges you may face, we will work with you to create a practical plan that will overcome obstacles and achieve your vision.
Entity Selection and Formation
Launching a business takes courage and vision. Sustaining and growing your new venture is even more difficult. Our associates have the know-how to guide you through every step involved in setting up a new business. With your input, we will create a business plan that will articulate your goals and chart a course towards their fulfillment. We will discuss funding requirements and quantify your assets to facilitate financing and attract investors. Whether it be sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or S or C corporation, we will help you select the entity structure that will best encourage market share and minimize taxes. Our consultants will help you obtain required licenses, permits, and your Federal EIN number. There are other concerns such as payroll, insurance, and accounting systems to put in place. And our firm does not abandon you once your business is up and running. We truly want to remain your go-to accounting resource as you encounter new opportunities to grow your business.
Exit and Succession Planning
If you have built a business, you are no stranger to hard work and planning. In fact, you may have worked so hard that you’ve had little time to think about your own retirement. Creating a strategic exit plan will make the transition to the next phase of your life much easier–for both you and your employees. A good exit plan starts with an analysis of the business owner’s goals and then creates a strategy to assure their realization. There are numerous topics to consider. When do you want to leave the business? What is your business worth and how much money will you need to support your family? What will happen to your employees? There are tax, charity, and inheritance questions to think about, as well as your legacy to the community. One of the most pressing concerns is whether you plan to sell your business outright or turn it over to the next generation. If you want your business to continue, then you need a succession plan. Succession planning can be the most important part of your exit strategy, especially in a family-run business. We can help you develop a succession plan and/or a general exit plan that is fair to all participants, has a targeted timeline, and maximizes the value of the business.
Tax Services
Tax Preparation
No one is required to pay more to the IRS than the law dictates, but many people do. Tax preparation can be a time-consuming, frustrating process and mistakes can end up costing hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars. This is especially true for small business owners and individuals with multiple sources of income. We will thoroughly review your federal, state, and other taxes and make sure you receive all the credits and deductions to which you are entitled. You’re an expert in your field. Let our tax experts save you time and money by preparing and filing your tax returns.
Ask us about:
- Individual tax Returns
- Corporation tax Returns
- S Corporation “S” Tax Returns
- Partnership/LLC Tax Returns
- Estate and Fiduciary Tax Returns
- Nonprofit Tax Returns
- Amendment of Prior Returns
- State and Local Taxes (SALT)
- Sales Taxes
- International Taxes
- Tax Returns for Expatriates and Foreign Nationals
- Other Misc. Returns, Schedules, and paperwork
Tax Planning
Did you know that you may be able to significantly reduce the amount of taxes you owe? Our goal is to help you keep as much of your earnings as is legally possible. We remain up to date on the latest changes to the Internal Revenue Code and can find ways to save you money regardless of the size of your income or business. Here are just a few of the methods we use to lower your taxes.
- Entity Structure – Proper business structuring is essential to reducing taxes.
- Income Redistribution – Redistribution of income to various family members or business entities is a useful method.
- Finding More Deductions – There may be deductions you can take that will increase tax savings.
- Deferral of Income or Expenses – Spreading income or expenses over several years often allows for huge tax savings.
- Investment Choice – Certain investments are exempt from taxes.
You’ve worked hard for your money and although most of us do have to pay taxes, no one should have to pay more than is required by law. Tax planning is the key to minimizing your tax liability. Let us help you keep your money and keep it working for you instead of the IRS.
Tax Problems
There are many issues that can arise between taxpayers and the IRS. If you are facing an audit, lien, or wage garnishment your future and reputation are at stake and you should take immediate action. But going it alone can be a time-consuming nightmare and sometimes result in a worse outcome. Our associates are uniquely qualified to resolve your tax problems and represent your best interests before the IRS and all other tax authorities.
IRS Audit Representation
Have you received a Notice of Audit and Examination Scheduled from the IRS? An IRS audit is a review of an organizations or individual’s accounts to ensure information is being reported correctly. Ignoring an audit usually means the IRS files your return for you and you end up paying much more. An IRS audit is a serious situation, but with experienced help most tax difficulties can be resolved. You don’t have to face an audit alone. Our associates are qualified to represent you before the examination division of the IRS. Oftentimes we can save taxpayers
Un-filed Returns
If you have neglected to file a tax return from a previous year or years you should do so immediately–even if you think you can’t pay. The penalties and interest you may face for not filing a return are often much worse than if you file but do not pay in full. In other words, you have nothing to gain by not filing tax returns except hefty fines and possible jail time. We have the expertise you need to straighten out your misunderstanding with the IRS. Once we have filed your missing returns, we can help you work out a payment plan or an Offer in Compromise. Please note that the IRS will not accept any payment arrangement or revoke a lien or levy until all delinquent tax returns are filed. Contact us today to learn more about filing your overdue tax returns.
Back Taxes Owed
Have you filed your tax returns every year, but not paid all the tax you owe? Maybe you just didn’t have enough money at the time and planned to pay more later. Unfortunately, the penalties and interest that are added to back taxes greatly increase how much you will ultimately owe the government. If you are delinquent on your taxes and haven’t yet heard from the IRS, you soon will. The IRS may place a lien on your property or a levy on your bank accounts or wages. The potential damage from unpaid back taxes can be financially ruinous, but it is often avoidable. We can help you assess your tax debt options and negotiate a workable payment plan with the IRS. Unpaid back taxes are a problem that rarely goes away on its own. Contact us today and resolve your tax liability issues.
Payroll Taxes Owed
Falling out of compliance with IRS payroll regulations can destroy your business. Not only that, it can ruin your personal finances. Perhaps you’ve gotten behind on payroll taxes through an oversight or a temporary lack of funds. Whatever the reason, it is important to note that the IRS pays particular attention to small businesses that fall behind on their employees’ federal withholdings. If the IRS decides that your business has violated payroll tax rules it may come after your personal bank accounts and assets–even if your business files for bankruptcy protection. If you have received correspondence from the IRS about payroll issues, you need experienced representation now. Let our tax experts help you resolve your payroll tax issues so you can get back to running your business.
Liens
A federal tax lien arises shortly after the IRS assesses your tax and sends you a demand for payment. A Notice of Federal Tax Lien lets your creditors know the IRS has a claim against all your property–including property you may purchase in the future. Once the lien arises, the IRS generally will not release it until the taxes, penalties, and fees are paid in full. But there are actions you can take. If you contact us immediately, we may be able to file an appeal with the IRS and have your lien reconsidered. Our tax experts will thoroughly examine your situation to see if you qualify for a payment or penalty reduction. We can find out if the Statute of Limitations has expired or if your finances allow you to file as Currently Not Collectible. Failing these, we will diligently work to set up a payment plan with the IRS and get the lien revoked.
Levies and Seizures
Levies and liens are often confused, but they are actually quite different. A lien secures the government’s interest in your property when you don’t pay your tax debt. A levy actually takes the property to pay the tax debt. If you don’t pay or make arrangements to settle your tax liability the IRS can levy, seize and sell any type of personal property that you own or have an interest in. Even your retirement accounts and home are fair game. If you have received a Notice of Intent to Levy please contact us immediately. There is a brief time period where we may be able to appeal the process and negotiate a workable payment plan before the levy even begins. Levies are best understood by examining their primary asset targets.
Wage Levy (Wage Garnishment)
A Wage Levy occurs when the IRS sends a Notice of Levy to your employer demanding that he or she send a portion of your paycheck to the IRS. If your employer fails to comply, they could be held responsible for your tax debt. A wage levy is extremely unpleasant. The IRS usually gets the bulk of your paycheck until your taxes are paid off and your relationship with your employer is put under a great deal of stress. If your wages are being garnished, you need help now. Our tax experts will work with you to arrange a payment plan with the IRS that is far more tolerable than having your regular paycheck docked.
Seizures
A Seizure is a levy on your property. The IRS can take your car, boat, jewelry, etc.–sometimes even your home–and then auction off your possessions to pay your taxes, interest, and penalties. If the IRS has notified you that they are going to seize your assets, you still have some legal rights concerning your property. Our associates will walk you through all the available options. You may qualify for an Offer in Compromise, Innocent Spouse Relief, or, if you are under severe financial duress, Currently Not Collectable. If the IRS has already taken your property, we can request an Asset Levy Release–it may be possible to get your possessions back. Please contact us today for more information.
Offer in Compromise
An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. It may be a legitimate option if you can’t pay your full tax liability, or if doing so would create a financial hardship. The IRS will generally approve an offer in compromise when the amount offered represents the most it can expect to collect within a reasonable period of time. But the Offer in Compromise program is not for everyone. We will analyze your financial situation to see if you are eligible. If you do not qualify for an offer in compromise, we can recommend other payment options that will resolve your tax debt.
Innocent Spouse Relief
Many married taxpayers file a joint tax return because of the benefits this filing status allows. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. If you filed a joint return with your spouse or former spouse, you may be held liable for the taxes, interest, and penalties–even if it was your spouse who earned the income and/or claimed improper deductions or credits. This is true even if a divorce decree states that your spouse will be responsible for any amounts due on previously filed joint returns. If the IRS is holding you responsible for your spouse’s or former spouse’s fraud or negligence, we can help. Our experienced representatives will quickly determine if you qualify for tax relief and then negotiate with the IRS for the outcome most favorable to you.
There are three types of relief available.
- Innocent Spouse Relief By requesting innocent spouse relief, you can be relieved of responsibility for paying tax, interest, and penalties if your spouse did something wrong on your tax return.
- Separation of Liability Relief Under this type of relief, you divide the additional tax owed from your joint return, plus penalties and interest, between you and your spouse (or former spouse).
- Equitable Relief If you do not qualify for innocent spouse relief or separation of liability, you may still be relieved of responsibility for tax, interest, and penalties through equitable relief.
Don’t be the victim of someone else’s mistakes or dishonesty. Contact us today to see if you qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief or other IRS tax relief programs.
Obtain Your IRS File (Freedom of Information Act)
The Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, gives any person the right to access their IRS file. Knowing what the IRS has in your file is a great place to start when resolving a tax issue. Furthermore, it is probably as important to find out what the IRS does not know about you as it is to see what they do have in your file. We will make a discreet request for your information from the IRS so as not to draw undue attention to any tax liability. After we acquire your IRS file, we will explain it to you in layman’s terms, as well as recommend a course of action that will set you on the road to ending your tax controversy.
QuickBooks
Why QuickBooks?
There is no shortage of QuickBooks software solutions for your business. The QuickBooks suite of programs include multiple desktop and online versions with specialized options for contractors, retailers, nonprofits, and many others. QuickBooks is very affordable and facilitates accounting, taxes, reports, and even long-range planning. Our associates are experts at installing, training, and utilizing the various QuickBooks programs. We will analyze the nature of your business, frequency of transactions, future plans, and other data in order to match you with the best version of QuickBooks for your business.
QuickBooks Setup
We are adept at installing and updating QuickBooks. At our initial consultation, we will discuss your accounting needs, hardware, and software requirements, and choose a start date for QuickBooks. Then, our experienced staff will install QuickBooks and assist with data transfer from your old accounting systems into the QuickBooks version of your choice. We will design and load your chart of accounts, item lists, and other options like payroll, inventory, accounts receivable/payable and so much more. After installation, we will test your software and generate reports to assure program functionality.
QuickBooks Training and Support
QuickBooks can facilitate your bookkeeping and remove much of the difficulty involved with payroll, taxes, and virtually all other aspects of business accounting. It is designed for easy installation and intuitive understanding, but it can be a bit daunting without proper training–especially for first time users. Our QuickBooks pros are available to train you and/or your employees. We save you time and aggravation by focusing on those features of QuickBooks you are most likely to use for your particular business. And we don’t abandon our clients once QuickBooks is up and running–our assistance is just a phone call or an email away.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online allows you to store your data on secure, remote servers and access it from your laptop or other device through an encrypted internet connection. There are no downloads or installations to worry about and no need to invest in an expensive network. QuickBooks Online mobile-friendly design is perfect for businesses with multiple locations, telecommuters, or salespeople on the go. We have experience with all aspects of QuickBooks Online and are available for set-up and remote access support. Our tech-savvy pros will implement your decisions about who can access your accounting information and to what degree they can view, enter, or manipulate your data. QuickBooks Online is not quite the same as the desktop version, so don’t expect the same level of support from someone who claims knowledge of QuickBooks but doesn’t know the online version. We are QuickBooks Online experts. Contact us to make your transition to QuickBooks Online as fast, seamless, and secure as possible.
Try & Buy QuickBooks
Not sure if QuickBooks is for you? You can try it for FREE and save on your purchase after your trial period.