Not every tax question fits neatly into an annual tax return. Foothills Accountants provides consulting and advisory services for business owners, individuals, fiduciaries, and other professionals who need help evaluating tax decisions, planning opportunities, or complex reporting issues.
Our consulting work is designed for clients who want thoughtful guidance before making a decision, completing a transaction, or filing a return.
We commonly assist with:
Consulting engagements may include reviewing whether an S corporation election makes sense, evaluating reasonable compensation for a business owner, planning for a rental or short-term rental property, reviewing the tax treatment of stock compensation, analyzing K-1 or basis issues, or helping a business owner understand estimated tax obligations.
We also assist with planning before major business decisions, including ownership changes, large equipment purchases, financing decisions, or significant changes in income.
First, you submit an inquiry describing the issue, timeline, and desired outcome. We then review whether the issue is within our expertise and whether consulting is the right fit.
If we move forward, we confirm the scope, fee structure, and responsibilities in an engagement letter. Depending on the project, our work may include document review, tax research, calculations, planning discussions, written recommendations, or follow-up support.
Consulting and advisory services are generally billed hourly or by fixed project quote, depending on the scope of work. Fees are based on the complexity of the issue, the amount of research or analysis required, the urgency of the request, and whether written recommendations or follow-up support are needed.
Consulting fees are separate from tax return preparation unless the engagement letter specifically states otherwise.
A retainer may be required before work begins.
Consulting services do not include tax return preparation unless separately agreed to in an engagement letter. Consulting also does not include legal advice, investment management, or representation before the IRS or state tax agencies unless specifically included in the scope of the engagement.
When legal, investment, payroll, or specialized tax representation issues are involved, we may recommend coordinating with an attorney, financial advisor, payroll provider, or tax resolution specialist.
To get started, please submit a consulting inquiry with a brief description of the issue, the tax year involved, any relevant deadlines, and the type of guidance you are looking for.
Consulting and advisory services generally start at $375 per hour and may also be quoted on a fixed-fee basis depending on the project. Fees vary based on complexity, urgency, research required, and whether written recommendations are requested. A retainer may be required before work begins.
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