CPAs can perform various financial services, including tax advice and preparation for individuals and businesses, filing business paperwork such as incorporation documents or nonprofit formation papers, and performing audits of financial statements.
Financial planners specialize in helping clients save money, invest wisely, get out of debt, and build wealth. They also enjoy a high level of trust in the public.
Taxes
The most common CPA services involve preparing tax forms for clients, including advising them on tactics and strategies to minimize their tax burdens. This is especially important when considering buying or selling a business or investing in a new asset.
A Wichita CPA also plays an important role in financial planning by helping clients make informed decisions about using their best resources. This requires critical thinking and the ability to interpret data and provide recommendations that can be acted upon.
CPAs often work in public accounting, business and industry (corporate accounting), government, not-for-profit organizations or education. In addition to their core job duties, many CPAs offer consulting services and conduct audits. As a result, they must follow strict professional standards and federal and state laws to maintain independence when performing attestation engagements. They must also avoid conflicts of interest, such as providing consulting or advisory services to the same client for whom they perform an audit.
Investments
CPAs work with clients to help them understand their investments, plan for future financial goals and make sound investment decisions. This involves advising clients about tax consequences, analyzing asset portfolios and providing consulting services on investment strategies.
Another important aspect of this specialty is assisting clients with purchasing and selling businesses, performing due diligence for business acquisitions, and negotiating contracts or investments. CPAs also provide consulting advice to business owners on operational and strategic issues, such as evaluating new accounting software, designing internal controls and providing risk management recommendations.
CPAs who specialize in forensic accounting investigate allegations of fraud or other irregularities in financial records. They may work with law enforcement agencies or legal teams to uncover financial crimes and help settle disputes. They also advise businesses about how to structure their company legally to minimize tax liabilities and take advantage of tax-saving deductions. Depending on the type of company, they can also recommend and implement appropriate payroll and bookkeeping solutions.
Estate Planning
When someone dies, they leave a wealth of possessions that must be distributed according to their wishes. Estate planning involves arranging for the orderly transfer of these assets, minimizing taxes and eliminating family conflict.
Typically, this process involves creating trusts and setting up a power of attorney for situations involving physical incapacitation or mental illness. It also includes preparing for possible future events like retirement and long-term care.
While it might seem like estate planning is only necessary for wealthy individuals, the truth is that everyone should have a comprehensive plan. After all, even middle-class families can accumulate substantial wealth through investments and real estate. Without a proper estate plan, the government will decide who gets your stuff – which might not be the people you want it to go to. Settling an estate without a plan can also take longer and cost more. A well-organized estate can also avoid expensive legal disputes between family members.
Retirement
Retirement planning is a complex issue that affects individuals of all ages. It encompasses a variety of topics, from setting savings goals to understanding how 13 states tax Social Security income. CPAs are well-equipped to help you plan for your retirement and can ensure you take advantage of any benefits you are entitled to.
Retirement planning aims to set aside enough money to provide a comfortable living during your golden years. This can be done through a combination of investments, savings, and other sources of income such as a pension or social security benefits.
A CPA firm can also help you understand your financial situation by pulling reports and examining your business’ seasonality, allowing you to budget for big-ticket items to keep your company competitive. They can also help you craft a sensible business succession plan to ensure that your family and the business you worked so hard to build continue running smoothly after you are no longer at the helm.
