Monday, October 18, 2010

Form 1099 and Cost Segregation Analysis

Can you think of two more different topics than form 1099 and cost segregation analysis ?

The point though is that the topics and fields being an expert in as a CPA are many. So can you expect to truly have competence in all of them not really. So it pays to do your own research besides the help of your local accountant or CPA to make sure the information you are getting is up to date and correct to the fullest extent possible.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Audited Financial Statements and the Benefits And Drawbacks

If you are considering getting a set of audited financial statements for a particular purpose but on are on the fence this is for you. Fine, let us get started. On one side you have the "Pro", the positions in favor: The very first point in support of audited financial statements is going to be they will be respected more than a review or compilation. A 2nd point in favor would be they are required for many regulatory authorities. The 3rd supporting point is going to be they are the best and highest form of assurance. The 4th point in support of audited financial statements will be that it may be the only way you can get a buyer to consider purchasing your business. Lastly, the 5th point is why start with a review or compilation and later have to upgrade. For balance then let's hear from the other side, those opposed, the "Con" side: The primary point against audited financial statements is the higher cost than reviews or compilations. The 2nd point against will be the time it may take to get it done. A 3rd significant point against is you will need to use a CPA to produce them. Your fourth point against is the expense may never pay off. And 5th and last, but not necessarily the least, consideration against is perhaps you do not want to open up your books to an outsider.

So there we have all the arguments for each side.

Finally then, what is the "bottom line" here? Are audited financial statements good or bad?

We now have a "Yes" answer to both questions! audited financial statements definitely seems to be both good AND bad! It is left up to your reader to determine which side, the good or the bad, outweighs the other...

Friday, May 14, 2010

Online Savings - Online Tax Accounting

Even though in the past the Internet was not the place to get assistance with tax accounting services. Much has changed with the progress of the Internet and there are many good solutions to find tax accounting services through the World Wide Web.

Keep More Cash

If you're looking to keep more moola and tax accounting services there is some advice that I can give you as a practicing certified public accountant. As most services are, fees and costs are mostly calculated as a product of multiplying hours by a rate of pay. The reason this is important for a small business or any taxpayer looking to get tax accounting services is that you can save cash by using accounting programs that will reduce the hours required for the tax preparer to do the necessary compliance.

Accounting Software for Tax Accounting Savings
Whether you are using accounting software such as Google Docs or simply using a spreadsheet to summarize expenses it is likely that you will be saving your accountant time and that will save you money. Though you should be sure that what you are doing will not need to be redone by the person doing your tax accounting. This means that the information should be easily summarized and able to show that it is matching your bank statements.Keep in mind what tax accounting services you will require.

Tax Compliance
The most basic services are called compliance. The understanding why it is called compliance is because it helps the taxpayer comply with federal, state and city tax laws. This can include filing corporate returns, sales tax returns, as well as commercial rent and other local filings. When you employ an accountant to do compliance tax accounting then you should not expect to necessarily get much consulting. In such a situation it is likely that price will be the major determinant of who you choose.

Tax Consulting
At times the compliance with tax laws can be done internally without the need for a tax accountant. Then the other reason you may be because you need advice on what needs to be prepared and how you can plan to save money. You would be surprised how a little bit of preparation in advance can save a very significant amount of cash.