Question 1

What does tax advisory involve?

Accepted Answer

A conversation during the year about business income, owner pay, and decisions that may affect the return. We explain options that may apply. It is guidance, not a promise of a particular tax result.

Question 2

How does a new advisory relationship begin?

Accepted Answer

With a free 30-minute discovery call with Robert Wood, EA. You tell him about the business and what you need. The call is an introduction, not a full review of your return, and it does not start the monthly plan.

Question 3

Who will I work with?

Accepted Answer

The discovery call is with Robert Wood, EA. Existing clients on the monthly retainer meet with Rob or Ken. Tax preparation and bookkeeping that follow are named in the written scope.

Question 4

Do I have to buy advisory before tax preparation or bookkeeping?

Accepted Answer

No. Tax preparation, QuickBooks Online, bookkeeping, payroll, and IRS representation can each be scoped on their own. Advisory is for owners who want year-round planning. It is not a required subscription before other work can be quoted.

Question 5

Who is a good fit?

Accepted Answer

Owner-operated businesses that want timely records, clear communication, and planning before the deadline — closely held S corporations and LLCs, professional practices, contractors, and trades. Individuals with a complex return are welcome as well.

Question 6

How are fees agreed?

Accepted Answer

In writing, before work begins. The discovery call does not set a fee. Returns, cleanup, payroll, and IRS representation are quoted separately from any monthly retainer. If the scope changes, we discuss it before billing.

Question 7

How much does the work cost?

Accepted Answer

The discovery call is free and lasts 30 minutes. Tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll are quoted in writing after we see your records. The fee depends on the return, whether the books are current, and whether catch-up is needed. Existing clients may add a monthly call: $149 a month, 45 minutes, if we already prepare the tax return (tax plus books still counts); extra 45-minute calls $149; twelve months prepaid $1,788. $249 a month, 30 minutes, if we handle books, payroll, or advisory and do not prepare the tax return here; extra 30-minute calls $249; twelve months prepaid $2,490. A written summary follows the next business day. Booking does not charge. Three-month minimum. Unused calls do not roll forward. Cancel at the end of any billed month after the minimum. Tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and other supporting work are quoted separately.

Question 8

Do you work with QuickBooks Online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. QuickBooks Online is the usual ledger. We set it up, clean it up, close the month, and connect it to payroll and tax. If another system is already working, we can stay with it when a change is not useful this quarter.

Question 9

Can you represent me before the IRS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An Enrolled Agent may represent taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states. Representation is scoped and quoted. It is not a CPA audit opinion and it is not a tax attorney’s legal advice.

Question 10

Can you catch up books that are behind?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We scope the backlog, quote it as its own project, and then move to a monthly close. Catch-up is not folded into a monthly fee that cannot actually close the books.

Question 11

What changed in the tax law for 2026?

Accepted Answer

For 2026 the standard deduction is $16,100 single and $32,200 joint. The SALT cap is $40,400, with a high-income phase-down. The 20% QBI deduction is permanent. Employee 401(k) deferral is $24,500; IRA is $7,500. The estate and gift exclusion is $15 million per person. Florida has no personal income tax. Florida’s corporate income tax rate is 5.5% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, for corporations subject to that tax. The 2026 tax law page has the figures we are using, with sources.

Question 12

Do I have to live in Florida?

Accepted Answer

No. The office is in New Port Richey, Florida 34655, with Tampa Bay meetings by appointment. Williamston, Michigan, and Houston, Texas, are by appointment only. Federal tax and IRS representation are available nationwide. Other state returns are prepared when needed and quoted.

Question 13

How long does a return take?

Accepted Answer

Once the records are complete, a typical off-season return is 10–15 business days. In March and April the window is quoted when we start. If the records are not ready, we file an extension rather than guess.

Question 14

What do you need to get started?

Accepted Answer

Last year’s return and the current books, or access to them, are enough to start. We then ask only for what the work actually needs — statements, payroll reports, or a notice.

Question 15

How long should I keep tax records?

Accepted Answer

Keep filed returns permanently. Keep the papers that support a return at least seven years. Property records stay until seven years after you sell. The record retention guide sets out the rest.

Question 16

How is my information kept?

Accepted Answer

Documents move through a secure client portal, not a personal email thread. Access is limited to the people working with you. We will not ask you to text a Social Security number.

Question 17

What is an Enrolled Agent?

Accepted Answer

An Enrolled Agent is licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Robert Wood holds that credential.

Question 18

When should I call if I am not ready to file?

Accepted Answer

Whenever a decision is coming up — estimates, hiring, an entity question, or a notice. Summer and autumn are easier than March.

Question 19

Do you sponsor local teams?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The firm supports local athletes and community groups, including through the Paintball Accountant. The community page explains how to apply.

Rob Wood, Enrolled Agent.

Robert Wood, EA

Our team