1. Initial Consultation & Fit Assessment

Engagements begin with a paid planning or scoping engagement. This session is not a sales call and does not include free tax strategy reviews, comparisons, or second opinions. It is a working session designed to evaluate complexity, identify planning opportunities, and determine whether an ongoing advisory relationship makes sense.

During this session, we assess:

  • Income sources, entities, and ownership structures

  • Tax complexity (individual, business, partnership, investments)

  • Whether your needs are limited to tax compliance or require ongoing planning, bookkeeping, or payroll coordination

If we are not a good fit, we will say so upfront. Clients typically leave this session with clarity around structure, risks, and next steps — even if we don’t move forward.

2. Clear Scope & Engagement

Before any work begins:

  • The scope of services is defined clearly and in writing

  • You receive a formal engagement letter outlining responsibilities, timelines, and fees

  • Work does not begin until the engagement letter is signed and the initial payment is received

This protects both sides and avoids surprises.

3. Secure Onboarding & Document Collection

Once engaged:

  • You receive a secure client portal

  • Documents are uploaded electronically

  • Communication stays organized in one place

No scattered emails. No lost files. This allows us to spend time analyzing, not chasing documents.

4. How We Handle Different Services

Tax Preparation & Filing

  • Individual (W-2, investments, multi-state, high-income)

  • Business returns (LLC, S-Corp, Partnership)

  • Complex partnership structures including private equity, hedge funds, and real estate

We prepare returns based strictly on the information provided and review them with you before filing.

Bookkeeping (If Engaged)

  • Monthly or periodic review of your books

  • Focus on accuracy, categorization, and tax readiness

  • Designed to support tax compliance and planning — not generic data entry

We do not replace your internal operations unless explicitly agreed.

Payroll Oversight (If Engaged)

  • Setup or review of payroll through third-party providers

  • Guidance on reasonable compensation (for S-Corps)

  • Coordination with payroll filings and year-end forms

We oversee and advise — we do not act as the payroll processor unless stated.

5. Tax Planning & Ongoing Advice

For clients who engage us for planning:

  • We look beyond compliance

  • Focus on structure, timing, and long-term tax efficiency

  • Advice is practical, compliant, and tailored to your situation

Tax planning is proactive — not something done after the year ends. This may include entity elections, compensation strategy, estimated tax planning, or transaction timing.

6. Communication & Expectations

  • We communicate clearly and professionally

  • Questions within scope are welcomed

  • Out-of-scope work is discussed before it’s performed

Our goal is a long-term, low-friction working relationship.

7. Year-End & Beyond

At year-end, we:

  • Review what worked and what didn’t

  • Identify planning opportunities for the next year

  • Adjust scope as your business or finances evolve

The goal is to compound good decisions year over year, not react after the fact

Ready to Get Started?

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