When is it Time to Find a New Accountant?

• My accountant doesn’t return my calls.
• My tax return is always on extension.
• I often receive penalties from the IRS.
• My accountant doesn’t answer my questions to my satisfaction.
• My accountant is too far away.
• My accountant is too busy to spend time with me.
• My accountant doesn’t explain my financial statements to me.
• I don’t know what my accountant does for his/her fee.
• I never sign any tax returns, my accountant takes care of that.
• I don’t know if my business is making a profit or not.
• I haven’t filed a tax return in ___ years.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure


Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that any federal tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended by the Sender or Sandra G Johnson, CPA, P.C. to constitute a covered opinion pursuant to regulation section 10.35 or to be used for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties under Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any tax-related matters addressed herein.

Why Use a CPA?

Today, many people choose to prepare tax returns on their own or hire one of many unlicensed and/or unregistered tax preparers. Following is only a partial list of why you should hire a CPA to prepare your tax returns:

• CPAs must pass an intense uniform exam.
• CPAs must take continuing education (40 hours per year in New York State.)
• CPAs must have experience to become licensed.
• CPAs must have a college degree (150 credits as of 2009 in New York State.)
• CPAs must follow a strict code of ethics.
• CPAs must sign a tax return they are paid to prepare.
• CPAs can represent you in an audit.
• CPAs provide consistency and stability.
• CPA offices are open all year round.
• CPAs provide tax planning.
• CPAs have been rated the most trusted business professional in national studies.


IRS Circular 230 Disclosure

Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that any federal tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended by the Sender or Sandra G Johnson, CPA, P.C. to constitute a covered opinion pursuant to regulation section 10.35 or to be used for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties under Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any tax-related matters addressed herein.

Get Out There and Network

Summer is here! For many of us, summer means a slow down in business. If that’s the case for your business, take advantage of networking opportunities and hone your networking skills.

For many of us, networking is sheer torture! 93% of all people consider themselves shy. Consider the reasons why we don’t like networking:

• Mother always told us, “Don’t talk to strangers!”
• We haven’t been formally introduced.
• We don’t want to appear too pushy.
• We don’t want to risk rejection.

If you are a wallflower at networking events and believe that good things come to those who wait, you may be waiting a very long time. The only thing that comes to those who wait is gray hair! If you prepare ahead of time, you can become an expert networker.

• Practice your 30-second elevator speech in front of the mirror.
• Prepare icebreaker questions ahead of time.
• Think about what you have in common with other attendees.
• Consider joining the planning or greeting committee. It will enable you to act like a host instead of a guest.

Networking is a learned skill that you can master. Start by reading some of the many books that have been published on the subject. Observe others who seem to have mastered the skill. Practice, practice and practice some more. Then go out and have fun.

Networking is a great way to meet potential customers, find new referral sources and make new friends.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure

Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that any federal tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended by the Sender or Sandra G Johnson, CPA, P.C. to constitute a covered opinion pursuant to regulation section 10.35 or to be used for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties under Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any tax-related matters addressed herein.