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Individual Tax Questions
Do you provide individual tax services?
Yes. We provide comprehensive individual tax preparation and planning services, including federal and state Form 1040 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040) returns for individuals and families. Whether your situation involves W-2 employment income, investment accounts, rental properties, or self-employment, our team prepares accurate returns and identifies every eligible deduction and credit. We also offer year-round tax planning consultations to help you minimize your tax liability before filing season arrives.
What documents do I need to file my taxes?
To ensure an accurate and complete return, we recommend gathering the following before your appointment: W-2 forms from all employers; 1099 forms for freelance income, interest, dividends, and retirement distributions; records of mortgage interest (Form 1098); property tax payments; charitable contributions; medical expenses; student loan interest (Form 1098-E); tuition statements (Form 1098-T); health insurance documentation (Form 1095-A/B/C); and a copy of your prior year’s tax return. We also provide a detailed tax document checklist specific to your situation during onboarding.
How do I save on my taxes?
The most effective strategies combine proactive planning with accurate preparation. Common approaches include maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged retirement accounts (such as 401(k), IRA, or SEP-IRA), claiming all eligible deductions (including mortgage interest, charitable giving, and state and local taxes), leveraging tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit), education credits (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/aotc), and energy-efficiency credits, and timing income and expenses strategically across tax years. We recommend scheduling a tax planning session well before year-end so we can implement strategies while they can still make a difference.
When will my tax refund be available?
Refund timing depends on how your return is filed and how you choose to receive your refund. The IRS typically processes electronically filed returns with direct deposit within approximately 21 days. Paper-filed returns and those claiming certain credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc) or Additional Child Tax Credit (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit), may take longer. You can track your refund status using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool at https://www.irs.gov/refunds or by calling 1-800-829-1954.
When are taxes due?
For most individual taxpayers, the federal filing deadline is April 15. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. If you need more time, you can request an automatic six-month extension to October 15 by filing Form 4868 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868). However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Any estimated taxes owed must still be paid by the April 15 deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
Business Tax Questions
Do you specialize in certain types of clients?
We serve a wide range of business clients, from early-stage startups and solo entrepreneurs to established mid-size companies across multiple industries. Our experience spans professional services, construction, real estate, healthcare, technology, retail, and nonprofit organizations. Regardless of your industry, we focus on understanding your specific business model and tailoring our tax, accounting, and advisory services to fit.
What entity should I choose for my business?
The right business structure depends on several factors, including your revenue level, number of owners, liability exposure, self-employment tax considerations, and long-term goals. Common entity options include sole proprietorship, single-member LLC, multi-member LLC, S corporation, C corporation, and partnership. Each carries different implications for taxation, legal protection, and operational flexibility. We help you evaluate these options and select the structure that best supports your current situation and future growth.
How do I get self-employment tax deductions?
Self-employed individuals can claim several valuable deductions to reduce taxable income. Common deductions include the home office deduction (calculated using either the simplified or actual-expense method), business mileage (using the IRS standard mileage rate at https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates or actual vehicle expenses), health insurance premiums (if you are not eligible for employer-sponsored coverage), office supplies, professional development, software and subscriptions, business travel, and the employer-equivalent portion of your self-employment tax. Keeping organized records and receipts throughout the year is essential to substantiating these deductions.
How do I make a payment to the IRS?
The IRS accepts several payment methods. You can pay electronically through IRS Direct Pay (https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay) for bank account debits at no charge, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System at https://www.eftps.gov for individuals and businesses, or by debit or credit card through approved third-party processors (processing fees apply). You may also mail a check or money order with a payment voucher, specifically Form 1040-V (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-v), for individual returns. For estimated tax payments, use Form 1040-ES (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es) vouchers or schedule payments through EFTPS. All electronic options are available at https://www.irs.gov/payments.
How much salary should S corporation owners take?
The IRS requires S corporation shareholders who perform services for the business to pay themselves a “reasonable salary” before taking additional distributions. Reasonable compensation is determined by factors such as the nature of services provided, comparable pay in similar roles and industries, the company’s revenue and profitability, and the shareholder’s experience and qualifications. Underreporting salary to reduce payroll tax exposure is a well-known audit trigger. We help S corporation owners set compensation levels that satisfy IRS guidelines while optimizing overall tax efficiency.
What is the tax effect of a certain transaction?
Every financial transaction, from selling an asset to restructuring a business, carries tax consequences that can significantly affect your bottom line. The tax impact depends on the nature of the transaction, your entity structure, your income level, and the timing of the event. We strongly recommend consulting with our team before executing any significant transaction so we can model the tax effect, explore alternative structures, and help you make fully informed decisions. Proactive planning almost always saves more than reactive preparation.
How often will we have meetings?
Communication is central to the way we work. We maintain an open-door approach, meaning you are never limited to quarterly check-ins or a single annual meeting. Most clients connect with us regularly throughout the year for tax planning decisions, financial questions, bookkeeping reviews, and strategic conversations. We believe unlimited communication is not a premium add-on; it’s how a real advisory relationship should work.
How do self-employment taxes work?
If you are self-employed (whether as a freelancer, independent contractor, or sole proprietor), you are responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes, commonly referred to as self-employment tax. This is calculated on Schedule SE (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-se-form-1040) and is currently 15.3% on the first $168,600 of net earnings (for tax year 2025), with the Medicare portion of 2.9% applying to all net earnings above that threshold. Self-employment income is reported on Schedule C (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-c-form-1040) of your Form 1040 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040), and estimated payments are typically due quarterly (April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15) using Form 1040-ES (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es) to avoid underpayment penalties.
How do I set up a federal tax payment plan?
If you owe taxes but cannot pay the full amount immediately, the IRS offers installment agreement options. Short-term payment plans (120 days or fewer) are available with no setup fee for balances under $100,000. Long-term payment plans (monthly installments) are available for balances up to $50,000, with setup fees ranging from $31 to $225 depending on how you apply and whether you use direct debit. You can apply online at https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application, by phone, or by mailing Form 9465 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-9465). Interest and late-payment penalties continue to accrue until the balance is paid in full, so paying as much as possible upfront is always advisable
How can I generate cash in my business?
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and improving it often requires both operational and financial strategy. Key levers include tightening your invoicing cycle (sending invoices immediately and shortening payment terms), automating accounts receivable follow-up, negotiating better vendor payment terms, eliminating unnecessary recurring expenses, and leveraging technology to reduce manual processes. Our Virtual Financial Office (VFO) services help business owners gain real-time visibility into cash position, forecast upcoming obligations, and implement payment technologies that accelerate collections.
Can you help me form a C Corporation?
Absolutely. We assist with the full formation process, including filing articles of incorporation with the appropriate Secretary of State, obtaining your federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), drafting corporate bylaws, creating shareholder agreements, establishing initial board resolutions, and setting up proper corporate record-keeping. We also advise on the ongoing compliance requirements of operating a C corporation, including annual meeting minutes, state filings, and corporate tax return preparation using Form 1120 (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1120).
Tax Form Questions
What tax form should I use?
For most individual taxpayers, the standard federal return is Form 1040, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040). Note: The IRS retired the simplified Form 1040EZ and Form 1040A after tax year 2017, consolidating all individual filing into the single Form 1040. Depending on your situation, you may also need to attach additional schedules, such as Schedule A (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-a-form-1040) for itemized deductions, Schedule C (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-c-form-1040) for self-employment income, Schedule D (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-d-form-1040) for capital gains and losses, or Schedule E (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-e-form-1040) for rental and partnership income. We determine which forms and schedules apply to your situation and prepare them as part of your engagement.
What are some tax credits I can claim?
Tax credits directly reduce your tax liability, dollar for dollar, making them one of the most valuable tools in your return. Common credits for individuals include:
- Child Tax Credit: up to $2,000 per qualifying child (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit)
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): for lower-to-moderate income earners, up to $8,046 for tax year 2025 (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc)
- American Opportunity Tax Credit: for qualified education expenses (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/aotc)
- Lifetime Learning Credit: for education expenses (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/llc)
- Child and Dependent Care Credit (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2441)
- Saver’s Credit — for retirement contributions (https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-savings-contributions-savers-credit)
- Energy-efficiency credits for qualifying home improvements and electric vehicles
Eligibility depends on your income, filing status, and specific circumstances. We identify every credit you qualify for during the preparation process.
What is Section 199A?
Section 199A — also known as the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction (irs.gov/newsroom/qualified-business-income-deduction) — allows eligible owners of pass-through businesses (sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, and certain trusts) to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income from their federal taxable income. Originally enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, this deduction was made permanent by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025. For the 2026 tax year, income thresholds are $403,500 for joint filers and $201,750 for single filers, with phase-out rules applying above those levels. The deduction is subject to limitations based on W-2 wages paid, the type of business (specified service trades face additional restrictions), and the unadjusted basis of qualified property. We evaluate your eligibility and calculate the optimal deduction as part of every business return.
How do I notify the IRS that my address has changed?
You can notify the IRS of an address change by filing Form 8822 (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8822) for individual tax matters or Form 8822-B (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8822-b) for business tax matters. Alternatively, your new address will be updated automatically when you file your next tax return with the current address. If you have recently moved, updating your address promptly ensures you receive any IRS correspondence, refund checks, or notices at the correct location.
What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
A tax credit and a tax deduction both reduce your tax burden, but they work differently. A tax deduction lowers your taxable income — meaning its value depends on your marginal tax bracket. For example, a $1,000 deduction saves $220 if you are in the 22% bracket. A tax credit, by contrast, directly reduces the amount of tax you owe — a $1,000 credit saves exactly $1,000 regardless of bracket. Some credits are refundable (like the EITC), meaning they can generate a refund even if you owe no tax, while others are non-refundable and can only reduce your liability to zero.
What are some tax deductions I can claim?
Common itemized deductions include mortgage interest on a primary and secondary residence (up to $750,000 in acquisition debt), state and local taxes — known as the SALT deduction — capped at $10,000, charitable contributions to qualifying organizations, unreimbursed medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of adjusted gross income, and student loan interest (up to $2,500 per year). Business owners may also deduct operating expenses, home office costs, business vehicle mileage (irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates), professional development, and retirement plan contributions. We compare your itemized deductions against Schedule A (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-a-form-1040) to the standard deduction to determine which approach produces the greater tax benefit.
Virtual CFO Services
What is R.O.A.R. and how does it help my business?
R.O.A.R. — Revenue Optimization and Rejuvenation — is Lawhorn CPA Group’s advisory framework designed to help businesses grow with clarity, strategy, and financial confidence. Rather than offering generic consulting, R.O.A.R. meets you exactly where your business is today and builds a clear path forward. Every engagement begins with understanding your current financial health, identifying what’s holding you back, and creating a structured plan to optimize revenue, reduce inefficiencies, and rejuvenate the way you think about growth. R.O.A.R. is not just about making more money — it’s about building a business that runs smarter, scales intentionally, and sustains itself for the long term.
What is a Virtual Financial Office?
The Virtual Financial Office (VFO) is Lawhorn CPA Group’s total system for growing and guiding your business. It combines R.O.A.R. advisory services with VAST (Virtual Accounting Service Team) back-office support — creating a fully integrated financial ecosystem under one roof. Instead of managing separate vendors for bookkeeping, tax, payroll, reporting, and strategic planning, the VFO brings everything together into one coordinated partnership. The result is real-time financial visibility, proactive decision-making, and a dedicated team that functions as your outsourced finance department.
How does R.O.A.R. differ from traditional CPA or accounting services?
Traditional accounting is primarily historical — it looks backward at what already happened. R.O.A.R. is designed to look forward. While our tax and accounting services ensure compliance and accuracy, R.O.A.R. advisory goes further by helping you interpret your numbers, anticipate challenges, plan for growth, and make proactive financial decisions. Think of it this way: your accountant tells you what happened last quarter. Your R.O.A.R. advisor helps you decide what to do next quarter — and next year. It is the difference between recording the score and coaching the game.
What types of businesses benefit most from R.O.A.R.?
R.O.A.R. is built for business owners who want more than compliance — they want clarity, strategy, and a trusted financial partner. We serve a wide range of industries including professional services, construction, real estate, healthcare, technology, retail, nonprofits, and more. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur who needs to understand your numbers, a growing company navigating operational complexity, or an established business ready to scale, R.O.A.R. is structured to meet you where you are. The common thread among our R.O.A.R. clients is a desire to stop guessing and start making decisions with confidence.
Do I need to be a current Lawhorn CPA tax client to use R.O.A.R.?
No. While many of our R.O.A.R. clients also use our tax and VAST back-office services — and there are significant advantages to having everything under one roof — R.O.A.R. advisory services are available as a standalone engagement. That said, the most powerful results happen when R.O.A.R. strategy is informed by real-time financial data from our VAST team, creating a fully connected Virtual Financial Office experience.
What are the three R.O.A.R. tiers and which one is right for my business?
R.O.A.R. offers three levels of advisory support, each designed for a different stage of business growth:
Tier 1 — R.O.A.R. Essentials: For businesses ready to get organized, understand their numbers, and build a solid financial foundation. You receive clear monthly financial insights, guidance on key decisions, accountability, and a trusted advisor who keeps you on track. Ideal for early-stage businesses or owners who need clarity and direction.
Tier 2 — R.O.A.R. Growth: For businesses experiencing growth that need deeper structure, strategy, and hands-on support to scale with intention. This tier includes financial analysis and forecasting, strategic planning sessions, cash flow guidance, scenario planning, and systems recommendations. Ideal for businesses navigating complexity, operational transitions, or rapid expansion.
Tier 3 — R.O.A.R. Leadership: Our most comprehensive advisory partnership, designed for leaders ready to transform their business and significantly scale operations. This tier includes full strategic advisory, advanced forecasting and financial modeling, leadership and decision-making guidance, operational optimization, and proactive risk and opportunity planning. Your advisor functions as a member of your leadership team. Ideal for established businesses ready for long-term strategy and sustainable growth.
Not sure which tier fits? Lawhorn CPA Group also offers customized R.O.A.R. packages built around your specific priorities and the level of support you need.
What is the difference between R.O.A.R. advisory services and VAST back-office services?
R.O.A.R. and VAST are two sides of the same Virtual Financial Office.
R.O.A.R. (Revenue Optimization and Rejuvenation) is forward-looking — it focuses on strategy, growth planning, financial forecasting, KPI analysis, and leadership-level decision support.
VAST (Virtual Accounting Service Team) handles the essential operational foundation — bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, bank and credit card reconciliation, payroll, accounting software support, and formal financial reporting.
Together, they ensure that your financial data is accurate and current (VAST) and that you are using that data to make the best possible decisions for your business (R.O.A.R.).
Can I start with one R.O.A.R. tier and upgrade later?
Absolutely. R.O.A.R. is designed to grow with your business. Many clients start at Tier 1 — R.O.A.R. Essentials — to get organized and build a strong foundation, then move to Tier 2 or Tier 3 as their business matures and their needs become more complex. Because we already understand your financials, operations, and goals, the transition is seamless. There is no need to re-onboard or bring a new advisor up to speed.
How is R.O.A.R. priced?
Consistent with Lawhorn CPA Group’s value-based pricing philosophy, R.O.A.R. is priced as an agreed-upon annual scope of services — not by the hour. We meet with you on the front end to understand your needs, agree on the appropriate tier and scope, and structure billing to fit your business (monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually). Any advice or counsel you need within your engagement is always included — you will never receive a surprise invoice for asking a question or requesting guidance. This approach removes the anxiety of the clock and encourages the kind of open, ongoing communication that drives real results.
Lawhorn CPA Group Support
How do I make a payment to Lawhorn CPA Group?
Lawhorn CPA Group offers three quick and easy online payment options.
- Monthly Installments
- Electronic Funds Transfer
- Credit Card
Alternatively, you can mail your payment to or make payments in person at any one of our office locations. Please contact infocpa@lawhorncpa.com with additional questions.
What's your experience with the IRS?
Lawhorn CPA Group has solved IRS issues for its clients since its founding in 1979. We understand that every tax issue is unique, and we will assess your situation to come up with a strategy to effectively represent you and defend your rights as a taxpayer. Visit our IRS Representation Services page or contact us for help with tax issues.
Who will be doing the work?
Teamwork is vital to our culture and the ability to service the needs of our clients. Our staff works together to complete client work on time. Additionally, with unlimited communication, we offer you the ability to contact any one of our team of accountants to discuss your business or individual tax issues.
How do you bill for your services?
Lawhorn CPA Group has used value-based pricing to charge for our services for over a decade for our accounting, financial, tax, and business services. Value-based pricing allows us to put ourselves in your shoes to determine the value our team and expertise means for you and your business. It removes the pressure of the traditional billable hour so that we are focused on the work we do for you and the results we can provide.
Contact us for more information.
Are you available year-round?
Yes. Lawhorn CPA Group is open all year, except for major holidays to assist you with your business, tax and accounting, and financial needs.
How often will we communicate about tax issues?
When we join your small business team as your tax and accounting experts, we provide your business with solutions customized for your needs. Depending on the services you need and your unique financial situation, we may communicate with you or your business team weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
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