“Do you any CPAs/accountants who can help me file IRS taxes? I’m a single-member LLC/PLLC on a budget….”
Or ”…I’m a Sole Proprietor on a budget.”
Hi Friends,
This is probably the #1 most common question I get via email. And it’s a little complex to answer. Short answer ~ Not really, but I can still help you!
Please read on for some context, then options for you.
Context
Great accountants cost a little money. The ones I know generally charge $900 - $3000 for filing IRS taxes, with good reason. A great accountant is easier to work with, good with people, they will answer questions, they use robust software, and can advise you on decisions. And if you’re asking for a CPA, certified public accountant, they are more spendy because they have extra certifications and answer to a higher standard.
Here’s a list of accountants I know, and a few other finance folks.
Many self employed people - do not need an accountant. If your taxes are simple, you can file directly. Filing software is excellent at prompting us for what to report.
Also….if your taxes are simple, all the accountant is doing is entering it into their software. Without any value-add! A great one will look it over. Many of the cheaper-priced accountants simply enter it into the software for you. By the time you’ve given them all the info, you could have filed your own taxes.
Reasons to get an a great accountant:
You have tricky taxes: investments, rentals, more than one home, etc.
You’re filing as an S-corp
You have employees
To help you with decisions
They lead you through the process of prepping your business info
They answer questions in a friendly way
Reasons to get an a cheaper accountant:
You like the deadline of getting all your forms + numbers to them
It gives you peace of mind, it feels more official
It’s part of your annual ritual
Options / to get accountant help on a budget
The most affordable way is to use tax software, and access the accountants / tax pros they offer!
Work with H&R Block. You can go into an H&R Block center, or get help online. I think you still enter everything into the computer, and for an extra fee, you can get a real person to help you with it.
Use TurboTax with “Live Full Service”. Or file yourself, using the Live Chat for questions.
Try Tax Slayer. Their standard package includes access to tax pros.
Friendly Reminder
No matter who you file with, you still have to do all of the prep work! It’s still on you to find all of the tax forms. And to collect all your business numbers. The “Filing” step is putting all of that info into the software. It’s the easier part…. Check out this newsletter for a few tools to help you with the prep step. If you like it, please leave a tip in the Tip Jar!
Good luck, you got this!
♡ Jenny