General Operations
Q: What are your fees for the services you provide?
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A: While we strongly believe in transparent pricing, no two engagements are the same. Tax returns are complex and vary from client to client. Accounting and payroll service needs are different for every business. As a result, fees can be drastically different between engagements that may appear the same on the surface. What we can say is that we’ll work with you to tailor a price that we both agree is appropriate for your specific needs. If this is a question on your mind, we encourage you to reach out to us, and we’ll make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for and how much it will cost. We're happy to continue this discussion about your specific needs.
Q: How are prices determined?
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A: We consider the time and labor required; the novelty, complexity, and difficulty of the work involved; and the skill, expertise, and efficiency of effort required to perform the work. We must also recognize that accepting the engagement may preclude us from accepting other engagements.
Next, we consider the significance of the engagement, and the responsibility involved on our part, along with the fees customarily charged for similar and comparable services in our locality.
Finally, the experience, reputation, and ability of our firm is factored into the equation.
Q: Do you offer any discounts?
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A: Yes. You can find out more about our discount programs here.
CPAs
Q: Why should I use a CPA?
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A: Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are required to meet specific education requirements and pass a rigorous exam to receive their state license. To maintain this license, they must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education every two years. Additionally, CPAs must adhere to ethical and accountability standards set by multiple oversight entities. Failure to comply with these standards can result in the loss of their license.
CPAs are also among the few professionals authorized to provide IRS representation. If you face an audit or any issues with the IRS, a CPA can represent you and handle all communications, offering professional support and peace of mind.
As with all professionals, CPAs are human and can make mistakes. This explanation does not claim that CPAs always provide better services than other bookkeepers, payroll service providers, or tax preparers. The quality of work depends on the individual performing it. However, CPAs are highly regulated and held to high standards, with potential consequences including the loss of their license, which may not apply to other individuals offering similar services.
Q: How is a CPA different from an unlicensed preparer?
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A: Key areas of difference:
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Practice rights — CPAs have unlimited practice rights before the IRS.
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Oversight — Neither a state board nor the IRS regulate other preparers (except enrolled agents and attorneys). CPAs are regulated by a state board.
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Ethical rules — CPAs who belong to the AICPA are also bound by its Code of Conduct and Statements on Standards for Tax Services (in addition to other rules).​
Third-Party Request
Q: Do you respond to a third-party request?
A: We understand that client applications for loans, health and life insurance coverage, government subsidy programs and even child adoption are predicated on verifying certain critical information. To gain some assurances that the information you provide is accurate, lenders, providers, regulators and various other government and nongovernment agencies will often request third-party verification letters from our firm. These letters might ask our firm to verify certain information that you have previously provided or that you are simultaneously providing. These verification letters are typically asked to be signed by us before they commit to providing a loan, a government subsidy or health insurance, to name a few examples. Please be aware that CPA standards place limitations on the information we can provide to third-parties, as well as, the services we can provide to clients. When these requests to you are made, we encourage you to seek our assistance. When possible, within the limitations we are allowed and with your consent, we will respond to these request.​
Q: Can you send a third-party a copy of my tax return?
A: If we receive a request from you, a lender, or another third-party seeking verification of your information, you should understand we cannot provide any confidential client information without your signed, written consent. Likewise, obtaining your consent to share tax return information creates an added complication because using a standard client consent form is not sufficient. In fact, it’s a crime. Internal Revenue Code Section 7216 dictates that all tax return preparers use a specific format to obtain consent to disclose client tax return information to a third party. Please be aware that we follow the Code when asked to provide copies of tax information, tax returns, or other information used in the preparation of a client’s tax return.