Learn how to ensure your CPA is providing the best service for your business
Most business owners I talk to have been conditioned to think the tax return is the big event. You gather your documents, scramble to clean up QuickBooks, and send it all off hoping your CPA “works their magic.”
But here’s the truth: the tax return is just a receipt. It’s the result of decisions you’ve already made—many of which could have, and should have, been planned more strategically. So, if your CPA relationship centers around deadlines and data entry, it’s worth asking: are you really getting what you need?
Example: The Wake-Up Call
Tara owns a chain several entities in Oregon. She came to me after her CPA forgot to file an extension which caused a cascade of penalties. But that wasn’t the worst part. As we reviewed her returns, it became clear she wasn’t getting any direction and planning advice from her CPA. No analysis of her compensation. No discussion of 199A strategy. No help with the real estate holding entity tied to her office buildings. It wasn’t just about one mistake, it was a pattern: reactive, filing-focused service. Tara asked me, “What should my CPA actually be doing for me?” Here’s what I told her:
“Ask Your CPA These 5 Questions”
- Do we meet before the end of the year to plan proactively? If your CPA is only reachable after tax season starts, you’re not getting ahead—you’re being reactionary.
- Have you ever helped me design or clean up my chart of accounts? Your accounting system is how your business tells its story. If your CPA can’t read the story—or worse, doesn’t ask—you’re at risk of missed deductions and bad decisions.
- Do you offer a multi-year tax outlook? A smart strategy looks beyond this year. Good CPAs model outcomes across 2–5 years, especially if you’re planning to buy, sell, restructure, or grow.
- Have you talked to me about elections, grouping, or deferral strategies? These aren’t just technical terms—they’re opportunities. And if they’ve never come up, you’re likely overpaying.
- Do you help me evaluate how my entity structure supports my goals? The right setup can reduce tax, protect assets, and streamline growth. The wrong setup can cost you thousands and create legal exposure.
The Real Cost of a Filing-Only CPA
Many business owners are loyal to CPAs who don’t serve them well—because they don’t know what better could look like. With Tara, here’s what we found in her first review:
- Her S-Corp compensation was too low, increasing audit risk
- She was missing out on over $15K/year in potential 199A deductions
- Her rental office LLC wasn’t being grouped properly for passive loss purposes
- She’d never been advised on potential depreciation studies for the real estate she owned
She wasn’t just missing opportunities—she was building year after year on top of outdated assumptions.
What We Do Differently at Wm. Neil Langlois CPA
We don’t just prepare returns. We prepare clients to win. Here’s how:
- We use a planning-first approach, not a deadline scramble
- We help you understand your chart of accounts—then use it to drive smart decisions
- We forecast outcomes across multiple years, not just one
- We use plain English—no gatekeeping, no fluff
- We meet before the year ends, so you have time to act
Tired of Wondering What You’re Missing? Let’s Help you Find Clarity
If any of those five questions made you raise your eyebrows, it might be time for a new approach. You deserve more than a form-filler. Let’s talk for 15 minutes and see if we’re a fit. Book a Call with Neil