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Nick's TipsWhy should I use a CPA?

We face big decisions, challenges and changes throughout our lives – which college to attend, which job to take, which business to start, getting married, having kids, buying a house, creating wealth, passing the wealth on to the next generation, etc.
You may wonder when a CPA should be used. There are many 'off-the-shelf' software packages that make it increasingly easy for us to accomplish many of our routine home and business tasks. Computer software is available for producing legal documents, assisting in our healthcare and maintaining tax and financial records. Many of these programs are very good with a lot of ‘nifty’ features.
It would be a mistake to utilize these programs as a substitute for a professional. For example, if you are seriously ill you should go to a doctor and not rely on a healthcare computer program to make you well. Likewise, there are many circumstances when you need the services of a CPA. You have worked hard to build and protect your wealth. You have goals and objectives for the future and values to pass along with your estate. You need a plan to accomplish your goals. Where do you turn? Unfortunately, these programs are not designed to understand your needs, family and business dynamics.  A CPA offers the advantage of knowledge and expertise of financial and business affairs, independence, and technical competence in income, gift, estate tax planning and compliance.
We will help you manage your business and personal affairs by:

  • Identifying opportunities for your business’ growth and improvement rather than simply ‘crunching’ your historical figures.
  • Identifying your vision for the future of your business, your goals and the steps to achieve these.
  • Establishing systems and key performance indicators that allow you to take the ‘pulse’ of your business, better control your activities and know exactly where you stand at all times.

At NLP CPAs, we will partner with you in your business. We offer not only superior tax planning and accounting services, but also the kind of one-on-one involvement to help you through data gathering and analysis, strategic and operational action plans and ongoing monitoring and implementation of the changes that will take your business to the next level.

You should contact us if you experience any of the following business or personal matters:

  • You own a business (self-employed) and want to grow your business and build business value.
  • You want to start your own business and need advice on different entity types to protect your assets and minimize your taxes.
  • You want to better manage your cash flow and profitability. You want to know the cost structure of your products/services.
  • You want to minimize your corporate or individual taxes.
  • You want to talk about business and team matters as well as financial performance.
  • If you have investments generating significant interest and dividend.
  • If you marry, separate, or divorce, or if your spouse dies.
  • If you move into or out of the state, or if you have other multiple state filing requirements (e.g. you work in Virginia and live in North Carolina)
  • You need advice on financial planning:
    • For financing on fixed asset purchases, business expansion, etc.
    • For retirement, college, your dream vacation, home purchase, etc.
  • If you inherit real estate or securities (preferably before you sell any).
  • If you suffer a loss from a natural disaster or theft.

When you experience any of these situations in your life, you should consult with a CPA.