Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most from individuals and business owners nationwide.
Answers before you even call
Legacy CPAs is a full-service CPA firm in Mesa, Arizona, helping individuals and businesses with tax, accounting, and advisory needs. Below are answers to common questions about working with a CPA, our services, and specific tax and IRS situations. If you don’t see yours, reach out and we’ll answer it directly.
Working with a CPA
A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a state-licensed professional who handles far more than filing taxes, including accounting and bookkeeping, tax planning, IRS representation, financial statements, business advisory, and financial planning. The license requires rigorous exams, experience, and ongoing education.
Anyone can call themselves an accountant or hang out a shingle as a tax preparer. A CPA is licensed and regulated by the state, can represent you before the IRS, and is qualified for higher-level work like audits, financial statements, and complex planning.
It depends on the service and complexity, so we quote it after understanding your needs. Many ongoing services are billed at a predictable flat monthly rate. Your initial consultation is free, and we’ll give you clear pricing before any work begins.
Yes. We serve individuals and families with tax and financial planning, and business owners with accounting, payroll, tax, and advisory services, often the same family and their business together.
We’re based in Mesa, Arizona and work with clients across the East Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, and the greater Phoenix area, plus remote clients throughout Arizona.
Taxes, the IRS, and your business
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is an IRS program that lets qualifying taxpayers settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. Not everyone qualifies, the IRS looks closely at your income, expenses, assets, and ability to pay. We can assess whether you’re a realistic candidate and handle the application if you are.
Sometimes. Depending on your situation, options include an Offer in Compromise, an installment agreement, penalty abatement, or currently-not-collectible status. The right path depends on what you owe and what you can pay, which is exactly what we help you figure out.
Yes, the IRS can garnish wages and levy accounts to collect unpaid taxes, but a garnishment can often be released or reduced once you’re working toward a resolution. The key is to act quickly, the sooner you engage, the more options you have.
Don’t ignore it, the problem only grows with penalties and interest. Reach out and we’ll help you get any unfiled returns caught up, understand what you truly owe, and negotiate a resolution with the IRS on your behalf.
Payroll is more than cutting checks, it includes calculating and depositing payroll taxes, filing quarterly and year-end forms, issuing W-2s and 1099s, and staying compliant with changing rules. We handle the whole process so you avoid costly penalties. See our payroll services.
A part-time CFO is an experienced financial executive who works with your business a few days a month, giving you senior strategy, forecasting, and decision support without a full-time salary. Learn more on our part-time CFO page.
Questions about a specific service?
Each service page has its own answers and details. Here’s a quick map of what we do.
Tax
- Tax Preparation – accurate individual and business returns
- Tax Planning – proactive, year-round tax strategy
- IRS Audit Representation – professional help if you're audited
- IRS Tax Problem Resolution – back taxes, liens, and settlements
Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Small Business Accounting – monthly bookkeeping and financials
- Payroll – compliant payroll and filings
- Part-Time CFO – senior financial strategy on demand
- QuickBooks Services – setup, cleanup, and training
Business Advisory
- New Business Formation – the right entity and setup
- Strategic Business Planning – goals backed by real numbers
- Succession Planning – exit and handoff on your terms
- Business Valuation – defensible valuations for any purpose
Individual
- Personal Financial Planning – your goals, taxes, and future
- Retirement Planning – a tax-smart path to retirement
- Cash Flow Management – see and steer your cash
- Internal Controls – protect against fraud and error
Still have a question?
We’re happy to answer it. Reach out for a free consultation and we’ll point you in the right direction.