Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a tax and accounting firm is an important financial decision. Here are questions you might ask about St. Clair Advisory Group and our services.
What are the credentials, training, and experience of your staff?
Our staff of tax and accounting experts hold extensive professional credentials and have decades of experience. Many people use the terms "tax preparer" and "CPA" interchangeably. In fact, tax preparation and accounting are separate disciplines with different educational requirements and credentials, described below.
Tax preparer: a person trained in tax law who uses that knowledge to prepare returns.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): must hold a 4-year degree, complete the required hours of accounting education, pass the CPA exam, and complete at least 2 years of accounting experience under the supervision of a CPA. CPAs may specialize in audit, tax, cost management, finance, or other areas.
Enrolled Agent (EA): the highest credential awarded by the IRS, recognized in all 50 states. To become an EA, you must pass all three parts of the IRS Special Enrollment Exam, or have worked at the IRS for five consecutive years in a position regularly applying and interpreting the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations on income, estate, gift, employment, or excise taxes.
Accountant: a person trained in bookkeeping and in the preparation, auditing, and analysis of accounts. Accountants prepare annual reports and financial statements for planning and decision making. An accountant licensed as a CPA may also advise on tax law.
Bookkeeper: a person who records a business's day-to-day financial transactions and ensures they are properly recorded in the general ledger and other record-keeping systems.
How much do you charge? Are your fees competitive?
There is an ongoing shortage of tax preparers, and good preparers are hard to find. We invest in attracting and keeping talented preparers and accountants on our team. Our pricing is competitive with firms offering comparable service and expertise, while reflecting the true cost of giving you access to experienced, competent staff.
Are your preparers paid by commission?
No. Our tax professionals are not paid on commission, because we believe our clients' interests must come first for every member of our staff. Preparers paid by commission are less likely to seek help from more experienced colleagues. Instead, our team shares knowledge and experience, matching experience levels to each client's needs.
Is your staff seasonal, or do they work year-round?
The majority of our staff work for us year-round. We offer opportunities for educational growth, a comfortable living wage, and benefits like paid vacation, sick pay, and health insurance assistance.
We also have a few preparers who appreciate seasonal work during the winter months of tax season. They receive extensive training and supervision to stay current on tax law and provide valuable support to our year-round staff.
How many tax clients do you serve each year?
We serve more than 2,500 clients each year, including individuals, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, estates, trusts, and government organizations.
How is the accuracy of your work checked?
We review all tax returns for accuracy and use several cross-checks to keep errors to an absolute minimum:
- Completion of a detailed questionnaire
- Computerized error analysis
- Manual error check by trained staff
- Manual review of the finished return by the designated consultant
When and how can I reach you during the year and during tax season?
Our offices are open year-round with full-time staff. Call us at (239) 540-2612, send a message through the contact form, or message your preparer through Canopy.
Are you able and willing to represent me at an audit?
Yes. CPAs and Enrolled Agents are authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. We have experience representing clients before the IRS and are willing to assist with audits or requests for information.
How long will it take you to complete my work?
We emphasize accuracy, but we know timely delivery matters. Turnaround is generally 2 to 3 days for most returns, though complex situations can take longer.
You can help speed things up by bringing all required information to your tax interview. If everything is there, your preparer may be able to finish your return during your first appointment. If additional information comes in after the interview, it may take several days or more, depending on workload.