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Can you collaborate with my attorney, banker, or financial advisor?Yes, we often work as part of a client's financial team, coordinating with attorneys, bankers, and financial advisors to ensure a cohesive strategy. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of your financial life are aligned and working towards your goals.
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How can advisory services help me grow my business?Advisory services offer strategic insights into your business's financial health, helping you make informed decisions about growth opportunities, risk management, and operational efficiency. By analyzing financial data and market trends, we can identify areas for improvement and growth.
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What should I prepare before meeting with a CPA advisor?Before our meeting, gather relevant financial documents such as tax returns, financial statements, and any records of major financial transactions. Having a clear understanding of your financial goals and any specific questions will also help us provide targeted advice.
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How do I know if I need advisory services or just tax preparation?If you're solely looking to file your taxes, tax preparation services may suffice. However, if you're seeking guidance on financial planning, business strategy, or complex tax issues, advisory services can provide comprehensive support tailored to your needs.
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What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. CPAs have met specific state and education licensing requirements and passed a rigorous CPA exam, qualifying them to perform more advanced accounting duties and comply with all regulations set forth by the IRS.
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What exactly are advisory services? How are they different from tax prep?Advisory services go beyond just filing your taxes — we help you make informed decisions about how to manage, grow, and protect your business and wealth. This includes tax planning, entity structuring, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, retirement strategies, succession planning, and more.
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What types of advisory services do you offer?We offer a range of strategic support, including: Tax planning for individuals and businesses Cash flow and budgeting strategy Entity selection and restructuring Strategic growth planning Owner compensation planning Business succession or exit strategy Estate and trust planning High-level CFO-style advisory (monthly/quarterly review sessions)
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How do I know what level of service I need?We start with a simple intake form and a discovery meeting to assess your current situation, goals, and challenges. From there, we recommend a service tier — from foundational planning to advanced ongoing advisory.
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Do I have to commit to a monthly advisory plan?No. Some clients work with us on a project basis (like a one-time tax strategy or entity restructuring), while others benefit from ongoing monthly or quarterly sessions. We'll tailor a plan based on your needs and capacity.
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Can I bundle tax preparation with advisory services?Absolutely! Many of our clients combine tax prep and advisory so we can optimize your financial picture throughout the year — not just at filing time. Advisory clients receive priority access during tax season.
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When is the best time to start advisory services?Ideally, before a big change — such as hiring, buying property, launching a new line of business, or selling your business. But even if you're just starting out or playing catch-up, it’s never too early (or too late) to create a financial strategy.
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Do you work with clients in other states?Yes! We work with clients across the U.S. via secure virtual meetings and digital document sharing. Our planning is tailored to both federal and state-specific regulations.
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What industries do you specialize in?We work with a wide range of industries, including real estate, retail, consulting, health & wellness, creative services, and professional services. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing a growing team, we’ve likely helped someone just like you.
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What business expenses can I deduct?You can deduct ordinary and necessary expenses related to your business operations. Common deductions include office supplies, business travel, advertising costs, and employee wages. However, personal expenses are not deductible. For example, personal gym memberships are generally not deductible unless they are directly related to your business activities.
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How do I calculate my home office deduction?If you use a portion of your home exclusively and regularly for business, you may qualify for a home office deduction. There are two methods: Simplified Method: Deduct $5 per square foot of your home used for business, up to 300 square feet. Regular Method: Calculate the actual expenses of your home office, including a portion of rent, utilities, and other related costs.
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What forms do I need to file for my small business taxes?The forms you need depend on your business structure: Sole Proprietorship or Single-Member LLC: File Schedule C with your Form 1040. Partnership or Multi-Member LLC: File Form 1065 and provide Schedule K-1 to each partner. S Corporation: File Form 1120S and provide Schedule K-1 to each shareholder.
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Are client gifts tax-deductible?Yes, but the IRS limits the deduction to $25 per recipient per year. Any amount spent over this limit is not deductible.
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Can I deduct meals and entertainment expenses?Business meals are generally 50% deductible if they are directly related to your business. Entertainment expenses are no longer deductible under current tax laws.
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How do I handle vehicle expenses for my business?You can choose between two methods: Standard Mileage Rate: Multiply the business miles driven by the IRS standard mileage rate. Actual Expense Method: Deduct the actual costs of operating the vehicle, including gas, maintenance, and depreciation, proportionate to business use
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What are estimated tax payments, and when are they due?Estimated tax payments are periodic payments made to the IRS to cover income not subject to withholding. They are typically due quarterly on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
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How long should I keep my tax records?The IRS recommends keeping tax records for at least three years. However, if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction, keep records for seven years.
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What triggers an IRS audit?Common audit triggers include: Significant discrepancies between reported income and information returns (e.g., W-2s, 1099s). Excessive deductions relative to income. Home office deductions that are not exclusive and regular. Large charitable deductions inconsistent with income levels
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Can I deduct startup costs for my new business?Yes, you can deduct up to $5,000 in startup costs in the first year of business. Any remaining costs must be amortized over 15 years.
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Can I pay By Refund if so, is there a fee?Yes, returning clients have the option to pay by refund. This means your tax preparation fee will be deducted directly from your refund amount. Please note: This service is processed through a third-party bank, which charges a separate processing fee. Both our fee and the bank's fee will be deducted from your refund. You can review the breakdown of these fees on your final, signed tax return.
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What does the client intake process look like at Gold CPAs & Associates?For first-time clients, we start with a personalized intake process to ensure we understand your needs and goals. You can schedule your intake call in one of three ways: 📞 Call us at 404-803-6286 📧 Email support@goldcpas.com 🌐 Book directly through our website at goldcpas.com After scheduling, you’ll receive an email with next steps, including: A digital engagement letter to review and sign A secure client questionnaire to help us tailor our services A request to upload your documents via our secure portal Returning clients will automatically receive an email each year to kick off the annual process. However, if you haven’t used our services in 2+ years, your account will be inactivated and you’ll be treated as a new client—meaning you’ll need to go through the full intake again.
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