The cost of a CPA is relative to your needs as a client.  In fact, for returns with W2s alone, your cost may be lower than what you have paid at larger tax preparation companies.  If our firm processes your company’s payroll or bookkeeping, the pricing of your tax return preparation will be lower as you will not only receive a discount, but the time for processing will be lower than had you prepared your own books, as we have done the legwork for you. If you are busy with life and prefer us to compile your tax records from receipts or bank statements, your tax preparation cost may be slightly higher due to the increased time to prepare, but you avoid the long days and nights of organizing your receipts.  This allows you to focus on what you do best, whether that is managing your company, managing your farm, or simply enjoying life with your family.

A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is an accountant who has education and experience in accounting and has passed the rigorous CPA Exam that test’s one’s understanding of tax law and standard accounting practices.  After passing the exam, CPAs are required to complete 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education hours every three-years as well as a four hour Texas-specific Ethics course every two years. CPAs typically have experience in more than one service and are able to represent clients with the IRS.  For example, the CPE exam includes four components:  Regulation (Taxation), Financial Accounting and Reporting, Business Environment and Concepts, and Auditing and Attestation.

It is a common belief that a CPA, or tax preparer, is only needed when the annual tax deadline approaches.  However, a CPA can and will do more than just your tax return by the deadline.  A CPA can help with business organization, tax planning for business purposes, proper recording of business purchases and expenses, communication with the IRS regarding refunds or IRS letters, and consulting on business decisions involving budgeting, risk management, and so much more. You and your CPA should have a relationship that extends beyond one day or one week per year regardless of the complexity of your life situation or your return.  You should always feel welcomed and encouraged to ask questions about your return, expected life changes for the upcoming year, or to inquire about tax savings that you may have heard about outside of our office.  If you ever feel you are an inconvenience or a bother, we are not doing our job.