Choosing an accountant isn’t a task to be taken lightly. An online search can be helpful for accountants in your area, but you’ll have no point of reference. It can be helpful to seek referrals from family, friends and associates when seeking an accountant. You’ll want an expert that’s nearby, responsive, and available to answer any questions that may arise. The professional will play a vital role in your business and should be selected carefully.

Know Your Needs

A small business or one that’s newly established will have very different needs than that of a larger and more complex enterprise. It’s important that you take a good look at your business and understand the services you need before hiring an accountant.

You may need bookkeeping, payroll or tax preparation services. An accountant can provide all of that, keep you informed of financial trends, identify inconsistencies, and aid in maintaining cash flow. He or she can also assist in helping you create business strategies, investment opportunities for the future, and a business structure that best benefits you.

Certification

Only work with a certified public accountant (CPA) and one with experience in the same industry as yours. The professionals have the extensive training and expertise required to assist with bookkeeping, tax preparation and planning to help you attain your goals.

Ask Question

Narrow down your candidates and set up a meeting to talk with each one. Ask about their qualifications, services offered, and how much they charge. Determine what types of businesses they work with and how they can help your company grow and thrive. One of the primary questions should be their recommendations for saving your company money.

Take your time choosing an accountant. He or she may be an integral member of your business for many years to come. The right accountant for your business will be one of your greatest assets.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

Most people would be very surprised to learn the extensive variety of industries in which forensic accountants are employed. They analyze data and determine through irrefutable numerical facts if and where a crime has been committed. They work in multiple industries where individuals and criminal enterprises may be involved.

Forensic consultants are primarily employed in white collar crime cases to determine if a crime has been committed. They also perform routine forensic services to ensure the honestly of companies and organizations in multiple industries. The specialists produce numerical evidence and may be required to testify in court. A forensic accountant is a certified public accountant (CPA) that has earned credentials as a certified fraud examiner (CFE).

Financial Institutions

Banks, credit unions and community development lenders all use forensic accountants, along with brokerage firms and savings and loan associations. Government lenders also employ the specialists, including those that make loans to veterans, homebuyers and students.

Insurance Agencies

Insurers are a prime target for fraud, making the companies a natural environment for forensic accountants. The professionals are kept especially busy after a natural disaster, as they sort through the myriad of real vs fraudulent claims that are made.

Government Agencies

Forensic accountants are employed by local and state governmental entities. The professionals also work at the federal level, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They also work with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire Arms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Law Enforcement

From the local to federal level, forensic accountants work in conjunction with law enforcement. They handle a variety of cases in which a crime involving money is concerned, such as murders when a huge insurance policy is at stake and bankruptcy court.

Companies and Security

Risk management and security service agencies employ forensic accountants to aid in preventing crimes such as embezzlement and to strengthen corporate policies. Forensic services are used in the credit card and utility industries.

Phone and Internet

Computer applications, phone fraud and telemarketer fraud are all within the investigative abilities of a forensic accountant.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

There’s been much in the news about forensic procedures ranging from police work to voting machines. A lot of misconceptions surround forensics in the field of accounting. A forensic accountant is a certified public accountant (CPA) who looks for evidence of a crime.

Forensic accountants typically work for financial firms, insurance companies, government entities, a wide range of law enforcement agencies, and even consulting companies. CPAs earn certified fraud examiner (CFE) credentials to be a forensic accountant.

The professionals often collaborate with other investigative teams, primarily to identify where a crime has been committed. The legendary criminal, Al Capone, is an example of someone who was taken down for tax evasion by forensic accountants in conjunction with law enforcement.

Skills

A forensic accountant has advanced skills in data analysis and is knowledgeable in the many ways that fraud can be hidden. They’re also highly experienced with the myriad of schemes criminals use.

What They Do

Forensic accountants perform a variety of highly-regarded and valuable tasks. They trace and conduct research into where funds and assets are going – known colloquially as “follow the money.” They prepare in-depth reports of their findings and may testify in court about the data when required. They typically work on white collar crime cases that include the following areas.

• Money laundering
• Insurance fraud
• Securities fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Bankruptcy fraud
• Locating hidden assets
• Computer applications
• Telemarketing fraud
• Legal system procedures
• Misappropriation of assets
• Violations of generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP) or generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS)

Opportunities

Fraud is a crime that never takes a vacation, with new schemes and variations occurring every day. It’s significantly increased the demand for forensic accountants and created new and expanding opportunities in the field. Fraud is a crime that individuals take great lengths to hide and for which forensic accountants are uniquely qualified to ferret out.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

Low overhead costs, greater scalability, and the ability to work from anywhere desired makes
an online business appealing. However, online business owners are subject to the same
requirements as brick-and-mortar stores.
Hire an Accountant
Many people are good at operating a business, but lack money management skills. Meeting tax
deadlines and having up-to-the-minute financial details are just some of the benefits of hiring
an accountant. The professionals have experience, strategies and highly specialized software.
They provide multiple financial services, relieve stress on owners, and enables individuals to
focus on operating their business.
Budgeting
A realistic budget is an integral part of operating any business endeavor. Doing so will tell
owners if they’re overspending, if collections are slow, and allows individuals to make
adjustments as needed.
Business Software
For those determined to take care of the financial aspects themselves, there are business
accounting software programs that can be used. However, they don’t have the specialization of
those utilized by accountants.
Entering Data
It’s critical to enter receipts, invoices and all transactions immediately to ensure accuracy. It’s
necessary to track income and expenses for tax purposes. It provides a record of business
health. Payroll will also need to be addressed if the business has employees.
Taxes
Business owners need an excellent grasp of their tax obligations and filing deadlines. There are
self-employment taxes and other expenses for which business owners are liable and for which
they must plan.
Financial Changes
Tax laws change quickly and they can adversely affect any business owner that doesn’t see
them coming. Staying informed of those changes will help individuals protect their enterprise.
Business owners must stay informed of issues affecting their industry.
Follow the Financials

Go over financial statements monthly to understand the financial state of the business. Those
statements will indicate areas where the company is doing well and where improvement is
needed.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

The tax code is highly complex. There are ways in which individuals can reduce their tax burden, many of which they’re unaware. Anyone can save themselves a significant amount of time, money and stress by hiring a tax accountant.

However, the tax professionals provide far more than assistance at tax time. Tax accountants help clients attain their financial goals, recommend tax strategies, and ensure taxes are filed accurately and on time. More than 74 million individuals and business owners received assistance from a tax professional in 2020. There are 3 essential questions to ask when hiring a tax accountant.

Self-Employment Taxes

Many individuals are operating side hustles and working in the gig economy without realizing that the IRS considers that self-employment. That makes earnings subject to additional taxes. Individuals should ask their tax accountant if they’re paying self-employment taxes and if there’s any way to reduce the amount.

Self-employment taxes include Social Security and Medicare, along with state and federal taxes on income. There are ways to reduce the tax burden and a tax accountant will know how to accomplish that.

Payroll

Business owners need to ask their tax accountant about placing themselves on the company’s payroll in the future. There’s a tax deduction that can be taken by doing so. Not all business entities are able to do this and a tax accountant will know if the client qualifies. For those that do qualify, it’s viewed as a distribution for IRS purposes and owners will be taxed as an employee.

Estimated Taxes

Many small business owners encounter problems during their first years of operation because they don’t budget for their taxes or fail to make estimated tax payments. A tax accountant will be able to provide sound advice and guidance on whether individuals should be making estimated tax payments.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

[button link=”https://peavyandassociates.com/contact-us” target=”_self” size=”small” style_button=”style-1″]Contact Us Today[/button]

Everyone has financial goals they’d like to accomplish, but many don’t know how to begin. The goal may be to eliminate credit card debt or save for retirement. There are short-term and long-term financial goals and they all begin with identifying what those goals are. People should make sure their financial goals are specific to them and not what others are doing.

Make a List

At its most basic level, individuals can begin by making a list of what they want to accomplish financially – and be realistic. When motivated to create a list, most people are surprised by the number of things they include. Individuals need to make sure their goals are always uppermost in their mind. Keep the list highly visible by placing it on the phone, using sticky notes, or tape a copy to the refrigerator.

Be Specific

Saving money or managing finances better is too vague. Individuals need to be specific. That can include purchasing a new car, taking a dream vacation, or living without credit cards.

Make a Budget

Budgeting is a skill that many have never learned. In one column, list all of the household’s monthly income. In another column, list all of the recurring monthly bills. Subtract the bills from income. The remaining number is how much disposable income is available to put toward financial goals.

People should be prepared to make adjustments. That can mean eliminating or reducing expensive coffee, the number of times they eat out, or the number of subscriptions to streaming services. Even small changes can make a difference.

Measurable Results

Everyone needs to be able to see measurable results. It keeps people from becoming discouraged and provides proof that what they’re doing is or isn’t working.

Set a Deadline

Individuals need to set a specific date for accomplishing their goal. Work on one goal at a time. The deadline will depend on what a person wants to achieve. It could take a matter of months or involve a multi-year plan.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

[button link=”https://peavyandassociates.com/contact-us” target=”_self” size=”small” style_button=”style-1″]Contact Us Today[/button]

Operating and growing a business is a full-time endeavor. There’s no reason for business owners to take on the responsibilities of another job when there are highly-trained professionals available who have the training and experience required to do so in an exemplary manner.

Time

One of a business owner’s most valuable assets is time. When individuals find themselves expending as much time working on the books as they do their business, it’s time to hire a bookkeeper. When individuals are overwhelmed and don’t have sufficient downtime, errors creep in and the business will suffer.

Receipts and Transactions

There are untold transactions that take place every day in the course of conducting business. Maintaining accurate records is essential for any business. Losing track of receipts, invoicing, employee-related expenses, and even when insurance is due opens the door to errors that can cost a business far more than the expense of hiring a bookkeeper.

Paying Penalties

There are numerous state and federal reports and taxes that must be filed each year, along with deadlines for submitting that information. Failure to do so results in financial penalties that increase the longer they go unpaid. Any business owner that finds themselves paying fines and facing penalties needs to hire a bookkeeper as soon as possible.

According to the IRS, approximately 47 percent of the penalties it collects is due to filing delinquencies. A bookkeeper can assist in eliminating that problem and help clients keep that money within their business.

Profits aren’t Increasing

Over time, business owners expect to see an increase in profits. Without accurate records, there’s no way to discern if advertising is working, if the business is acquiring new customers, areas of inefficiencies, and where the company is losing money. A bookkeeper can help determine that and assist individuals in maintaining their cash flow.

Planning for the Future

Eventually, every business owner wants to expand their business. Individuals may want to apply for financing or achieve a specific goal by a certain time. The services of a bookkeeper will show business owners where their finances stand at any point in time so they can accurately plan for future growth or even retirement.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

[button link=”https://peavyandassociates.com/contact-us” target=”_self” size=”small” style_button=”style-1″]Contact Us Today[/button]

A significant number of college students are reassessing their career path. They’re discovering they won’t make as much as they anticipated. A study conducted by Real Estate Witch found that undergrads across all majors overestimated their starting salaries by 88 percent. There are numerous well-paying opportunities in accounting for 2022 and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a significant growth rate in all areas.

Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper maintains a company’s day-to-day financial transactions. They record, prepare and present financial statements to supervisors and managers about some or all of an organization’s accounts. They’re responsible for keeping a running total of costs and income and it represents an excellent opportunity for those entering the field. Bookkeepers enter data, verify billing statements, and work with multiple types of financial software.

Personal Accountant

There’s an almost endless need for personal accounts. They keep track of and help individuals and business owners manage credit card and bank statements, keep tax records, review expenditures, and ensure staff are paid.

Tax Preparer

Individuals, entrepreneurs and small businesses utilize the services of a tax preparer throughout the year to ensure their finances stay on track. Tax preparers prepare taxes, ensure clients are only paying what they should, and help them organize records. They may work for a larger company, but often operate their own business out of their home.

Forensic Accountant

Law enforcement agencies, lawyers, private investigators, insurance companies, government agencies and financial institutions employ forensic accountants. They’re often called as expert witnesses in court cases to prove embezzlement, fraud and other financial wrongdoing. They analyze financial statements, bank records and other documents.

Environmental Accountant

The job includes recording income, expenditures and other transactions related to cost savings. Many companies and corporations employ environmental accountants to create social responsibility statements in terms of energy costs and similar changes relating to green practices.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

[button link=”https://peavyandassociates.com/contact-us” target=”_self” size=”small” style_button=”style-1″]Contact Us Today[/button]

An accounting firm offers an extensive array of services to meet a multitude of needs. They have highly trained CPAs that provide personalized guidance in financial matters of all types to maximize client profitability. They assist clients in creating strategies for the future, meeting financial goals, and minimizing tax liability.

Tax Services

Tax services encompass far more than simply filing taxes with the IRS at the appropriate time. Accounting firms help clients develop strategies and plans to reduce taxes on income, investments, and retirement distributions. An accounting firm will also assist clients in reducing taxes on gifts and their estate, along with optimizing available financial opportunities.

Accounting

Startups, established enterprises and sole proprietorships can all benefit from the services of an accounting firm for budgeting, corporate tax planning, and accounting systems. Many businesses provide profit sharing plans and employee benefits to attract and retain the best workers. An accounting firm will help clients establish those benefits in a cost-effective way.

Payroll

One of the biggest expenses for any company is its payroll and records must be kept meticulously. Accounting firms prepare payrolls, handle direct deposits and ACH payments, and take care of federal and state tax payments. An accounting firm will also prepare W-2s, 1099 statements, and provide clients with monthly and quarterly payroll reports.

Consulting

One of the many services provided by an accounting firm, and one of the most valuable, is consulting. Accounting firms help clients focus on what’s most important to them to achieve their financial goals through forecasting and cash flow budgeting. They create personal financial statements, provide ledger services, and clients receive litigation support.

Attestation

Individuals should choose an accounting firm that offers all three levels of attestation – audits, reviews and compilations. The firms conduct in-depth audits to confirm inventories, transactions, and account balances. Reviews are provided to ensure the integrity of information and compilations prepared for internal management.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

[button link=”https://peavyandassociates.com/contact-us” target=”_self” size=”small” style_button=”style-1″]Contact Us Today[/button]

Choosing an accounting firm to handle business interests, personal finances and/or taxes can be confusing. Compounding the problem is the inability to discern which financial services are actually needed or an insufficient budget to hire an accountant. Instead, people often try to navigate their financials on their own and leave money on the table.

Identify Needs

Private individuals and businesses will typically have vastly different needs, though they can intersect. The same is true for startups, established businesses and sole proprietors. Cryptocurrency investors, those with lottery winnings, stocks, and rental properties will need an accountant with experience in those areas.

Qualifications

An accounting firm should be willing to provide their qualifications and areas of specialization in the services for which they’re being hired. Don’t be hesitant about asking questions to discover if they’ve been involved in audits and the outcomes. Seeking referrals from family, friends and/or other business owners is a good way to learn about accounting firms that may be right for an individual’s needs. Don’t forget to contact the Better Business Bureau to determine if there have been any complaints about the firm.

Experience and Support

Having experience in the specific areas for which an accountant is hired can’t be overstated. They’ll know about tax laws, deductions and credits available within specific industries. They’ll also have the expertise to assist with future planning and goal setting. Audits are always a potential event and the accountant should provide support and services that represent the client’s interests in that eventuality.

Near or Far

The location of the accountant relative to the client is important. Individuals may not have the time to drop everything to meet with their accountant. That’s especially true for people that frequently travel or have overseas holdings.

Making Connections

Clients should feel comfortable discussing any facet of their financial or business interests with their accountant. If they don’t, it’s time to find a new accountant. The chosen accountant should be able to explain things in clear and understandable language without jargon specific to the accounting industry.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

[button link=”https://peavyandassociates.com/contact-us” target=”_self” size=”small” style_button=”style-1″]Contact Us Today[/button]