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The DIY (Do It Yourself) industry is flourishing these days. This trend also extends to accounting and income tax services. The availability of affordable computing power, improved entry-level accounting and income tax software, and cloud-based applications and storage options are attractive because they may help you save money by doing it yourself. Added to that is some very effective advertising claiming that at the push of a button your business accounting and income tax filings will be worry free. However, be warned; our clients often turn to us when their experience with DIY solutions show the ease and efficiency of using these products has been oversold.
In today’s highly regulated environment, innocent omissions and mistakes from simply not knowing how transactions should be recorded, or how to properly comply with new federal, state or local tax
law, can be costly, and sometimes devastating. Instead of spending time increasing sales, improving processes and growing their businesses, some business owners say they grow frustrated and waste time trying to learn to use and update the latest software as well as keep up with filing deadlines and regulations by themselves. That’s when they call us.
Let’s consider how engaging professional help with your business accounting and finances can pay big benefits that will help your bottom line both short-term and long-term.
For those business owners who have a solid accounting or bookkeeping background and a good understanding of business finances, with McRuer CPAs’ MyMcRuer/BackOffice service offering you may benefit by a combination of some DIY and some professional on-demand services.
MyMcRuer/BackOffice helps business owners control costs by personally managing their business’s books. In addition, when a difficult issue or a question arises, they have access to a local experienced accounting professional who will view the issue real time to identify the problem and quickly provide a solution. Then as the business grows and its operations need more of an owner’s or manager’s time, a smooth transition can be made to full-time professional accountants and bookkeepers who already know the business.
If you intend to grow your business, the benefits of professional accounting services cannot be overestimated. Is it time that you utilized a professional for your combined personal and business tax preparation? When is it cost effective to hire an accounting firm’s experts to help with your business accounting and bookkeeping needs?
Consider the following as a mental checklist to help you find an answer to the question:
How Do I Know When I Need a Professional Accountant or CPA?
You know you need a professional accountant or CPA when…
(circle the sentence numbers that apply to you and when finished add up the total number of sentences that describe your financial situation)
- You are considering investing significant time, money and passion into a business idea. Before you “take the leap” you want input about your business plan from an independent professional who will review the numbers and help you analyze your idea’s future growth potential.
- You are starting a new business and want to select the best business structure that fits the marketplace, your proficiency and your goals. You have been told there are different types of business entities that may limit your personal liability for your business activities, but you don’t understand the tax consequences of this decision.
- Your income and deductions have changed and you no longer file a simple tax return, or you suspect you must make quarterly estimated tax payments.
- You need new or additional business financing, and your lender or insuror is requesting financial information that must be provided by a third party.
- You want to better understand your business’s financial information, and use it to improve profitability, inventory management, and cash flow.
- You need more information in order to prepare to sell your business.
- You are shutting down your business.
- You hire other people to help you, and you need information about employees versus independent contractors.
- You have become responsible for another person’s affairs, either during their life or after their passing.
- The IRS or another regulatory agency has contacted you about an upcoming audit or other collection actions.
- You wish to develop and act on a plan to provide for your financial future, including saving for retirement, your childrens’ education, and/or other obligations.
- You want to ensure you have the best estate plan in place by understanding the tax, financial and time-based consequences of that plan.
- You want to create a succession plan for passing your business on to the next person when you’re ready to retire or sell.
- You want to take responsibility for your business and personal financial affairs, and want a trusted advisor to help you succeed.
- You must prepare and file Forms W2 and 1099 annually.
- You need to understand your best choices on property purchase versus equipment leasing.
How many of the above statements apply to you?
These are just a few of the practical reasons that you need a professional accountant on your business’ financial team. If you circled 3 to 5 of the above business and personal accounting points, it’s probably time you considered using an upgraded business accounting tool that provides a live accountant when you need one. If you circled more than 5, it’s time you connect with a professional accountant long-term with comprehensive services and experience to ensure business success.
Consider using a CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) that is experienced and trained specifically to be your business and personal financial planner, management consultant, management information specialist, business consultant and more.
Yet, don’t forget to consider whether the professional you bring on board is someone you get along with personally. Financial decisions are a reflection of the production and goals of real people like you who are working to make profits in order to enjoy the life you love. It’s important to find an accountant who will work well with your business team and shares your concerns about accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and long-term effectiveness.
When you know you need an accountant, we’re here.
At McRuer CPAs, we know business “numbers” are personal and we make the extra effort to match the personalities of our professional accountants with you and your business team. You may discover the latest online tools with the on-demand help of a CPA are the best choice for you and your business. Maybe it’s time to have a full-time accounting professional join your team? How do you what to do?
Let’s find out what will work best for you. Contact us for a strategic planning session by calling 816.741.7882 or contact us through our confidential online resource. We’ll review your goals and help you make the best choice.
