About Us
Michael Salomon CPA, located in Tucson, AZ, is a full-service, tax preparation, CPA firm focusing on small business and personal IRS taxation. We provide individual tax preparation with the personalization that software packages can't. We keep up-to-date with the changing tax laws, as well as your changing life events, such as the birth of a child, a new business, new home, or inheritance. As a CPA firm, we adhere to certain ethical standards and codes of professional conduct established by governmental bodies and peer organizations.
We have developed this website to keep you up-to-date with the latest tax law changes and tax planning strategies. Let us simplify your life! Need a copy of your tax return? Call or email and we will get it to you quickly and securely.
We have developed a unique system that makes it quick and easy to file your taxes. Whether you live overseas, or simply prefer to work with a CPA remotely, you will find our services are the right fit. We provide the same level of service online that you would receive sitting in our office, and we utilize the most secure methods in transmitting your private information.
Services offered include
- Tax Return Preparation
- Tax Audit Representation
- Strategic Tax Planning & Consulting
- Transaction Structuring
- Business Consulting
- Financial Planning
- Accounting & Bookkeeping Services
- Payroll Service Bureau
What is the difference between a CPA, an Accountant and a Bookkeeper?
A Bookkeeper is a person typically without a college degree in accounting, who performs much of the data entry tasks of a business. This includes entering the bills from vendors, paying bills, processing payroll data, preparing sales invoices, mailing statements to customers, etc. While a bookkeeper should have appropriate training in accounting basics, there is no particular licensing requirement nor ongoing requirement for continuing education.
An Accountant is sometimes used interchangeably with bookkeeper in a small business setting but an accountant would usually prepare financial statements. An accountant may or may not hold a degree with an accounting emphasis, but typically has more accounting education and experience than a basic bookkeeper. A good accountant is responsible for the accounting works of an individual or a business. It is the accountant's responsibility to issue financial reports. Accountants need not be certified professionals nor in many states even licensed. It is more a title that has been bestowed upon an individual. There is no education requirement to receive the title of accountant, although many do have some level of education in accounting topics.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a state license issued to those who've completed at least 5 years of college with a degree in accounting and maybe an advanced degree in taxation. They also have had to pass a very challenging four-part examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and stay current with continuing education requirements, usually 80 hours every 2 years. The work a typical CPA does is usually well beyond the other two and may include financial statement preparation and analysis, business coaching, audit, tax preparation, representing clients before the IRS, and so on. You get the picture.
Why use a CPA?
There are many benefits to using the services of a knowledgeable and experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Today's modern CPA does far more than taxes and audits. A CPA can be a personal financial planner, a management consultant, a management information specialist, a business consultant, tax problem solver and more. By using a CPA a business owner gets definite tangible benefits, e.g., savings in taxes, reduced operating costs, solutions to personnel problems, advice on retirement plans, and even help with marketing. And, they also get the intangible benefit of having a knowledgeable CPA involved with their business and investments over a long period of time.
Perhaps one of the most beneficial services that a CPA can provide for someone concerned about their finances and taxes and about the management and accounting for their business is simply talking things over. It is satisfying to know that someone else, who is discreet and knowledgeable, knows what is going on in your business life. CPAs have developed long-standing relationships with their clients and their clients have found that it is very useful to discuss the organization of their operations and their financial and management concerns with their trusted CPA.
Finally, Certified Public Accountants are licensed and regulated by each state's board of accountancy. Accountants are not.
If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact us via mike@msalomoncpa.com or by phone at (520) 589-7000. We look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals.