Tax, Estate & Business Questions, Answered
These are the questions our clients in Mesa and Albuquerque ask most. If yours isn’t here, just ask us — we’re happy to explain.
General
Do you offer both CPA and attorney services?
Yes. Our founder is both a licensed CPA and an attorney, so your taxes and your legal planning are handled under one roof in Mesa, AZ — no getting passed between an accountant and a lawyer.
How much do your services cost?
Basic tax returns start at $500, business start-up help at $1,500, a will with power of attorney at $1,200, and a trust at $2,000. You’ll get a clear quote before any work begins.
Where are you located and who do you serve?
We’re based in Mesa, Arizona with a second office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serving individuals, families, and business owners across the East Valley, greater Phoenix, and New Mexico.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes — several of our team members speak Spanish and explain your taxes and planning clearly and patiently.
How do I get started?
Request a consultation through our website. We’ll review your situation, explain your options in plain language, and give you a clear quote.
Personal Tax
I received a letter from the IRS — can you help with the next steps?
Yes. Don’t panic and don’t ignore it — most IRS letters simply have a deadline and need the right reply. Bring us the notice and we’ll explain what it means, what (if anything) you owe, and handle the response. Because we’re a CPA and tax attorney in one, we can represent you whether it’s a routine notice or a full dispute.
Is my Social Security income taxable?
It can be. Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable federally — but many people pay tax on little or none of it. (Arizona does not tax Social Security.) It’s worth a quick review to plan around it.
I haven’t filed taxes in a long time — do I still need to file? What happens if I don’t?
Yes, you should still file. Unfiled returns don’t disappear — the IRS can file one for you without your deductions, add penalties and interest, and pursue collection. Filing (even late) usually improves your situation, and we can help you catch up and often reduce what’s owed.
What happens if I can’t pay the taxes I owe?
You still have options — and you should file on time even if you can’t pay. The IRS offers payment plans, and some people qualify to settle for less or pause collection. We’ll set up the best option before it turns into penalties and liens.
Do I need to make estimated tax payments during the year?
Probably, if you have income that isn’t taxed through a paycheck — self-employment, business, investment, or rental income. Paying quarterly estimates avoids an underpayment penalty. We’ll help you decide whether you need to and how much.
What do I need to give my CPA to file my taxes?
Generally: income documents (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s), records of deductions and credits, last year’s return, and any IRS letters. We’ll send you a simple checklist so nothing gets missed.
Business Tax
What deductions can I take as a new business owner?
More than most people realize — startup costs, home office, vehicle mileage, equipment, software, marketing, professional fees, and part of business meals are common. The key is good records and the right structure from the start. We’ll make sure you capture every deduction you’re entitled to.
What should I give my CPA to file my business taxes?
Your income and expense records (or bookkeeping file), bank and card statements, payroll records, 1099s issued and received, asset purchases, last year’s return, and your entity documents. Clean books make it easy — and we can help you get there.
Should I elect for my LLC to be taxed as an S-Corporation?
Often yes, once your business is consistently profitable — an S-Corp election can meaningfully lower self-employment tax. But it adds payroll and filing requirements, so it isn’t right for everyone. As a CPA and attorney, we’ll run the numbers and tell you honestly.
Can you help me file 1099s for my contractors?
Yes. If you paid a contractor $600 or more during the year, you generally must issue a 1099 — and the deadlines are strict. We prepare and file them, and help you collect W-9s up front so next year is painless.
How long should I keep my business records?
Keep most tax records at least 7 years, and keep permanent items — formation documents, contracts, and property/asset records — indefinitely. We’ll help you set up a simple system.
Retirement
How much should I contribute to my Roth?
As much as you can, up to the annual IRS limit (which adjusts each year) — Roth money grows and comes out tax-free in retirement. Whether Roth or traditional is better depends on your tax bracket now versus later. We’ll help you find the right mix.
When should I take Social Security?
It depends. Claiming early (as soon as 62) means smaller checks for life; waiting (up to 70) grows your benefit substantially. The right timing depends on your health, other income, taxes, and marital status. We’ll run the numbers with you.
What are required minimum distributions (RMDs)?
RMDs are amounts the IRS requires you to withdraw from traditional retirement accounts each year once you reach a certain age (currently 73). Miss one and the penalty is steep. We’ll make sure you take the right amount at the right time — and plan to soften the tax hit.
How do I avoid taxes during retirement?
You can’t avoid them entirely, but planning lowers them a lot — the order you draw from accounts, Roth conversions, timing Social Security, and managing your tax bracket all matter. This is where year-round planning from a CPA and attorney pays for itself.
What is IRMAA, and why is money being taken from my Social Security?
IRMAA (the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is a surcharge on your Medicare premiums that applies when your income is over certain thresholds — often deducted from your Social Security check. It’s based on your income from two years earlier, so one big year can trigger it. Careful income planning can help you avoid or reduce it.
Should I do a Roth conversion, and when?
Often yes — converting traditional retirement money to a Roth means paying tax now so it grows and withdraws tax-free later. The best window is usually a lower-income year, such as early retirement before Social Security and RMDs begin. We’ll model whether and when it makes sense.
What is the “death tax” or “gift tax” — can I give property to my kids tax-free?
The “death tax” is the estate tax and the gift tax is its companion — but most families never pay either. You can give each person a set amount every year (an annual exclusion that adjusts yearly) tax-free, plus a large lifetime exemption above that. Arizona has no estate or gift tax. Giving property away still has tax angles (like capital-gains basis), so plan it with us first.
Estate Planning
What’s the difference between a trust and a will?
A will directs who receives your property and names guardians for minor children — but it goes through probate. A trust does that too, and can also avoid probate, keep your affairs private, and manage things if you’re incapacitated. Which you need depends on your assets and goals.
I don’t have many assets — do I still need an estate plan?
Yes. Even a simple plan names who makes medical and financial decisions if you can’t, keeps your family out of court, and names guardians for your kids. A basic will and powers of attorney start at $1,200.
What happens to my property if I die without a will?
Arizona’s intestacy laws decide — not you. The state follows a set formula for who inherits, which may not match your wishes and can mean probate, delays, and family stress. A will puts you back in control.
Who decides who cares for my minor children if I die?
If you name a guardian in your will, you do. If you don’t, a court decides — which may not be who you’d have chosen. Naming a guardian is one of the most important reasons for young parents to have a plan.
How do I avoid probate?
The most common way is a properly set-up and funded trust, which passes assets to your family without court involvement. Beneficiary designations and joint ownership help too. We’ll build the right combination.
Does a trust protect my assets from lawsuits and creditors?
Some do, some don’t. A basic revocable living trust mainly avoids probate — it doesn’t shield assets from creditors. Certain irrevocable and asset-protection trusts can, but they involve trade-offs. We’ll design the right structure for your goals.
I already have an estate plan but it needs updating — can you help?
Absolutely. Plans should be reviewed after any big change — marriage, divorce, a new child, a move to Arizona, a large purchase, or a death in the family. Bring us what you have and we’ll find the gaps.
Will my heirs have to pay tax when they inherit?
Usually not. Arizona has no inheritance or estate tax, and most estates fall under the federal threshold, so heirs typically inherit tax-free. Large estates can face federal estate tax, and inherited retirement accounts have their own rules — where our combined tax-and-legal view helps.
Can I just do my estate plan for free online?
You can, but DIY tools don’t know your tax situation or Arizona law, and small mistakes can cost your family later. We catch what a template misses — often for less than people expect.
Business Law
How do I set up my business to sell for the most money and attract buyers?
Start years before you sell. Buyers pay more for clean books, solid contracts, documented systems, and a business that doesn’t depend on you personally. We help you structure and prepare the business so it’s both more valuable and more sellable.
How do I avoid taxes when I sell my business?
You can’t avoid tax entirely, but smart structuring can reduce it a lot — asset vs. stock sale, your entity type, and timing all matter. Because we handle the legal and tax sides together, we plan the sale to keep the most in your pocket.
Does an LLC fully protect my personal assets?
An LLC protects your personal assets from most business debts and lawsuits — but only if you run it correctly. Mixing personal and business funds or skipping formalities can “pierce” that protection. We’ll set yours up right and show you how to keep the shield intact.
Can you review or prepare a contract before I sign it?
Yes — and it’s a smart move. We review and draft business contracts so the terms protect you and there are no costly surprises in the fine print. Fixing a contract before you sign is far cheaper than fighting over it later.
What is a registered agent, and do I need one?
A registered agent is the official contact who receives legal and state documents for your business — and yes, Arizona requires one for an LLC or corporation. It can be you, but many owners use a service for privacy. We’ll help you set it up.
Do I need a holding company or a management company?
Maybe. These structures can add liability protection and tax flexibility for owners with multiple businesses, real estate, or significant assets — but they add complexity and cost that isn’t worth it for everyone. We’ll tell you whether the benefit is real for you.
New Business Set-Up
Should I form an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship?
It depends on liability, taxes, and your growth plans. Most small businesses do well with an LLC, but a corporation or an S-Corp election can save tax as you grow. As a CPA and attorney, we choose the structure that protects you and minimizes tax.
What do I need to start my business?
At a minimum: choose the right entity, register with the state, get an EIN, open a business bank account, and handle any licenses. You may also need contracts, an operating agreement, and the right tax elections. We handle the whole setup — starting at $1,500.
How do I register my LLC with the state?
You file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission, appoint a registered agent, meet the publication requirement, and create an operating agreement. We take care of the filings and the tax structure.
How do I get an EIN?
An EIN is your business’s tax ID number, and it’s free from the IRS. We set it up as part of your formation so you can open a bank account, hire, and file taxes.
How do I hire an employee, and what documents do I need?
You’ll need an EIN, a signed offer letter, Form I-9, Form W-4, state new-hire reporting, workers’ comp, and payroll set up. We’ll walk you through hiring your first employee correctly.
How do I register a trademark?
You file an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office after a search confirms your name or logo is available. Getting the search and application right matters — we can guide or handle the process.
Español
Ver servicios en español→¿Hablan español?
Sí. Atendemos a clientes de habla hispana y explicamos sus impuestos y su planificación con claridad y paciencia.
¿Cuánto cuesta la preparación de impuestos?
La preparación de declaraciones comienza en $500, con un presupuesto claro antes de empezar.
¿Atienden a personas y negocios?
Sí. Preparamos impuestos personales, de negocios y de fideicomisos, y coordinamos todo con su planificación.
Ready to protect what matters?
Tell us your situation and we’ll explain your options in plain language, then give you a clear quote before any work begins. No pressure, no obligation.
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