Your Business Is Growing. Your Tax Questions Are Too.
Running a business involves more than filing a tax return. I help small business owners understand their tax responsibilities, plan ahead, and make informed decisions with confidence.
Owning a Business Brings Ongoing Tax Decisions
Running a business involves more than filing a tax return. I help small business owners understand their numbers, stay on top of their tax responsibilities, and make informed decisions throughout the year.
You May Be Wondering…
- Am I paying enough in estimated taxes?
- Which business expenses are deductible?
- Should I buy equipment now or later?
- Am I paying myself the right way?
You May Also Be Asking…
- Does my current business structure still make sense?
- What records should I keep throughout the year?
- What changes when I hire my first employee?
- What should I address before year-end?
The best time to ask a tax question is before you make the decision—not after.
How I Can Help
My role is to help you understand how business decisions may affect your taxes so you can make informed decisions throughout the year.
Business Tax Preparation
I prepare tax returns for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs. For S corporations, I generally combine tax preparation with ongoing bookkeeping so I understand the numbers behind the return throughout the year.
Estimated Tax Guidance
We’ll review expected income, prior-year results, and changes in your business to determine whether your estimated tax payments still make sense.
Planning Before Decisions Are Final
Before you buy equipment, hire someone, change how you’re compensated, or make another important business decision, we can discuss the tax considerations first.
Coordination With Your Bookkeeper
For businesses where I provide ongoing bookkeeping, I already understand your financial records before tax preparation begins. That helps us identify questions earlier, plan throughout the year, and make tax preparation more efficient.
Good tax planning begins before the decision is made.
When Is It Time to Talk?
A tax return reports what has already happened. A conversation during the year gives us the opportunity to plan for what comes next.
- Your business income has changed significantly.
- You are considering buying equipment or other major assets.
- You are unsure whether your estimated payments are sufficient.
- You are thinking about changing how the business is taxed.
- You are preparing to hire an employee or pay contractors.
- You’re considering a change in how your business compensates you.
- You are approaching year-end with unresolved tax questions.
- You’d like another set of experienced eyes before making an important decision.
The most useful tax conversation often happens before the transaction—not after it.
What Working Together Looks Like
Every business is different. Before we begin, I’ll explain how I can help, answer your questions, and provide an estimated fee based on your situation.
1. We Start With a Conversation
We will talk about your business, how it operates, what has changed, and the questions you want to address.
2. I Review the Relevant Information
Depending on your situation, I may review your bookkeeping records, prior tax returns, financial reports, payroll information, estimated tax payments, or other information that helps me understand your business
3. You Receive Clear Next Steps
I’ll explain what I found, answer your questions in plain English, and help you understand the appropriate next steps.
You’ll Know the Fee Up Front
Before any work begins, I’ll explain my estimated fee and answer your questions. If additional work becomes necessary, we’ll discuss it before I proceed. I never want you to be surprised by a bill.
Questions I Hear Every Day
Running a business brings questions throughout the year. Here are a few I hear most often.
Do you prepare tax returns for LLCs and S corporations?
Yes, depending on the business. I prepare tax returns for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs. I also prepare S corporation returns when I provide the ongoing bookkeeping for the business. Keeping the bookkeeping and tax preparation together allows me to understand the numbers throughout the year rather than seeing them for the first time at tax time.
Can you help me decide whether S corporation taxation still makes sense?
Yes. We can discuss the tax considerations, administrative responsibilities, payroll requirements, and other factors involved. The right answer depends on the complete facts of your situation.
Why do you combine bookkeeping and tax preparation for S corporations?
An S corporation has additional tax, payroll, and reporting requirements, and the quality of the tax return depends heavily on the quality of the books. By handling the bookkeeping throughout the year, I already understand the financial records when it’s time to prepare the return and can address questions before they become year-end problems.
Do I need both a CPA and a bookkeeper?
They serve different purposes. Bookkeeping keeps your financial records organized and current throughout the year, while tax work focuses on filing requirements, tax planning, and the tax consequences of business decisions. For some businesses, I provide both services so the bookkeeping and tax work stay connected.
Can you work with my existing bookkeeper?
In many situations, yes. I’m happy to work with an existing bookkeeper when that arrangement makes sense. For S corporations, however, I generally provide tax preparation together with ongoing bookkeeping so I can work from financial records I know and understand.
How often should I review my estimated tax payments?
Estimated payments should be reviewed when income changes materially, after a significant transaction, or when other household income changes. Some businesses benefit from a scheduled midyear or year-end review.
Can I deduct this business expense?
Yes. Deductibility depends on the nature of the expense, how it relates to the business, and whether adequate records exist. I can explain the tax rules and the documentation that should be retained.
What if my business has become too complex for your practice?
If your business grows beyond the type of work I specialize in, I’ll tell you honestly. If possible, I’ll continue helping you, or I’ll recommend someone better suited to your needs.
Your Business Deserves More Than a Once-a-Year Tax Conversation.
When questions arise or an important business decision is ahead, let’s talk while there is still time to plan.