Your CPA, Tax, and Accounting Questions—Answered

Whether you’re self-employed, a contractor, or a growing business owner, you probably have questions about taxes, bookkeeping, and financial strategy. Our FAQ page brings together answers to the most common questions we hear—from choosing the right CPA to maximizing deductions and improving cash flow. Explore these insights to get clarity, avoid costly mistakes, and see how AuerCPA can support your success year-round.

​​General CPA & Accounting Questions

A CPA provides more than tax preparation—they’re your partner in financial clarity. From managing compliance and minimizing tax liability to offering strategic guidance, CPAs help you make informed decisions year-round. Learn more about how we work with small business owners.

Look for someone who understands your industry, communicates clearly, and offers proactive advice—not just year-end tax prep. At AuerCPA, we specialize in building long-term partnerships with businesses in Colorado and Nebraska.  We have offices in Fort Collins, CO; Meeker, CO; and Craig, CO. Our team has extensive experience serving industries such as construction and trades, professional services, real estate, manufacturing, recreation and fitness, service industries, and more. We tailor our services to your unique challenges and goals, ensuring your financial strategy supports your vision.

All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. CPAs have passed rigorous exams, meet continuing education requirements, and are licensed to provide advanced tax and advisory services. If you want expertise and accountability, a CPA is the best choice.

If you just have a simple W-2 and no IRS issues, you might not need one every year — but if your taxes are complex or the IRS comes knocking, having an EA can save you time, stress, and often money.

Enrolled Agent:

  1. IRS-Certified Expert – They pass a comprehensive 3-part exam (or have IRS work experience) covering all aspects of U.S. tax law for individuals and businesses.
  2. Unlimited Representation Rights – They can represent you before the IRS just like CPAs or tax attorneys, regardless of which state you live in.
  3. Specialization in Tax – While CPAs and attorneys may handle broader financial or legal work, EAs specialize only in taxes — preparing returns, advising, and resolving IRS issues.
  4. Ongoing Education Requirement – They must complete continuing education each year to stay current with tax law changes.

An Enrolled Agent (EA) can be an invaluable resource for both individuals and businesses with complex tax situations. They can help you maximize deductions and credits, plan ahead to reduce future tax liabilities, and ensure compliance with payroll, quarterly filings, and multi-state tax rules. If the IRS comes calling, an EA can represent you during an audit, negotiate payment plans, request penalty abatements, or help resolve back taxes and unfiled returns. Unlike seasonal tax help, EAs provide year-round guidance—making them especially valuable for the self-employed, landlords, and investors who need ongoing tax strategy and support.

Tax Preparation & Planning

Don’t wait until tax season—start planning early. Year-round tax planning helps you take advantage of deductions, avoid surprises, and reduce stress. Our team provides proactive strategies to keep you ahead. Check out our Tax Services page or contact us to start planning now.

Common deductions include operating expenses, equipment, mileage, home office use, and employee benefits. However, the rules vary, and missing deductions can cost you. We’ll help you maximize savings while staying compliant.

Bookkeeping

If bookkeeping is taking up your time or creating errors, outsourcing can save money and reduce stress. We offer customized solutions for growing businesses. Learn more about our Bookkeeping Services.

Monthly reconciliation is best to catch errors, manage cash flow, and keep reports accurate. If this sounds overwhelming, our team can help with ongoing support. Got more questions? Reach out via our contact form and we would be happy to chat.

We make the transition seamless. Our team will review your current system, set up new processes, and ensure compliance without interrupting your operations. Book a discovery meeting with us to get started.

Business Advisory

Improving cash flow starts with more than cutting costs—it’s about smart planning. Review accounts receivable, track expenses closely, and forecast future needs to stay ahead. A CPA can help you identify hidden opportunities and create strategies that keep money moving in the right direction.

We’ve outlined practical steps in our blog: Business Cash Flow Management: Simple Strategies for Service Providers. Give it a read, then book a discovery meeting to put these strategies into action for your business.

If you’re growing quickly, planning an expansion, or need financial insights beyond bookkeeping, a fractional CFO can provide guidance without the full-time cost. Learn more about our advisory services.

The most common mistake is waiting until tax season to plan. This often leads to missed deductions and surprise tax bills. Year-round planning with a CPA prevents costly mistakes. Read more about why working with AuerCPA can give you accounting peace of mind.

Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk.

Your situation is unique, and we’re here to give you clear, personalized answers. Whether you’re curious about taxes, bookkeeping, or business strategy, our team is ready to help. Reach out through our contact page today and get the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.