Duluth GA CPA on Working With CPA’s & Business Professionals 

Though life may sometimes get us down, be sure that you work with those who will always encourage and support you in all that you do. The below is a sample excerpt from a letter that we might receive from a client who is seeking guidance and encouragement:

John. Sent in the payment for the changing of our S Corporation. Thank you for getting in touch with me. I know I was behind on that and I needed to be reminded of my responsibility. The last month and a half has been extremely difficult on my family for numerous reasons and I got behind on a lot of things. I was almost at a point of ending the business. I am going to proceed with my S Corporation but on a part-time basis while working another job. Some unforeseen personal and business issues came about and I will have to do some soul searching and re-examining. You have been upfront with me and prudent in your business, thank you for all you have done. Forgive me for my absence in calling or discussing matters, I guess I was depressed at the things encountered. 

One good thing from all this is that my wife and I are expecting our fourth child. One of the many reasons I will be scaling back on the business. I hope we can continue to do business but if you feel we can’t I understand and will compensate you for your time. Thank you again for everything.  

The Below is my response:

I am most sorry things have been a bit tough lately but always keep in mind that God has a greater plan for you and your life. Keep the faith, seek God in all that you do and He will honor, guide and bless your obedience. 

Congratulations on having your fourth child, as children are one of the best gifts ever from above. Remember to train them up in the way that they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. 

I will most definitely be honored to continue to serve as your CPA for this and for many years to come.

 In the Matchless Name of Christ.

“Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God, that it is Doomed to Failure Lest God be in it!”

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    http://www.john-dillard.com/ (All Rights Reserved) To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304. To discover John Dillard’s Published Books and their vision visit  http://www.john-dillard.com/

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas. 

Listen to  Award Winning Duluth/Atlanta Georgia CPA on Atlanta Business RadioX

Ever want to interview a CPA without having to go to their office. Ever want to hear what a Metro Atlanta CPA has to say without driving the their office. Well you can today. Atlanta Business RadioX brings his Keep it Simple/Plain Talking Style to Metro Atlanta Business. Listen to his Podcast today at http://familybusinessradio.businessradiox.com/116

http://www.hiscpa.com/article3.html Gwinnett/Duluth CPA Teaches Personnel Keys to Managing Business Growth
http://www.hiscpa.com/article6.html Alpharetta/Roswell CPA Teaches the Tax Effects of Entity Choice
http://www.hiscpa.com/marketing-efforts.html Norcross/Sandy Springs CPA on Tracking Marketing Statistics for Your Georgia Business 

And this is only some of the information available on our web site. You also have at our blog a host of other varied and timely tax and business management issues you can use. 

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    http://www.john-dillard.com/ To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304 

His CPA PC…A Christian Atlanta CPA Firm: Never Underestimate the Long-Term Benefits 

Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping.

Atlanta/Duluth Georgia  CPA Provides Top Five Financial Tips to Success When Buying a New Business

When you get ready to buy a business it is a critical decision which you will want to approach with caution and due diligence to ensure that you are well informed in your purchase. A wrong decision will cost you great financial pain and emotional suffering whereas the right purchase will be a feather in your cap for many years to come. Below is a sample inquiry I that I might receive:

I just considering buying a new business and I am looking to investing alternatives that might be best to consider when evaluating my proposed purchase.

Below is my response:

Below you will find Top Five Financial Tips you will want to consider both in buying or selling a business.

• A Good Attorney. A good attorney is the best protection (along with following their advice of course) to help ensure that you evaluate, consider, and document all important/critical factors in making your decision. As the purchase itself is the culmination of your due diligence, you will want an attorney to draft the actual purchase agreement to ensure that all needed critical components of your decision are well documented and agreed to. Your acquisition agreement should also document to whom the total purchase price is to be allocated, as this will be important for both tax planning and to prepare your tax return at year-end.
• A Good CPA. Before you make any substantial investment in any new business venture I suggest you discuss it with a CPA who can help ensure that your due diligence allows you substantive enough information to make a wise and prudent decision. Though financing is an important part of the equation the most essential piece is to consider the nature, scope, size and anticipated results of your new business venture.
• Evaluating Past Income Tax Returns & Interim Financial. Due diligence on the company’s financial condition, I suggest that we get at least two years of financial statements and tax returns, a year to date financial statement for the year including the balance sheet and the profit and loss, a copy of all material leases that you plan to assume, a non-compete on the prior owners and any key employees, and a list of all fixed assets and their fair market value that you will be buying, a detailed list of all inventory at cost, a list of open receivables, and a list of open payables.
• Due Diligence Procedures. Determining what specific procedures were done to evaluate the integrity of the financial statements (i.e., consultations with their major vendors, customers, an evaluation of checks written being sure that all checks are valid business expenses and have been properly recorded, consultations with their banker, their prior CPA, an evaluation of their overall books and records and internal controls, and tracing several months detailed deposits to the bank statements along with reconciling the total bank deposits for the year to the financial). Also I would suggest getting copies of detailed payroll records for employees and independent contractors so that you are aware of the staffing needs/requirements and those monetary considerations. A good CPA can help evaluate these in detail looking at trends, the market, and other demographic data, and any undue/excessive concentration of business & clients, technology etc., to ensure you are fully aware of what you are buying.
•  Gain Independent Verification/An Appraisal. An acquisition that also includes the of buying real estate as part of the total purchase, you will want to determine fair market value by having an independent appraisal performed.

The above is a good list to get started and then to see where these answers/questions take you. Please note however, there is no substitute for the facts and intuitiveness that a good CPA/financial adviser can bring to the table to evaluate buying a business and its purchase/sales price.

Utilizing a payroll service will do much to make this administratively burdensome process more seamless than if you strive to go it on your own. To learn more visit http://www.hiscpa.com/payroll.html

Knowing what is a legal tax deduction and the documentation thereof is essential to sound business management. To see  how you can be ready http://www.hiscpa.com/business-expenses.html

Ensure that your workers are properly classified predominantly to ensure that there are no workers, who are truly employees, that you are in error classifying as employees, visit  http://www.hiscpa.com/independent-contratctor.html

Contact HIS CPA PC (A Christian Atlanta CPA Firm) today.

To learn more about addressing IRS Tax Issues and Back Tax Returns visit http://www.hiscpa.com/working-with-the-irs.html  

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and an Atlanta CPA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!    

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas.

Gwinnett CPA Advises on Startup Issues Facing New Business Owners: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You 

We frequently received and inquiry of a new business owner exploring their options and how to best address their issues and concerns. To assist in guiding other new entrepreneurs I have included my answers after each corresponding question:

What is the least I need to contract work to others (paper agreement)? One of the most maligned and misunderstood sections of tax law centers around proper classification of a worker as an employee or an independent contractor. The fact that you choose to pay someone as an independent contractor, when you treat them as an employee, will not preclude you from payroll tax or general liability issues. A careful review of the tax law, established guidelines, as well as a fair and just review of your own facts and circumstances will more aptly enable you to follow the rules to the letter of the law and also its spirit. This issues of how you are legally required to pay your workers predominantly centers around how you treat your workers, while centering around the issues of control, risk of loss and behavioral issues. In layman’s terms the more you tell a worker how to do a job, the terms and the conditions the more likely the worker is an employee.

What is the overview to become an LLC? Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and General Partnerships are all taxed in the same manner. Choosing one of these types as a business entity would be a poor selection for a business such as a print shop, as they will all result in higher taxes with no additional advantages for the printer. We have developed a mindset that if you do not need to be another entity type then you need to be an S Corporation. For example, generally speaking a printer that was an LLC, LLP, or Partnership will pay higher taxes with no additional advantages as opposed to being an S Corporation. A Limited Partnership is also an option that could be explored when certain partners want to limit their liability and exposure. Below are some of the reasons you might want select an LLC or LLP as your entity choice:

If you were a lawyer or physician’s practice then all of the partners’ personal assets are at risk if one partner does something wrong, while if an LLC or an LLP, only the offending partners personal assets would be at risk. This is because of the professional service statutes for these types of professionals, but these rules do not relate to our printer.

If you were a real estate developer and you had a piece of land that had dramatically increased in value, you can transfer that property to an LLC, LLP, or Partnership without having to pay any capital gains tax. Also with these entity types, you can take shareholder distributions that are not based upon ownership, whereas in an S or a C Corporation they have to be. Again, this does not relate to our printer client.

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and an Atlanta CPA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!  

Contact HIS CPA PC (A Christian Atlanta CPA Firm) today.

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas.

Atlanta CPA on Getting Your New Business Started: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You 

We frequently received and inquiry of a new business owner exploring their options and how to best address their issues and concerns. To assist in guiding other new entrepreneurs I have included my answers after each corresponding question: 

I’m trying to find out how to become a designer/sole proprietor.  Here are my questions: 

Is it necessary to register this type of business with the government? If so, what are the fees, where do I go, and what do I need? As a business grows, eventually the need arises to hire and pay employees. Unincorporated sole proprietors may be able get by without employees by filing quarterly estimated taxes and paying the self employment tax at the end of the year with their form 1040. With an incorporated business entity, or when hiring other workers besides the owner, there are specific requirements for tax withholding and information reporting that must be filed. To discover some of the initial filing requirements and fees visit http://www.hiscpa.com/employee-checklist.htm  

Is it time consuming and expensive to become an employer? Am I able to use my regular 1040 tax return to file taxes for this? Payroll tax returns and their attendant issues are the bane of many business owners both big and small.  Tax law at federal, state and local levels often leaves an entrepreneur feeling both dazed and confused.  There is no greater area of need for tax simplification than in the area of payroll tax issues.  Payroll tax returns and payments are due to the varying regulatory agencies at differing times, unique and special forms and often what appears to be conflicting reporting styles and forms.  To address the many varied administrative issues of payroll I recommend all of my clients utilize the services of a Payroll Service. 

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and an Atlanta CPA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!  

Contact HIS CPA PC (A Christian Atlanta CPA Firm) today.

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford,

Duluth CPA Teaches Atlanta Taxpayers How to Record Losses from Your S Corporation

Sometimes paying a smaller and inexpensive fee when you originally file the return means you will pay more later. Though I do not believe in scare tactics in helping clients see the truth it is often the only way to help someone make a wise a prudent decisions. My goal is not to be THE CPA for all of Atlanta but just the share that God allows me to have. Recently I was able to work with a new client to whom the prior accountant had made several tax elections that in hind sight cannot be reversed resulting in the taxpayer substantially overpaying their taxes. I am constantly reminded that failing to plan, is preparing to fail.

If a shareholder has no basis to cover losses reported on a K-1, they are by tax law considered to be “suspended losses” and can be rolled forward to future years when the shareholder has positive basis, which can be created by future years profits or the shareholder loaning money to the business. Below is a sample response to a taxpayer whose prior accountant did not properly consider and evaluate tax nuances, tax elections and suspended loss issues of an S Corporation.

After studying your 2009 Corporate Income Tax Return, the strategy plan we only is applicable if: 

-You did not do the $60K of salaries to owners.

-You Personally funded the loss. 

Since we are stuck with both of those facts amending the 2009 return will not help us but to the tune of eliminating 10K of income on that return which we in turn would have to add back to 2009. However, if I had been able to be there and plan for 2009 we could have legally avoid both of these issues as well as marking your tax return as cash rather than accrual basis. 

Accordingly, you should go ahead and file the corporate return I forwarded for 2009 and I will complete the personal and get it out your way. ASAP after you get the 2009 financial current, please send them to me along with year to date wages by employee so that we might discuss. 

It is just that I do now want to see any business owner save $1500 now and wind up costing you $10,000 by the time the returns are done, the IRS notices arrive or you later realize the tax options or deductions that are now too late to avail yourself of. To see how a CPA can save you thousands visit http://www.hiscpa.com/testimonials.htm 

Contact HIS CPA PC (A Christian CPA Firm) today.

To learn more about tax entities and the taxation thereof visit http://www.hiscpa.com/article2.html There you will also discover a wide host of resources for American Entrepreneurs.

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant in Duluth, GA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!  

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas.

Gwinnett CPA Teaches Utilization of Promissory Notes to Protect Your Georgia Based Business

Recently I received the below inquiry seeking advice on setting up a Promissory Note:

Is there a “normal or required” period that a Loan To Shareholder needs to be repaid?

The below is my response:

The “normal amount” would be what a bank would routinely do as a practical matter of doing business. With all loans you will want to ensure that you have a promissory note signed by all parties confirming the terms and conditions. Frequently businesses and individuals alike may extend, grant or receive credit in the furtherance of their business and personal interests.  A basic understanding of promissory notes and their use and application are critical to protecting company assets, cash flow issues, as well as profit maximization.  These initial parameters of review prior to signing a promissory note will be essential to their final agreement.  These issues will be key to helping ensure the business deal you get is actually the one intended. To read more about Promissory Notes visit http://www.hiscpa.com/promissory-notes.html

Also you can see what a Sample Promissory Note might look like:

SAMPLE PROMISSORY NOTE

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [borrower] promises to pay to the order of [lender] the principal sum of [loan amount] in legal tender of the United States, with interest thereon from [loan date] at the rate of seven (7%) percent per annum, on the unpaid balance until paid.  Principal and interest shall be payable at the office of the note holder, [office location], or at such other place as the holder hereof may designate in writing according to the following terms:

1. The payments will be [monthly payment amount] and due on the first day of each month beginning [date] and ending on the first day of [month and year].
2. A current Financial Statement will be submitted by [date]
3. The following assets will be assessed as collateral until the entire debt is retired:

   [list of assets]

Should any installment not be paid when due, or should the maker fail to comply with any of the terms or requirements, the entire unpaid principal sum evidenced by this Note, with all accrued interest, shall, at the option of the holder, and without notice to the undersigned, become due and may be collected forthwith or any and all collateral sold by most expedient means, time being of essence of this contract.  It is further agreed that failure of the holder to exercise this right of accelerating the maturity of the debt, or indulgence granted from time to time, shall in no event be considered as a waiver of such right of acceleration or stop the holder from exercising such right.

Installments not paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of seven (7%) percent, per month, from maturity.  Should this Note, or any part of the indebtedness, evidenced hereby, be collected by law or through an Attorney at Law, the holder shall be entitled to collect Attorneys’ fees in an amount equal to fifteen (15%) percent of the principal and interests, and all costs of collection.

Undersigned guarantor, endorser or other party, waives demand, protest, notice of demand, protests and non-payment.

Privilege is reserved by the maker of this note to pay all or any part of this indebtedness prior to maturity without penalty.

Signed: [signature of borrower]
Company: [company name]
Title: [title of signatory]
Date: [date signed]

Professional Advice 

Never go it alone.  Your CPA is a critical part of the loan procurement process, as his wisdom, knowledge, and insight will help guide you to the best loan.  Frequently a little tweaking or good negotiation skills will save tens of thousands of dollars resulting in an improved bottom line and a smoother cash flow for your business. All promissory notes should be drafted in light of the business deal, current economic conditions, credit collateral, negotiation, etc. Utilizing a business attorney to draft a Promissory Note specific to your unique circumstances and needs is essential to having your wishes, needs and desires capable of being fully addressed and enforced. 

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant in Duluth, GA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!  

Contact HIS CPA PC (A Christian CPA Firm) today.

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Bookkeeping.

Duluth Georgia CPA Addresses Setting up an Installment Plan with the IRS and Recording of 2009 Internal Data and Bookkeeping Issues  

Attached is a recent note we received from a potential client  However, extreme caution should be exercised by taxpayers to ensure that they retain the services of a CPA who is experienced with tax representation issues and matters.  

Thanks John.  I enjoyed hearing what you had to say.  I am definitely looking forward to getting some order in my business and life.  I know I am in for a tough road in the beginning because of my disobedience but I believe I can get through it by God’s grace and your help.    

I will work on getting together those things you asked me such as my latest return, my first few months of 2009 bank statements and checkbooks, and my QuickBooks downloaded to my laptop.  I will plan on giving you a call the week of November 30.   

Also, I wanted to ask you another question.  I told you I had filed my 2008 tax return but I hadn’t paid anything yet.  I filed it before the October 15th deadline this year after an extension but didn’t pay anything unfortunately.  I was going to set up a payment plan like I did the last time I owed.  They sent me a letter saying it was due Dec. 1st.  I didn’t set up a payment plan when I filed because I knew I wanted to talk to you first.  Can you guide me in this when I see you or do I need to call them and set something up before I meet with you?  Thanks,

Below is our response:

I will be happy to help. 

I suggest you call the IRS and tell them you are going to retain me and the date and request they extend your time to respond to 12-31-09 and that we work to ASAP address this return as well as your 2009 tax issues. Time is the enemy in dealing with IRS Representation issues so if you can get with me ASAP we can plan the best course of action tailored to your particular circumstance.

To learn more about IRS Representation issues see:

How Audits are Selected
Learning about how audits are selected is the first step to discovering how to overcome the emotional and financial distress that normally occurs as part of the audit process. Lifting this veil will help keep you on an even keel in learning how to deal with the IRS audit. Visit http://www.hiscpa.com/irs-selection.html

When the IRS Notice Arrives
Rather than beginning the process in fear, discover how you can better prepare yourself so that you are not surprised at the audit process and its ultimate results. By seeing through to the other side you can best ready yourself to close your audit with no adjustments and no additional monies due. See http://www.hiscpa.com/irs-audit.html

Solving Atlanta IRS Tax Issues
Don’t fight the IRS but work with them to resolve your tax problems. Discover a myriad of legal ways the IRS is eager and willing to work with you to resolve any unpaid debts, penalties, and interest. To learn more http://www.hiscpa.com/working-with-the-irs.html

Paying Your Taxes – Withholding & Extensions for Metro Atlanta Taxpayers
Paying your taxes made easy. This section will enable you to quickly grasp the general guidelines of tax law requiring that you pay taxes as you earn money. As well, extensions and their uses and limitations are disclosed and discovered. Visit http://www.hiscpa.com/paying-taxes.html

How to Avoid an IRS Audit for Atlanta Taxpayers
Discover simple steps that you can do to help prevent an IRS audit. Though the tax code is at times very difficult to understand and comply, these basic simple steps will help you avoid an IRS audit. See http://www.hiscpa.com/avoiding-audits.html

Solving IRS Tax Problems: Submitting an Georgia Offer in Compromise
When all else fails and if you qualify, the IRS and Georgia both have a program which will enable you to work to solve the severest tax problems. Visit http://www.hiscpa.com/offer-in-compromise.html

Utilizing IRS Installment Plans for Metro Atlanta Taxpayers to Pay Your Past Due Taxes
The IRS has long been in the business of helping taxpayers get back into the system to ensure that taxpayers are able to pay their taxes over time. For those who do not qualify for an Offer in Compromise or to pay the taxes and interest in full, while seeking penalty abatement, an Installment Plan is a prudent and wise choice and alternative to get your past taxes due paid and current. See http://www.hiscpa.com/installment-plans.html

 John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant in Duluth, GA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!  

Contact HIS CPA PC (A Christian CPA Firm) today.

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Bookkeeping.

Gwinnett CPA Helps New Georgia Business Get Started on the Right Financial Footing: Incorporating in Georgia

Recently I had the below inquiry from our website. Desiring first to serve we focus on Serving the Atlanta Business Community even before they become clients:

We are a new business just outside Atlanta and are seeking a solid Business CPA to help us with our business, tax, and licensing issues. We are just getting our business started and want to ensure that we get it off on the right foot. We would appreciate your guidance in this area and look forward to hearing from you soon and all about of your payroll tax and withholding issues. 

Below is our response designed to assist and serve others in our community and beyond:

Thanks for visiting www.HisCPA.com I would welcome as you begin your new business and to ensure that you are aware of and correctly apply all business tax, and licensing issues. As payroll is perhaps the largest most difficult of administrative issues for business owners to address, I suggest all business owners utilize the services of a payroll company to assist and to write a monthly paycheck. Might I consider you call Ms. Staci Graham at 404 242 2645. 

For the other issues please feel free to give me a call and I will be happy to assist. John Dillard CPA, 770 814 9304.

Getting your Newly Formed Business Incorporated in Georgia started off on the right foot is essential to prudence and good business planning when starting a new business venture.

Getting Your New Georgia Business Started
Understanding many of the basics of the start of the incorporation process will do much to ensure that you are well-versed and able to make wise and informed decisions. As these issues will affect your business operations and finances during the lifetime of your business they are essential to getting started well. Go to http://www.hiscpa.com/incorporating-guide.html

Determining Where Incorporate Your New Geogia Business
The decision of where to incorporate your business is a critical component of getting your business started. Learn what you need to know to make a well-informed decision. See http://www.hiscpa.com/incorporating.html

 Gerogia Corporation Forms and Registrations Checklist
Whether you are just incorporating or have been in business for years. This summary will enable you to quickly locate the forms and guidance you need to ensure your business maintains tax compliance. Visit http://www.hiscpa.com/checklist.htm

Incorporating Your Issues for Your New Georgia Business Leadership

Knowing who will lead your business, their morals, beliefs and work ethic are essential to success in your new business venture. Determining who should be at the helm and who should follow will do much to avoid needless delays and time lost in aimless decision making. http://www.hiscpa.com/business-leadership.html

Incorporating the Details for Georgia Business Owners
Learning the basics of incorporation will do much to ensure that you do not make a costly mistake. Discovering the details of what all is involved in your new Georgia business will much to ensure you avoid costly mistakes and blunders. http://www.hiscpa.com/incorporating-details.html

 John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant in Duluth, GA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!  

Contact HIS CPA PC (A Christian CPA Firm) today.

Duluth CPA Teaches Starting a Business in Down Economic Times

Incorporating in Georiga

For many who are out of work and have been unemployed for some time, it make be the ideal time to start a new business as your opportunity costs of pursuing other ventures is small to non-existent as you have no present income to lose. Many who desire to start a new business have to think long and hard about forgoing their job and quitting their present employment before looking to start a new business venture. However it was at such a time that my own CPA practice was formed, for it is often when God finds us at our weakest that He can use us to accomplish His ultimate will for our lives. Recently I had a call from a Believer in Texas who was facing such difficulty and we discussed such issues to which I forwarded the below response:

It was a pleasure to talk with you today. I will keep you and your family safe in my prayers. 

One of favorite verses is Matthew 6:34 to which I recommend you meditate and reflect on often. If you decide to start your own business hopefully the below article will be insightful. 

Keep me apprised of how events progress. In His Will, John

 Marketing Statistics for Your Georgia Business

 Starting a new business is a very difficult emotional and financial struggle. Striving to develop your business, its plan, and establish a client base are all critical ingredients of getting your new business started. As a business owner, perhaps even more valuable than the business plan itself is to determine, track, and re-evaluate their marketing efforts. In doing so a wise business owner will determine if they are on track and can take immediate corrective action well before negative financial results occur. A good tracking and monitoring process of your company’s business will be the precursor of what is to soon happen in the company’s business structure.

Key Marketing Statistics  

Each and every business will be a bit unique to a company itself, however there will be many key marketing statistics which all businesses should track, monitor, and evaluate. The wise and judicious use of this process will result in any necessary efforts being re-targeted doing away with less successful methods of reaching your customer base and focusing on more efficient and opportune strategies to reach your full market potential. Examples of key marketing statistics will vary substantially and working with your CPA, SBDC/Small Business Development Center, and your banker are all good sources of information to discover what might work best for your business and in your locale. 

Organizations/Chambers of Commerce/Rotary/Kiwanis 

Business organizations, chambers of commerce, Rotary, and Kiwanis are all good examples of the various business organizations to consider joining. Finding one which best suits your business style, schedule, and perhaps most importantly has a good networking base from which to find the clientele you are seeking is of tantamount importance.  

Marketing Your Business on the Internet

Using the Internet has enabled many businesses to substantially broaden their geographic appeal well beyond their states borders, the U.S. as a whole and even beyond. It is not uncommon for a good website to attract a broad based appeal of potential visitors. Initially a good web presence is critical, as you will want your first impression to be a good one. Keeping your site up to date with advice, information, and products is a good first step towards this endeavor. Ensuring that your site is easily navigable and that your contact information is readily assessable are critical to your sites success and productiveness. However, having the best site in your industry is not enough if people are routinely finding it as search engines look not only to key words, but also content, and for the presence of a Blog bringing to readers/users current news and topical events. Finding a professional who is well versed and trained and advised in these processes is a critical first step in this process. 

We care much more about your business than just preparing your tax returns. Put our trained seasoned CPA to work for you today.

 Contact HIS CPA PC (A Christian CPA Firm) today.

To learn more about tax entities and the taxation thereof visit http://www.hiscpa.com/article2.html There you will also discover a wide host of resources for American Entrepreneurs.

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant in Duluth, GA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!    

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas.