Why are you different?
Here at Schyler C. Smiley, CPA PLLC, we lead with accuracy, consistency, and a high attention to detail. While the accounting industry should be detail-oriented, in practice it often falls short. Many clients come to us after transitioning from a prior firm where work was rushed, misclassified, unreconciled, or handled carelessly. Unfortunately, it happens a lot. Our approach is designed to prevent those problems. We follow a disciplined workflow, keep records tax-ready, and avoid “guessing” on unclear items so your bookkeeping, payroll, and tax reporting stay clean, supportable, and compliant. We are also highly responsive and typically aim to respond to client inquiries within two business days (and often within the same business day), so questions do not sit unresolved and small issues do not become larger problems.

What are your typical fees?
Fees depend on the type of engagement and the amount of work involved such as transaction volume, payroll frequency, return complexity, cleanup needs, and planning requirements. We aim to set clear expectations up front and will provide a quote based on what we believe the scope should require.

What is the turnaround time for tax returns or monthly bookkeeping?
Turnaround depends on complexity, completeness of information provided, and seasonality. The fastest path is submitting complete documentation and responding promptly to clarification questions.

Do you file extensions and what does an extension actually extend?
Yes, when appropriate. An extension generally extends the filing deadline, not the payment deadline. If tax is likely due, you should plan to pay by the original due date to reduce penalties and interest.

What happens if I get you my information late?
We can often still complete the work, but timing and extensions may be required depending on capacity and complexity. Late delivery of documents can delay completion and may also result in late penalties and interest.

How do you bill for services?
It depends on the type of engagement. For one-time projects such as tax return preparation, we typically provide a quote based on the expected scope of work and complexity, and that quoted fee reflects the work required to complete the engagement; if circumstances change materially (for example, significant additional items are introduced that were not known at the time of quoting), we will communicate that promptly. For ongoing work under an annual accounting contract, services are billed monthly at a fixed rate based on an estimated time commitment and service scope for the year. That monthly fee is intended to be predictable for the client, and adjustments are only considered when the actual time and workload fall significantly outside the originally agreed scope.

Can you meet with me in person?
Our firm is fully virtual by design. This allows for faster turnaround, secure document handling, and convenience for clients, without travel time or paper-based processes. Meetings are typically held via teleconference, and documents are shared through secure upload and e-signature tools. This model provides the same (or better) service experience while saving time for both parties.

Will you “just file it” if something looks questionable?
No. We prioritize accurate, supportable reporting. If an item lacks documentation or appears non-deductible, we’ll address it directly and recommend the most compliant approach.

Do you guarantee refunds or specific tax outcomes?
No. Tax outcomes depend on facts, documentation, and applicable law. Our role is to apply the law correctly, take well-supported positions, and help you plan proactively.

How do you handle estimated taxes (“estimates”) if my income changes mid-year?
We can update projections when income or deductions materially change. Estimated payments are only as accurate as the data available at the time projections are prepared, so updates are recommended when circumstances shift.

Can you help me determine the best entity structure for my business?
Yes. Entity selection can have significant tax and legal implications, and the “best” structure depends on your facts and goals (profitability, liability considerations, payroll, state requirements, growth plans, and administrative burden). We can discuss your situation and provide tax-focused guidance. Legal formation documents and state filings may require coordination with an attorney, depending on the circumstances.

Do you provide audit support if I’m selected for audit or receive a notice?
We can assist with most IRS/state notices and examinations as a separate service. The scope depends on the notice type, the years involved, and the quality of the underlying documentation.

What if my bookkeeping isn’t clean or my prior bookkeeper did it differently?
We can correct and standardize records, but cleanup/catch-up work is typically a separate scope from ongoing bookkeeping. We’ll identify the gaps, explain what needs to change, and quote accordingly.

Can you help set up my bookkeeping system and/or payroll software?
Yes. We can help implement or cleanly set up your bookkeeping file and/or payroll platform so it is organized, properly mapped, and configured for accurate reporting. Setup work is typically scoped and quoted separately depending on the system, complexity, and what is already in place.

Can you work with my existing systems, or do I have to switch software?
Often we can work within your current setup, but we may recommend changes if your current system creates recurring errors, inefficiency, or reporting limitations. The goal is reliable, tax-ready records.

What do you need from me each month/quarter to keep things moving?
Prompt responses to clarification questions, timely access to bank/credit card statements (if not linked), and documentation for unusual transactions. Client responsiveness is one of the biggest drivers of speed and accuracy.

What happens if I decide to leave? Am I locked into anything?
It depends on the service and the timing. For ongoing services under an annual accounting contract, an early cancellation fee may apply because our firm may commit resources and capacity to the services included for that year. The contract runs for the full year, and once that year has ended the cancellation fee would no longer apply because contracts are renewed at the beginning of each year. For annual tax return preparation only, if you decide to disengage before the return is completed, you would be responsible for reimbursing the time already committed to that return. However, the initial 30-minute consultation and the initial quoting process are provided at no cost, so you can evaluate fit and expectations before formally engaging our firm.

Do you help with 1099s and year-end reporting?
Yes, depending on your service scope. We can help determine who may need a 1099 and assist with gathering required information and preparing the filings (or coordinating through the appropriate platform).

Do you handle sales tax filings or state/local business registrations?
Sometimes, depending on the state and complexity. If it’s outside scope, we’ll tell you quickly and point you to the right type of resource.