Enrolled Agent (EA) status is the highest credential awarded by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). EA's are federally authorized tax practitioners empowered by the US Department of the Treasury to have unlimited practice rights. This means we are unrestricted as to what tax matters we can handle, which taxpayers we represent, and we can represent clients in all 50 states. To become an EA requires passing a three (3) part Special Enrollment Exam (SEE) or five (5) years of work with the IRS. We must adhere to ethical standards, pass a background check, and are required to have full tax compliance. Additionally, we are required to take continuing education to maintain our certification status.

EAs and CPAs are both professionals capable of assisting with tax preparation, tax appeals, and dealing with federal and state tax agencies and both can work with individuals and businesses. However, unless a CPA is also an EA, they are restricted to assisting with appeals and federal or tax agencies outside of their licensing state. The main difference between an EA and a CPA is their scope of work. EAs are primarily focused on tax-related issues while CPAs deal with a more broad host of financial areas including assurance and attestation services (compilation, reviews, and audit work) that EAs cannot perform. Deciding which professional to hire should not be solely based on credentials. Look for someone who will advocate for you, help explain tax matters, and leverage what they know to help you minimize your tax consequences.

Achieving this is simpler than you might think. Businesses can securely grant Paltrow & Co remote access to financial records and bookkeeping software (if online), allowing for seamless collaboration. With online accounting platforms and mobile apps, capturing supporting documents in real-time is fast and convenient. Meetings can easily be conducted via Zoom or Teams, and Paltrow & Co can even create instructional videos to guide clients through processes step-by-step.

Because every business has unique needs, our fees are based on the scope of services required. Our inquiry form includes our starting prices so you can determine whether our services align with your budget before scheduling a consultation.

Getting started is simple. Begin by completing our inquiry form, where you'll tell us about your business, your accounting needs, and review our published starting prices. If it appears we're a good fit for one another, you'll have the opportunity to schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, answer any questions, and determine the services that best support your business.

Absolutely.

Yes.

Yes. We believe strong relationships lead to better service. You'll work with a consistent team that becomes familiar with your business, allowing us to provide responsive communication, accurate financial reporting, and personalized guidance as your business grows.

That's perfectly okay! Many of our clients aren't sure exactly what services they need when they first reach out. Our inquiry form helps us learn more about your business, your goals, and your current accounting needs. From there, we'll recommend the services that best support your business—without asking you to figure it all out on your own.

Communication depends on the services you receive and the needs of your business. Some clients check in monthly, while others reach out as questions arise throughout the year. We believe responsive communication and proactive guidance are essential to a successful client relationship, and we're here whenever you need us.

Once we receive your inquiry, we'll review the information you've provided to determine whether our services are a good fit for your business. If it appears we're a good match, you'll have the opportunity to schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, ask questions, and determine the best path forward. If we don't believe we're the right fit, we'll let you know as soon as possible so you can move forward without unnecessary delays.