Resources & FAQ.

TurboTax does a fine job on a simple W-2 return. The case for a CPA grows as your situation gets more complex - a small business, rental properties, K-1s, equity compensation, multi-state income, or an IRS notice. Beyond preparation, the planning conversations are where a CPA usually earns the fee back - entity structure, retirement contributions, timing of income and expenses, succession.

Engagements are quoted in writing before any work starts. Tax returns are typically a flat fee based on complexity (number of schedules, business returns, multi-state, etc.). Advisory and bookkeeping work is hourly or monthly retainer depending on scope. We won't surprise you with the bill.

No. Voluntary compliance carries dramatically lower risk and lower penalties than waiting for the IRS to come find you. Most multi-year non-filer situations work out reasonably once we engage. Step one is usually filing the missing returns; step two is figuring out a payment plan if there's a balance owed.

Don't ignore it (deadlines matter), and don't panic. Most notices are routine - a math correction, a missing form, a balance due. Call us before you respond. We can represent you with the IRS so the back-and-forth doesn't fall on you.

Same owner (Bianca M. Allen, CPA), two next-door offices. Bee's Bookkeeping handles the day-to-day monthly bookkeeping - categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, producing monthly reports. Magnolia CPA handles the CPA-level work - tax preparation, planning, audits, advisory. Most clients use both, and the work coordinates cleanly because it's one ownership.

Not unless you want to. Most clients exchange documents through our secure SmartVault portal and meet by phone or video. The Magnolia office is here when you'd prefer face-to-face.

Before you file paperwork. Entity choice (LLC, S-corp, C-corp) is significantly easier to set up correctly than to change later, and the right choice depends on what you're actually doing. A 30-minute conversation up front saves real money and hassle down the line.