DOING BUSINESS WITH US

Are you taking new clients?

Yes and we encourage our clients to refer businesses, family and friends our way. The best compliment we can get is your referral! Answered by Michelle Neiswender

What do you charge for an initial consultation?

Initial consultations are always free! We invite you to come in and meet with us so that we may learn what your needs are and you can see we are more than qualified to assist you. It’s important to us that we have a good working relationship with our clients, and the initial consultation is a great way to see if we are a good fit for one another.  Answered by Lynda Brooks

Isn’t a CPA just a bookkeeper with some letters after their name?

Well, a lot of people look at it that way and, to tell you the truth, I’ve run across some CPAs who aren’t much better than glorified bookkeepers. That’s why it is important to interview various CPAs and get references to ensure you are getting the best fit and value for your money. Your CPA should have at least some experience in your industry – or be willing to acquire that experience. In addition, your CPA should be well-versed in the various forms of business formations, comfortable with payroll, timely with answers, respectful of your time, and not afraid to say, “I’ll get right back to you.” (and mean it) if they don’t know an answer. Ask a potential CPA what type of clients they enjoy advising, how many hours of additional classes they take each year and in what areas – and why they choose those particular classes. Ask them about their networks and referral sources and find out how they price their business – will you know in advance what your work will cost? Does your CPA offer any type of satisfaction guarantee? Last, but certainly not least, check with your CPA’s State Board of Accountancy for licensing, violations, etc. Answered by Johanna Fox Turner

Why do I need to fill out a Prospective Client Questionnaire before coming to my initial consultation?

We use the questionnaire to find out a little bit about you. Its kind of like those forms you fill out at the doctor’s office during your first visit, it helps us find out your concerns and/or problem areas. It is the first tool of several to help determine what services best fits your needs. It is not a test so we do not deduct points for incomplete answers but we do appreciate it when you fill it out the best you can!  Answered by Michelle Neiswender

How often does James shave his head?

James shaves his head once a week whether he needs it or not. Answered by Lynda Brooks

What if I can’t afford an accountant?

You make look at an accountant as an expense that you would like to reduce or avoid but this is a very dangerous mistake.  With a good accountant you get much more than just a tax return.  Remember, we work with businesses everyday and have a vast amount of knowledge to help you run your business to be more successful.  We are like a teacher, and we judge our success on the success of our clients. A good accountant shouldn’t cost you money, it should SAVE you money!  Answered by James Koinis

FIXED PRICING

Do you charge by the hour? What is your rate?

No, we do not charge by the hour so we do not have an hourly rate! Instead, we enter into Fixed Price Agreements with each of our clients.  Answered by Lynda Brooks

What is a Fixed-Price Agreement (FPA)?

An FPA is the core of how we bill our clients. Most CPA firms bill you based upon hours they spend working for you. Hence, a slow worker may “cost” you more than a “faster” employee. At the same time, a partner who has been at the firm for many more years than a junior staffer is “assumed” to know a lot more, whether or not he does. What our FPA does is to put a value on the services you will “purchase” from our firm. The FPA is all-inclusive – you choose the services, and the level of services, and agree to the price in advance so there are no surprises. Best of all – your satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed! You can learn more by making an appointment – and your first appointment is always free! Answered by Johanna Fox Turner

What accounting software do you use?

We use QuickBooks Premier Accounting. We support 2005 or newer versions. Answered by Michelle Neiswender

TAXES

Why do you work so many hours during tax season?

It’s a sick joke the “man” plays on us. Answered by James Koinis

How soon can I expect to get my taxes prepared by your firm?

Our turnaround time is projected to be 10 days from the date we receive your final piece of information requested for preparing your income tax return. Answered by Johanna Fox Turner

How much do you charge to efile? Do you do Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs)?

We charge nothing extra to efile your return and we efile all returns possible unless you specifically request that we do not do so. Due to their high finance charges, we do not offer RALs for our clients. Instead, we recommend that those who are expecting a refund have their money direct-deposited for free in their bank accounts. You will only wait a few days longer and you will save a lot of money – which is what we are here for! Answered by Johanna Fox Turner

Does an income tax extension also give me an extension to pay the tax? 

No, an extension is for filing only, the taxes are due by the original due date. Answered by Teresa Ray

What do EBITDA and EBIT stand for?

EBIT (earnings before interest expenses and taxes) stands for "Earnings before irregularities and tampering". EBITDA (earnings before interest expenses, taxes, depreciation and amortization) stands for "Earnings before I tricked the dumb auditor." Answered by Paul Bell

How long should I retain my tax returns and receipts? 

The return, worksheets, and records (W2’s, 1099’s, etc.) should be kept for three years from the due date of the return or two years from the date the tax was paid, which ever is later.  Property records should be kept as long as needed to figure basis. Answered by Teresa Ray

How do I value my non-cash contributions? 

Contact us for a free “Deduct-It” booklet to keep up with clothing and household item donations. Answered by Teresa Ray

How do I compute the basis on inherited investments? 

The basis for inherited investments is fair market value on the date of death. Answered by Teresa Ray

Should my worker be an employee or subcontractor? 

If you provide the work materials and specify when and how the work is to be performed, then the worker is an employee.  If the worker provides the materials and schedules their work, then the worker is a subcontractor. Answered by Teresa Ray

QUICKBOOKS TRAINING AND CONSULTING

What are my options for one-on-one QuickBooks training? 

We are completely flexible when it comes to providing the training you need.  You can come to us, or we can come to you, though travel time would come out of the package time if we come to you.  Another option we have is to do remote training using a web service such as LogMeIn.  This allows us to view your desktop as though we were sitting right next to you while we communicate over the phone.  So, whether you live down the street or halfway across the country, we have a way to provide your training to you effectively and efficiently. Answered by Paul Bell

What is the difference between QuickBooks Classes and One-on-One Training? 

QuickBooks classes are constructed to offer generalized content given the fact that we normally have students from varying business backgrounds.  So, the classes offer the content that we believe will be the most useful to the most people.  On the flip side, individual training allows us to focus only on the things you need to know and to skip the rest.  For those reasons, QuickBooks classes are cheaper since we can spread the cost across several students, but the instruction is not as in-depth as individual training since we have to consider everyone’s needs. Answered by Paul Bell

How do I know which is best for me?

If you have never used that particular function of QuickBooks before, be it Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, or Payroll, then the QuickBooks classes would be best for you.  The QuickBooks classes are great for providing a solid foundation upon which to perform those functions.  However, if you have experience with QuickBooks and you mostly want to know how to get the most out of the program, then one-on-one training would be best for you.  Also, if you find that your organization is highly specialized, then QuickBooks training would be better for you so that we could individualize the training to best fit your needs. Answered by Paul Bell

What is the square root of an orange?

7.746. Answered by Lynda Brooks

Can I get QuickBooks cheaper through you than directly through the QuickBooks website?

Normally, the answer would be yes (unless the QuickBooks website is running a special).  We get a 15% discount, which would bring the retail price of $199.99 for Pro down to $169.99.  That being said, you should almost always be able to find QuickBooks Pro cheaper than we could get it for you.  For example, I’ve found that Sam’s Club normally has QuickBooks Pro for cheaper than $140 (depending upon whether you buy it in-store or online).  So, we will always be glad to use our discount with QuickBooks to save you money, but you’ll find that a little online research will save you even more money.  Just give us a call, and we’ll let you know if we know of any specials that any online merchants are currently offering. Answered by Paul Bell

I need to use QuickBooks for more than one company.  Do I need to buy a license for each company?

No, the licenses correspond to users and not company files.  So, regardless of whether you have a single-user or multi-user license, you can create as many company files as you need.  In addition, with a single-user license, you can install QuickBooks on each of the computers (home, work, etc.) you, the individual, use.  Multi-user licenses come in to play when you need more than one person to access a particular company file simultaneously. Answered by Paul Bell

BUSINESS CONSULTING

I am just starting my business.  I don’t need an accountant yet, right?

This could not be more wrong.  When you first start a business there is never a more important time in your business.  Errors and mistakes at this point can not only cost you money but the success and existence of your business. Answered by James Koinis

What do I need to do to start a business?

To begin, you will need to file for the proper licenses, tax numbers, decide on what form of business you need, choose accounting software and set up a bookkeeping system, and file with the Secretary of State, as appropriate. For a one-owner (or husband-wife) business, we offer a $500 flat-fee service that will take care of the start-up services for you and give you the consultation time you need to concentrate on making the appropriate decisions. Answered by Johanna Fox Turner

What did Bob Newhart do for a living before becoming a comedian?

Bob Newhart was an accountant! Answered by Michelle Neiswender

MARKETING

What is marketing?

Marketing is everything you do to place your product or service in the hands of potential customers. That includes advertising, communications, and anything that builds awareness of your company and its products and services.  From the receptionist who greets people, to the business card you hand out, to the uniforms your employees wear, to the sign on your building, to the way you present your product or service, to your commercials and ads, and of course, your web site. Everything. That’s why it’s so important! You want to not only make a good FIRST impression, but a good LASTING impression.  Answered by Lynda Brooks

Why the heck is a CPA offering marketing services?

Effective marketing is what brought you here in the first place! You find us in newspapers, on the radio, on television and cable, in Chamber newsletters, in your mailbox, in the Yellow Pages. You may have even seen our signage if you drive by, and our employees at community events.  Or perhaps you have one of our brochures or business cards.  And now you’ve found us online. We feel that if we have something that works for us, we would be remiss in not offering it as a service to our clients. Afterall, it is in OUR best interest that our CLIENTS do well! Answered by Lynda Brooks

Who did the wicked cool illustrations of the team?

An artist from Massachusetts, John Forcucci of John Forcucci Illustrations, did a great job on our team illustrations. Visit his site at www.johnforcucci.com  Answered by Lynda Brooks

EMPLOYER SERVICES

Why should I have an employee survey done?

Investing in having an employee survey is investing in your business. We have found that most business do not have employee surveys because they think that their employees #1 complaint will be their wages. About 90% of the time, we find that employees have non-monetary issues, like receiving feedback from employers regarding their job performance. In the end, employee surveys helps management better understand what motivates & inspires employees to do their best. Answered by Michelle Neiswender

How can I keep my aluminum foil in place in the box?

Reynolds aluminum foil has tabs on the side of its boxes that you can press to keep your foil in place!. Answered by MIchelle Neiswender

LIFELOCK

What is LifeLock?

LifeLock is an identity protection service designed to protect you from identity theft and fraud. This is done by posting fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus requiring a phone call be made to you each time an account is opened in your name. This process is repeated every 90 days to keep it in force. Your name is removed from junk mail and pre-approved credit card lists which may make you more vulnerable to identity theft. Additionally, credit reports will be ordered on your behalf on an annual basis so you can be sure the information being reported is correct. A 15 percent discount is available to visitors by signing up right from our web site!  Answered by Lynda Brooks

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