Choosing who handles your taxes and books is a big decision. Here are honest answers to the questions we hear most. Don’t see yours? Contact us — we’ll give you a straight answer, no sales pitch.
About Our Credentials
What is an Enrolled Agent (EA)?
An Enrolled Agent is a tax professional licensed directly by the U.S. Department of the Treasury — the highest credential the IRS awards. EAs earn the license by passing a rigorous three-part IRS exam covering individual and business taxation and must complete continuing education every year to keep it. Unlike credentials issued state by state, an EA license is federal, which means we can prepare returns and represent taxpayers in all 50 states.
What’s the difference between an EA and a CPA?
Both are respected credentials, but they specialize differently. CPAs are licensed by individual states and their training covers a broad range of accounting topics — auditing, financial reporting, and business consulting — with taxation as just one piece. EAs specialize exclusively in taxation. If your primary need is tax preparation, tax planning, or resolving an issue with the IRS, an EA’s entire practice is focused on exactly that.
Can an Enrolled Agent represent me before the IRS?
Yes — fully. EAs have unlimited representation rights before the IRS. If you’re facing an audit, a notice, back taxes, or a collections issue, we can communicate with the IRS on your behalf so you don’t have to.
What does it mean that you’re a QuickBooks ProAdvisor?
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor is certified by Intuit in setting up, cleaning up, and managing books in QuickBooks — the accounting software most small businesses run on. In practice, it means your bookkeeping is done right the first time, your reports actually reflect reality, and your books arrive at tax time ready to file instead of needing an expensive rescue.
Why does it matter that you do both bookkeeping and taxes?
Most people have a bookkeeper in one place and a tax preparer in another — and the two never talk. Deductions get missed, year-end cleanup gets expensive, and nobody is looking at the full picture. Because we handle both under one roof, your books are kept with tax strategy in mind all year long. Nothing falls through the cracks between two providers, because there’s no gap to fall through.
Working With Us
Do you work with clients virtually or in person?
Both. We serve clients locally in person and work with clients nationwide through secure document sharing and video meetings. Wherever you are, the experience is the same: responsive, personal, and organized.
Who do you work with?
Small business owners, self-employed professionals, individuals, and families. Our sweet spot is business owners who want their bookkeeping, tax preparation, and tax planning handled as one coordinated system — but if you have a W-2 and a straightforward return, we’re glad to help with that too.
What does the process look like?
Free consultation. We talk about your situation and what you need — no obligation.
Onboarding. We gather your documents through our secure portal and, for business clients, get your books connected.
Ongoing partnership. We handle the work, keep you informed, and proactively flag opportunities to save — not just in April, but all year.
What should I bring to my first meeting?
For individuals: last year’s tax return, income documents (W-2s, 1099s), and any notices you’ve received. For business owners: last year’s return, access to your current bookkeeping (or bank statements if you don’t have books yet), and a list of what’s keeping you up at night. Don’t worry about having everything perfect — helping you get organized is part of the job.
I only need help once a year at tax time. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Plenty of our clients see us once a year. That said, most tax savings happen before December 31 — by the time you file, the year is locked in. Even one mid-year check-in can pay for itself.
Common Situations
My books are a mess / I’m behind on bookkeeping. Can you help?
Yes — this is one of the most common situations we see, and there’s no judgment here. We do cleanup and catch-up bookkeeping to get you current, then set up a simple system so it stays that way.
I have unfiled tax returns from previous years. What should I do?
Take a breath — this is fixable, and it’s far more common than you think. If need be, we can pull your IRS transcripts, prepare the missing returns, and represent you before the IRS if anything needs to be resolved. The worst thing you can do is keep waiting; the sooner you file, the more options you have.
I got a letter from the IRS. Should I panic?
No — but don’t ignore it either. Most IRS notices are routine and resolvable, especially when handled promptly. Send us a copy before you respond to anything; we’ll tell you what it actually means and handle the response if needed.
Can you help me switch from my current accountant or bookkeeper?
Yes, and it’s easier than you’d expect. We handle the transition — requesting prior records, migrating or cleaning up your QuickBooks file, and getting up to speed on your history — so switching doesn’t create work for you.
Pricing & Practical Details
How much do your services cost?
It depends on the complexity of your situation, so we don’t publish one-size-fits-all prices — but we’ll always quote you a clear, upfront price before any work begins. No surprise bills, no hourly meters running. The consultation to get your quote is free.
Is my information secure?
Yes. We use secure, encrypted portals for document exchange — never email attachments for sensitive documents — and your information is never shared or sold.
When should I get started?
Sooner than you think. Tax filing happens in the spring, but tax savings happen year-round. And if you’re starting or running a business, getting your books set up correctly now is far cheaper than cleaning them up later.
Still have a question?
We’ll give you a straight answer — no jargon, no pressure. Schedule a Free Consultation →