Done-for-you accounting + tax package

Core services to include in a Done-for-You accounting + tax package - Monthly bookkeeping (bank feeds, categorization, reconciliations) and monthly financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow). - Payroll processing and payroll tax filing (federal and state withholding, unemployment) with year-end forms (W-2/1099). - Sales tax monitoring and filing (including multistate nexus monitoring and registrations). - Quarterly estimated tax and year-end tax preparation and filing (Schedule C/Forms 1120/1120-S/1065 as appropriate). - Tax planning and credits optimization (R&D, payroll tax credits, state incentives where relevant). - Year-end close and tax-ready bookkeeping, catch-up and cleanup services if needed. - Advisory/CFO-level services as add-ons: cash-flow forecasting, KPI dashboards, entity classification planning (S-elect vs.

C-Corp), and multistate apportionment guidance. 2) Federal compliance and entity taxation (what providers must cover and what to advise clients) - LLC classification: explain LLC default federal tax treatment (single-member disregarded entity; multi-member partnership) and options to elect corporate treatment via Form 8832 or S election via Form 2553. (IRS guidance) - Employer responsibilities: payroll withholding, timely federal payroll tax deposits, Forms 941/940/944, and use of Publication 15 for employer withholding guidance. - Small business filing/recordkeeping: maintain books to support deductions, estimated tax payments, employment tax filings, and timely filing to avoid penalties.

Core services to include in a Done-for-You accounting + tax package

- Payroll processing and payroll tax filing (federal and state withholding, unemployment) with year-end forms (W-2/1099).

- Quarterly estimated tax and year-end tax preparation and filing (Schedule C/Forms 1120/1120-S/1065 as appropriate).

2) Federal compliance and entity taxation (what providers must cover and what to advise clients) - LLC classification: explain LLC default federal tax treatment (single-member disregarded entity; multi-member partnership) and options to elect corporate treatment via Form 8832 or S election via Form 2553. (IRS guidance) - Employer responsibilities: payroll withholding, timely federal payroll tax deposits, Forms 941/940/944, and use of Publication 15 for employer withholding guidance.

• Monthly bookkeeping (bank feeds, categorization, reconciliations) and monthly financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow).
• Sales tax monitoring and filing (including multistate nexus monitoring and registrations).
• Tax planning and credits optimization (R&D, payroll tax credits, state incentives where relevant).
• Year-end close and tax-ready bookkeeping, catch-up and cleanup services if needed.
• Advisory/CFO-level services as add-ons: cash-flow forecasting, KPI dashboards, entity classification planning (S-elect vs. C-Corp), and multistate apportionment guidance.
• Small business filing/recordkeeping: maintain books to support deductions, estimated tax payments, employment tax filings, and timely filing to avoid penalties.

State-level compliance (what varies and how to incorporate state-specific guidance into the package) - Annual/periodic reports and registered-agent requirements differ by state (many states require annual or biennial reports; deadlines/fees vary). Maintain a state filing calendar for each client (state SOS/CorpNet lists are good starting points). - Sales/use tax and nexus

Wayfair economic-nexus rules mean remote sellers may need to register and collect sales tax in states where thresholds are met; monitor marketplace vs marketplace seller rules and state thresholds. - State payroll withholding and unemployment: employers must register and remit per-state withholding and unemployment insurance to the correct state agencies; rates and deposit schedules differ by state. - State corporate and franchise taxes: some states (e.g., Delaware, California) have entity-level franchise or minimum taxes; advise clients based on home state and nexus states. Note that state tax rates and deadlines change frequently — the package should include an annual state compliance review and up-to-date links.

Practical delivery

onboarding checklist and client documents - Required client inputs: EIN, formation documents (Articles/Operating Agreement), recent accounting files and bank statements, payroll records (employee info/SSNs), prior tax returns, sales tax registrations, sales records by state, copies of contracts (for nexus/PE analysis). - Onboarding tasks: connect accounting bank feeds, migrate or clean books (catchup), set up chart of accounts, configure payroll and sales tax engines, register client for state accounts if provider offers registration service, document engagement scope and deliverables. - Deliverables cadence: monthly bookkeeping + monthly financials, quarterly tax projections / estimated tax reminders, quarterly payroll tax filings, periodic sales tax filings, annual tax returns and year-end packages.

Engagement terms, templates, and liability protections - Use formal engagement letters that define scope, client responsibilities, timing, security/data handling, fees, termination and limitation of liability. AICPA offers engagement letter templates (tax consulting, preparation, bookkeeping-related letters) and industry blogs provide free sample bookkeeping engagement letters. - Maintain client consent/authorization forms for electronic filing and third-party integrations. - Include disclaimers about responsibility for timely submissions where client provides incomplete/late information.

Tech stack and security recommendations - Accounting platforms

QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite (depending on client scale). - Payroll providers: Gusto, ADP, Paychex, or integrated payroll within accounting platforms. - Sales tax automation: TaxJar, Avalara, Vertex for multistate sales tax calculation and filing. - File sharing / security: encrypted portals, 2-factor authentication, SOC-compliant cloud storage (providers often use AWS). - Data retention and backups: maintain exports and archived final tax packages for at least 7 years. 7) Pricing models and examples - Typical models include: tiered monthly pricing (based on transaction volume), fixed monthly fee for bundled services, à la carte add-ons (payroll, filings, CFO), or hourly for advisory. Published market references show ranges (bookkeeping $179–$499+/month for basic tiers; outsourced packages often $400–$1,250+/month depending on services and size). Offer a clear list of what’s included vs. add-ons.

State-specific operational recommendation for the product - Make the offering modular

include an "initial state compliance review" add-on that: (a) checks state registrations (income/franchise, sales tax, payroll, annual reports); (b) creates a state filing calendar and estimates fees; (c) identifies likely multistate filing requirements. - Offer to register clients with state agencies as a service, or provide step-by-step guidance to clients. - Maintain a living resource (internal knowledge base) of state links and rate tables; recheck annually and after major tax developments.

Audit readiness and records supporting the tax return - Keep tax-ready workpapers, reconciliations, and support for major deductions. Provide clients with an annual tax package including reconciled trial balance, depreciation schedules, payroll summary, and sales tax filings for the year.

Risk management and professional liability - Document scope, maintain professional liability insurance, and require timely client cooperation. For Wayfair and nexus advice, be explicit about limits

nexus law is evolving and fact-specific; recommend seeking specialized SALT counsel for complex multistate exposures.