Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need for you to handle the bookkeeping?

  • All prior year bank statements in PDF format for the business AND if possible a Excel or CSV export from the bank of all prior year transactions for each bank account.
  • Excel spreadsheet of all non-reimbursed expenses paid from personal accounts (out of pocket) with date, payee amount and memo.
  • Check images or list of checks you paid (if the images are not in the statements) with date, payee amount and memo.
  • All prior year Credit card and loan statements used for the business.
  • If real estate purchased, we need the complete HUD1 or TILA statements from closing.
  • If the current Tax Year is NOT your first year in business, the prior year tax returns and financial statements.
  • If the current Tax Year IS the first year of business, a complete list of owners of the business and amount of capital each contributed to start the business.
  • If you had payroll (prepared by you or a service) include all the payroll related reports and tax forms (including W-2s).
  • If you owed Payroll taxes at year end, include that balance.
  • If you owed Sales Tax to the state at year end, include that balance.
  • If you had outstanding checks written at year end, but not cashed, include a list of those.

What documents do I bring to file my tax return?

  • Personal information on each person included on the return – name, date of birth, Social Security Card/ITIN/ATIN
  • Unexpired Government Picture ID
  • Prior Year Tax Return
  • Income statements – W-2’s, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-R, Unemployment compensation , Retirement income
  • Rental income & expenses
  • Business income & expenses
  • Gambling or Lottery winnings & expenses
  • Estimated taxes paid
  • Itemized deductions – medical/dental expenses, home mortgage interest, real estate taxes, charitable contributions (cash & non-cash), education expenses, student loan interest
  • Childcare Provider/Address & EIN number

When should I contact an accountant?

As soon as you start to think about your business, an accountant can help you take the next steps. We can discuss your business’s organization, tax purposes and operations, along with target pricing and profit margins. Important tasks like bookkeeping and income tax preparation are important to the process.

What are my options for raising money?

Get some impartial advice from an accountant before you consult the bank. A bank will want to see a strong business plan and organized records. Let us help you get ready for your business’s next step!

How can I know which accountant is right for me?

Does your accountant return your calls? Do you feel comfortable asking them a question? Do you feel heard? With the right accountant, the answers should be a resounding “Yes!”