Sales Taxability Determinations
Evaluate what products and services are taxable in each state and locality
Nexus and Economic Nexus Analysis
Assess where you have tax obligations based on sales activity, thresholds, and marketplace facilitators
Sales Tax Compliance and Filing
Prepare and file monthly, quarterly, or annual sales tax returns
Exemption Certificate Management
Track, verify, and maintain exemption certificates to reduce risk of issuable tax
Refunds and Credits Management
Identify overpayments, process refunds, and maximize eligible credits
State and Local Tax (SALT) Planning
Proactive planning to minimize SALT exposure and align with business strategy
Federal Income Tax Compliance
Prepare applicable business returns; ensure accurate accounting method and entity-level tax treatment
Tax Provision and ASC 740 Support
Assist with quarterly and annual tax provision calculations, permanent differences, and disclosures
Tax Planning and Strategy
Identify credits (e.g., R&D credits where eligible), deductions, and timing strategies to optimize tax results
IRS Audit Support and Representation
Provide documentation, responses, and negotiation guidance during IRS examinations
Tax Reform and Legislative Updates
Monitor and interpret new federal tax laws affecting your business and implement changes
Federal Estimated Tax Payments
Quarterly estimated tax forms and payment vouchers
State Income/Franchise Tax Compliance
Prepare and file state corporate, franchise, or partnership returns; apportionment and allocation analysis
State Nexus and Apportionment Studies
Determine apportionment methods (e.g., three-factor, single-factor) and multi-state footprint implications
State Tax Credits and Incentives
Identify and claim credits and incentives at the state level
State Tax Audits and Appeals
Manage audits, notices, and disputes with state departments of revenue
State Tax Calendar and Remittance Management
Track due dates, estimated payments, and e-filing requirements across states
State Sales/Use Tax Support (complementary to SALT)
Align with local jurisdictions to ensure consistent compliance
Local Sales/Use Tax Compliance
Filing requirements for city or municipal levels beyond state tax
Local Income/Business Taxes
Compliance for local business taxes, gross receipts, or city-specific filings
Local Tax Registration and Permit Management
Ensure registrations are up-to-date for all local jurisdictions you operate in
Local Audit Support
Respond to local tax notices and manage audits or inquiries
Local Rate Monitoring and Updates
Track changes in local tax rates and rules to maintain accurate pricing and tax collection
Maximize credits, incentives, and incentives across federal, state, and local levels to reduce your effective tax rate and fund growth initiatives.
R&D Credits
Investment and Hiring Credits
Energy Efficiency and Incentive Credits
Forgivable Loans and Grant Coordination
Grant and Incentive Applications, Documentation, and Compliance
Navigate audits, disputes, and notices with confidence. We provide strategic support to minimize disruption and protect your financial position.
Notice Response and Documentation
Audit Strategy and Negotiation
Tax Authority Liaison
Penalty Abatement Requests
Appeals Support
Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a foundational step for tax reporting, payroll, and vendor relationships. Our EIN Setup service streamlines the process of obtaining a federal EIN from the IRS and ensures you’re prepared to meet ongoing payroll and tax obligations. We guide you through the required information, determine the appropriate entity-level filing structure, and coordinate any state or local registrations that hinge on your federal identity.
Our team handles the application preparation, accuracy checks, and timely submission, then delivers the confirmed EIN and a post-issuance checklist to keep your compliance on track. Deliverables include the issued EIN confirmation, documentation of associated registrations, and a tailored onboarding plan outlining next steps for payroll setup, tax filings, and regulatory filings.
Benefits include faster business readiness, accurate payroll setup, and a solid foundation for opening bank accounts and establishing vendor relationships.
Choosing the right legal structure is foundational for liability, taxes, ownership, funding, and governance. Our Entity Selection and Structuring service guides you through evaluating LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership, and nonprofit options, with a focus on liability protection, tax implications, ownership and governance, funding strategy, and regulatory requirements.
We offer collaborative workshops, side-by-side analyses, future-proofing scenarios, and clear, actionable recommendations, including a formation roadmap, initial tax planning, and essential compliance steps. Deliverables include a recommended entity type, ownership framework, governance documents outline, a 90–180 day formation plan, and ongoing compliance checklists.
Benefits include optimized tax efficiency, better fundraising and equity planning, and a solid, scalable foundation from day one.
Choosing a distinctive name is critical for brand identity and legal protection. Our Name Availability and Trademark Screening service helps you identify a unique, protectable name that fits your business goals. We begin with a comprehensive name search across federal, state, and local registries to confirm availability and assess potential conflicts. Then we evaluate potential trademark viability, conducting preliminary trademark clearance checks to gauge registrability and risk of confusion with existing marks. We also consider domain name availability and SEO implications to support online branding.
Our process includes practical recommendations for alternative names or branding options if conflicts are found, and we outline the steps to secure registration, including trademark searches, filing strategies, and timing. Deliverables typically include a naming report with availability results, risk assessment, suggested branding options, and a clear path to registration and protection.
Benefits include reduced risk of rebranding, stronger brand protection, smoother registration processes, and faster time-to-market for your brand.
Launching and operating a compliant business requires timely registrations at the state and local level. Our State and Local Business Registrations service guides you through the essential filings and registrations needed to legally operate in your jurisdictions, including state Secretary of State registrations, local business licenses, zoning approvals, and any industry-specific permits.
We begin with a comprehensive jurisdictional map to identify all registration requirements and key deadlines for your business type and location. Our team handles the preparation and submission of forms, ensures accurate entity information, and tracks renewal dates to prevent lapses. We also coordinate with other filings such as assumed name (doing business as) registrations, state tax registrations, and employer-related registrations as needed. Deliverables include a consolidated registration plan, completed and filed forms, confirmations of registration, and a calendar of renewal and compliance milestones.
Benefits include accelerated time-to-market, reduced risk of noncompliance, and a streamlined onboarding process so you can focus on growth.
Launching your business requires a clear tax roadmap from day one. Our Initial Tax Planning and Compliance Setup service establishes a practical, orderly start for your tax obligations, accounting methods, and compliance calendar. We begin by capturing your business model, entity type, anticipated revenue, and growth plans to tailor a 90-day action plan that includes entity-specific tax considerations, chart of accounts design, and accounting method guidance. We align your bookkeeping structure with regulatory requirements, select the most advantageous fiscal year and accounting method, and set up essential tax calendars, payment schedules, and filing deadlines.
Our team also configures initial compliance workflows, integrates with your existing ERP or accounting software, and outlines responsibilities for ongoing tax provision, payroll taxes, and state/local registrations. Deliverables include a documented tax setup plan, chart of accounts framework, entity-appropriate accounting method recommendations, and a calendar of required filings.
Benefits include a smoother start to tax compliance, improved visibility into tax obligations, enhanced readiness for audits, and faster, more accurate monthly and quarterly reporting.
Our Startup Incentives and Financing Guidance helps early-stage companies identify, secure, and manage funding and incentives that accelerate growth. We start by mapping available programs across federal, state, and local levels, including grants, tax credits, loans, and equity-friendly financing options tailored to your industry and stage.
Our team evaluates eligibility, competitive benchmarks, and program requirements, then crafts a strategic plan that aligns funding with your business milestones and liquidity needs. We assist with preparing compelling applications and supporting documentation, managing timelines, and coordinating with lenders, grant agencies, and strategic investors. Deliverables typically include a prioritized incentives and financing plan, a calendar of opportunities and deadlines, and ready-to-submit application packages with tailored narratives and financial projections. 4
Benefits include improved access to capital, reduced effective costs of growth, stronger investor credibility, and a clearer path from startup to scale.
Form 2553 is an IRS election form used by a qualifying corporation to elect S corporation status for federal tax purposes. Choosing S corp status allows the company to pass corporate income, losses, deductions, and credits through to shareholders for federal tax purposes, while generally avoiding double taxation at the corporate level. The election must be filed timely to be effective for the desired tax year.
Key elements:
Corporation information: Legal name, address, employer identification number (EIN), and date of incorporation.
Tax year and qualifications: Confirmation that the corporation meets the eligibility requirements for S corporation status (domestic corporation, one class of stock, permissible shareholders, etc.).
Shareholder information: Names, addresses, and Taxpayer Identification Numbers (Social Security numbers or EINs) of all shareholders who consent to the S corporation election.
Consent: Each shareholder must provide written consent to the S corporation election, typically by signing the Form 2553.
Effective date: Desired effective date of the election, which must align with IRS rules (for example, the election is generally effective for the tax year if filed timely and meeting criteria).
Who should use it:
Domestic corporations seeking pass-through taxation under Subchapter S to avoid corporate-level income tax on the earnings, while maintaining limited liability protection.
Corporations with eligible shareholders and a simple ownership structure aiming for potential tax savings and streamlined distributions.
How it works:
Filing: The corporation (usually the principal officer or tax advisor) completes Form 2553, collects shareholder consents, and files with the IRS (timeliness is critical; late elections may be possible with reasonable cause).
Election status: If approved, the corporation adopts S corporation status beginning with the tax year and continues unless terminated or revoked, subject to ongoing eligibility requirements.
Compliance: Maintain eligibility (e.g., no more than 100 shareholders, eligible shareholder types, one class of stock) and file annual tax returns using Form 1120-S, along with Schedule K-1s for shareholders.
Benefits:
Avoids double taxation by passing income, losses, and deductions through to shareholders.
Potential for reduced overall tax liability, especially for owners in lower personal tax brackets.
Income allocation and distributions can be more flexible with shareholder tax planning.
Considerations:
Eligibility and ongoing compliance: Shareholder limits, type of shareholders, and stock classes can impact eligibility.
Reasonable compensation: Salaries paid to shareholder-employees must be reasonable and subject to payroll taxes.
State and local tax implications: Some states do not recognize S corporation status or impose different rules, so multi-state planning is important.
Filing deadlines: Timely submission is essential; late elections may be possible but with strict criteria.
Form 2848 is an IRS form that authorizes an individual (a practitioner, such as a lawyer, CPA, enrolled agent, or other designated representative) to represent a taxpayer before the Internal Revenue Service. The attorney or tax professional can handle matters including audits, appeals, and other tax proceedings on the taxpayer’s behalf. The form also serves as a declaration of the representative’s authority to access the taxpayer’s confidential tax information for the specified periods and tax matters.
Key elements:
Taxpayer information: Names, Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, and contact details of the taxpayer.
Representative information: The name, identifying number (PTIN or DEA), firm, address, and contact details of the authorized representative.
Tax matters and periods: A description of the specific tax matters (e.g., income tax, payroll tax) and the time periods covered by the authorization.
Powers granted: The form allows the taxpayer to authorize the representative to perform acts such as signing tax returns, representing the taxpayer before the IRS, and receiving notices and correspondence. The scope can be tailored to include or exclude particular matters.
Signature and revocation: The taxpayer must sign and date the form. The taxpayer can revoke the authorization at any time by notifying the IRS in writing. Upon revocation, the IRS will process the change and notify the representative.
Who should use it:
Taxpayers who want a trusted professional to communicate with the IRS, manage audits and appeals, or handle other tax matters.
Practitioners who need formal authority to discuss confidential tax information, sign submissions on behalf of the taxpayer, or receive copies of IRS notices.
How it works:
Filing: Form 2848 is typically filed with the IRS by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative. It becomes valid when the IRS accepts it and will remain in effect until the authorization is revoked by the taxpayer or the period specified on the form ends.
Limits: The form can specify limitations, such as restricting the representative to certain issues, taxpayers, or tax years. It does not grant a general power to deal with all tax matters beyond the scope described.
Benefits:
Streamlines tax matters by allowing a qualified professional to handle communications, submissions, and negotiations.
Helps protect the taxpayer’s confidential information by clearly defining who may receive notices and discuss the case.
Facilitates audits, appeals, and complex filings with specialized expertise.
Considerations:
Ensure the authorization is clearly scoped to avoid unnecessary exposure of other tax matters.
Keep a copy for your records and maintain open communication with both the IRS and your representative.
Be mindful of the duration; you can specify a time frame or revoke the authorization as needed.
Form 8655 is an IRS designation that allows a reporting agent to prepare, sign, and file certain federal tax returns on behalf of a taxpayer. This form is commonly used when a business authorizes a third-party service provider or payroll/tax vendor to handle specific reporting obligations, such as certain information returns or payroll-related filings, while the taxpayer retains ultimate responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the returns.
Key elements:
Taxpayer information: Name, identifying number (EIN), and contact details of the taxpayer.
Reporting agent information: Name, identifying number (e.g., Employer Identification Number for the agent’s organization), and contact details of the authorized agent.
Forms to be filed: Specific tax forms the agent is authorized to prepare, sign, and file (for example, certain information returns or employment tax forms, as applicable).
Periods and scope: The time period covered by the authorization and the scope of the agent’s authority (which forms and returns are included, and any limitations).
Signature and authorization: The taxpayer’s signature authorizing the agent to act on their behalf, along with the date. Some aspects may require additional attestations by the agent.
Who should use it:
Taxpayers who want a trusted reporting service to file certain federal returns on their behalf, such as payroll providers, accounting firms, or tax filing services.
Reporting agents who need formal authorization to file or sign returns for a taxpayer, ensuring compliance and traceability.
How it works:
Filing: Form 8655 is completed by the taxpayer and provided to the authorized reporting agent, who may file the designated returns with the IRS as specified.
Validity and termination: The authorization remains in effect for the period stated on the form or until revoked by the taxpayer. The taxpayer can revoke or modify the authorization at any time, and the IRS will be notified of changes.
Benefits:
Streamlines filing processes by enabling a qualified agent to submit returns on behalf of the taxpayer.
Improves accuracy and consistency through specialized service providers.
Maintains a clear, auditable record of who is authorized to file and sign on behalf of the taxpayer.
Considerations:
Ensure the scope is clearly defined to avoid unintended extensions of authority.
Maintain access controls and data security with the reporting agent, given access to confidential tax information.
Monitor and renew the authorization as needed, keeping all parties informed of changes.
Form 8821 is an IRS authorization form that allows a taxpayer to designate a person or organization to receive and review confidential tax information from the IRS. Unlike Form 2848 (Power of Attorney), Form 8821 does not grant the authorized recipient the authority to represent or act on the taxpayer’s behalf; it only permits access to tax information for specified years and returns.
Key elements:
Taxpayer information: Name, address, and identifying number (SSN or EIN) of the taxpayer.
Authorized recipient information: Name, address, and identifying number of the person or organization authorized to receive information.
Tax matters and years: The specific returns or tax periods for which access is granted (e.g., all tax records or specific years/return types).
Scope of access: The types of information that can be released (e.g., tax account data, return copies, notices). The form may specify that only information for a particular return or period may be released.
Signature and authorization: The taxpayer’s signature and date authorize the disclosure. The form remains in effect until the taxpayer revokes it in writing or the specified period ends.
Who should use it:
Taxpayers who want a trusted individual or firm to review their confidential tax information with the IRS but do not need authority to represent or act on their behalf.
Tax professionals, accountants, or service providers who need access to a taxpayer’s IRS information to answer questions, prepare documents, or respond to inquiries.
How it works:
Filing: Form 8821 is completed by the taxpayer and submitted to the IRS to establish authorization. It is typically used when consent is needed for a third party to view or obtain copies of tax records.
Duration and limits: The authorization lasts for the period stated on the form or until the taxpayer revokes it. The form does not authorize acting on the taxpayer’s behalf.
Benefits:
Facilitates information sharing with authorized advisors, lenders, or consultants without granting management authority.
Helps streamline responses to IRS inquiries by allowing designated staff to access necessary records.
Improves record-keeping and audit preparation through clearly scoped disclosure.
Considerations:
Security and privacy: Only authorize trusted individuals or organizations and limit the scope to necessary years and return types.
Revocation and monitoring: The taxpayer should monitor disclosures and revoke access if relationships change.
Interaction with other forms: If representation is needed, Form 2848 should be used instead; Form 8821 and Form 2848 cannot both grant the same access simultaneously for the same matters.
Form 9779 is an IRS form used by businesses to enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) for making electronic federal tax payments. EFTPS provides a secure method to pay taxes such as employment taxes, corporate income taxes, and other applicable federal tax obligations. Enrollment enables businesses to schedule payments, receive payment confirmations, and maintain electronic payment records.
Key elements:
Business information: Legal name, Employer Identification Number (EIN), business address, and contact details.
Authorized user information: Names and contact details of individuals who will administer EFTPS on behalf of the business (e.g., the primary administrator and backup administrator).
Banking information: Bank account details used for initiating payments (routing number and account number). Note: EFTPS enrollment involves secure data collection and typically requires validation steps.
Payment profile: Preferences for payment method (bank account), default payment dates, and notification preferences.
Certification and authorization: A statement confirming the accuracy of information and authorization for EFTPS access by the listed administrators.
Who should use it:
Businesses that need to set up EFTPS access to pay federal taxes electronically, including employers, corporations, partnerships, and other entities required to remit federal payments.
How it works:
Filing: The form is submitted to the IRS (or processed through the EFTPS enrollment portal) to establish EFTPS credentials for the business.
Activation: After enrollment, the business receives a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and instructions to access EFTPS Online or by phone for scheduling payments.
Security: Administrators must follow EFTPS security protocols to protect login credentials and banking information. Payments can be scheduled in advance and tracked for confirmation.
Benefits:
Convenience and control: Schedule payments, receive confirmations, and maintain an auditable electronic payment trail.
Improved cash flow management: Align payment timing with cash flow and deadlines, potentially avoiding penalties for late payments.
Enhanced accuracy and security: Reduces the risk of manual errors and supports secure payment processing.
Considerations:
Access control: Limit EFTPS access to trusted administrators and implement strong passwords and multi-factor authentication where available.
Data accuracy: Ensure correct EIN, banking details, and payment sequencing to avoid misapplied payments.
Compliance: Maintain timely payments to stay compliant with federal tax obligations and avoid penalties.
Form 9783T is a designation used by certain tax authorities (varies by agency and jurisdiction) to authorize a third party to access specific tax information or perform limited actions on behalf of a taxpayer. Unlike comprehensive representation forms, a 9783T-type authorization typically grants restricted privileges, such as viewing records, receiving notices, or handling limited submissions, without granting full signing authority or power to act on the taxpayer’s behalf.
Key elements:
Taxpayer information: Name, identifying number (e.g., SSN or EIN), and contact details.
Authorized third party information: Name, organization, contact details, and identifying numbers for the authorized party.
Scope of authorization: Specific tax matters, returns, periods, or types of information that the third party may access or handle.
Duration and revocation: The time period covered by the authorization and any conditions for renewal or termination, including how the taxpayer can revoke access.
Signature and date: The taxpayer’s authorization signature and date, indicating consent.
Who should use it:
Taxpayers who want a trusted consultant, attorney, or service provider to view confidential tax information, respond to inquiries, or assist with administrative tasks without giving full representation rights.
How it works:
Filing: The taxpayer completes Form 9783T and submits it to the appropriate tax authority or includes it in the portal submission if online; the authorization becomes active upon processing.
Limits: The form specifies the exact actions allowed and the information that may be accessed; it does not authorize filing or signing on the taxpayer’s behalf unless explicitly stated.
Renewal and revocation: The taxpayer can renew the authorization if needed and revoke it at any time, with updates communicated to the tax authority.
Benefits:
Enables collaborative assistance from trusted professionals while maintaining control over who can access information.
Streamlines communication and information sharing with lenders, advisors, or auditors.
Creates an auditable trail of who is authorized and for what scope.
Considerations:
Security: Limit access to the minimum necessary information and ensure strong controls around the third party’s access.
Clarity: Precisely define the scope to avoid broader access than intended.
Compliance: Be aware that different jurisdictions may use different form numbers or names for similar authorizations; verify with the relevant tax authority.