Tax and accounting help in the Phoenix area

To find tax and accounting help in the Phoenix area, start with a local office that does the kind of work you need: a personal return, a small business return, bookkeeping, payroll or help with an IRS letter. AZ Business Directory lists independent CPA firms and tax offices in Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert and Peoria, each with a phone number. Call early, because the weeks before the tax deadline fill up fast.

How do you choose a tax preparer or accountant?

Ask a few plain questions before you hand over your paperwork.

• Are you a CPA? Some tax offices are CPA firms and some are not. If it matters to you, ask. You can also check a CPA's license with the Arizona State Board of Accountancy.
• Do you work with businesses like mine? A contractor, a restaurant and a rental owner each have different records.
• What does it cost, and how is it charged? Ask whether it is a flat fee or by the hour, and what is not included.
• Will you be here after I file? Ask who answers if you get a letter from the IRS or the state in the fall.
• Do you do bookkeeping and payroll too? Having one office handle all of it can save you from sending files back and forth.

Who can help in the Phoenix area?

Here are local firms from the directory. The services shown on each listing come from the firms themselves.

The list includes H & S Accounting LLC in Phoenix, which lists QuickBooks setup and IRS representation, LBS Tax Services in Chandler, which lists bookkeeping, payroll and IRS payment plans, and Whyte CPA Tax & Accounting in Gilbert, which lists LLC vs S-Corp guidance for small businesses.

What should you bring to your first meeting?

Bring everything the office will need to get started, so they do not have to chase you later.

• Last year's tax return, if you have it
• Your photo ID and Social Security numbers for everyone on the return
• Income forms such as W-2s and 1099s
• Bank and credit card statements, especially if you run a business
• A list of business expenses with receipts, and a mileage record if you drive for work
• Payroll reports, if you have employees
• Any letters you have received from the IRS or the Arizona Department of Revenue

How can a small business keep its books in good shape?

Most tax-season panic comes from books that were not touched all year. A few habits fix most of it.

1. Open a bank account and a credit card used only for the business, and never mix in personal spending.
2. Save every receipt. A phone photo is fine.
3. Spend 30 minutes once a week matching your records to your bank account.
4. Keep track of what you owe in payroll and sales-type taxes as you go. Ask your CPA whether Arizona transaction privilege tax or city taxes apply to your business.
5. Set money aside for taxes each month so the bill is not a surprise.

If your books are behind, ask a firm about accounting cleanup. Some local firms list it. It is easier to fix a year than five.

Questions people ask

When should you start looking for a tax preparer in Arizona?

Start well before the filing deadline. Many offices get busy from late winter through the deadline in the spring, so calling in the fall or early winter gives you more choices and more time.

What do you need to start a business bookkeeping system?

Start with a separate business bank account, a simple way to record income and expenses, and a place to keep receipts. A bookkeeper or CPA can set up accounting software for you and show you how to use it.

Can a CPA help if you get a letter from the IRS?

Many can. Several listings in the Phoenix area mention IRS problem solving or representation. Do not ignore the letter. Call a CPA or tax office, tell them what it says, and ask what they recommend.

See every accountant in Phoenix