Accountant help with IRS taxes ~ if you're on a tight budget

“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

Do you know any great Accountants or Bookkeepers?

This is a great question. Also, it is the #1 question I receive through email … so I decided to keep a full answer here for you - that I can update regularly.

Short answer - Yes! I know some amazing folks.

Longer answer - They are often booked. Below is my current list of people I know, and others recommended to me. If none of the below work out, here are some tips to finding your person:

  • Keep asking everyone you know, to get a list of names 3-5 or more if possible

  • Try to meet at least 2-3 - for some type of initial consult. You will learn a little bit each time, and you’ll get a sense of the various communication styles. And what you like and don’t like.

  • Keep in mind - this is an equal power situation. You are the client, you’re an expert on your biz and your personality and work style. They are the expert of filing taxes and numbers. Be sure it feels good to talk with them and work with them.

  • If you want someone who will teach you things, ask them specifically if they like explaining how taxes and bookkeeping work.

  • For Accountants, be sure to ask if they file city and state taxes too! Many accountants do not.

Note: If you’re a Therapist - please see this list, specially collected for you.

/ / / / /

Valerie Moseley, CPA
valeriemoseleycpa.com
Available for consults: self-employed, S-corps, interesting tax situations, etc.
Limited openings for perfect-fit clients

Jocelyn Muhl, CPA
northseattleaccountant.com
Accounting services include time for questions
Available for consults, and perfect-fit clients

Luke and Amy Weissgarber
ltwcpa.com/
Based in Bellevue, just moved up from Texas. Recommended by trusted CPA, actively looking for clients.

Julia Ensign
seattle-bookkeeping.com
Bookkeeping services for local businesses
Friendly! Offers phone call to take about working together

Patty Kelley, CPA and Katherine Griswold, MBA
portumbooks.com
Taking new clients, focus on small business. Offering full bookkeeping services, preparing documents for taxes, consulting, Quickbooks advising, and more!

Lindsey Gaughn, CPA
gaughanlindsey@gmail.com
Available for consults, bookkeeping and accounting services
Email to get in touch

Hipster Money / Alexandra Perwin, CPA
hipstermoney.com
Usually booked … sometimes available for consults, new clients who are perfect-fit

Clear Sky Money Matters / Emily Zillig
emilyzillig.com
Bookkeeping, money coaching

Sadie Frederick / Bookkeeper
sadieaccounts.com
Specializing in small Seattle nonprofit clients (also a long-time client of mine)

Justin Bourn, CPA
wzbcpa.com/team/justin-a-bourn/
A client said he’s friendly and easy to work with. Now the co-owner of this company. I hope to meet him some time.

Good luck with your search! … and please do let me know if you find any great people to add to this list.
Jenny Girl Friday