5 Common Myths About Accountants — Corrected

Some beliefs about accountants cost business owners real money. Here are the five we hear most, and what’s actually true.

• Myth 1: Accountants are for tax season. The highest-value work — planning, elections, purchase timing — happens the other ten months. April only reports it.
• Myth 2: All accountants are alike. Credentials differ (EAs, CPAs, attorneys have different rights and training — the IRS’s guide explains), and industry specialization differs even more.
• Myth 3: Software makes accountants unnecessary. Software records what you tell it; it doesn’t know the election you didn’t make or the city registration you missed.
• Myth 4: Small businesses can’t afford one. Engagements scale down; early-stage mistakes don’t. The math usually favors the fee.
• Myth 5: Changing accountants is a nightmare. Records transfer, and mid-year switches are routine — firms like ours onboard them constantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the real difference between an EA, a CPA, and a tax attorney?

All three can represent you before the IRS without limits. EAs are federally licensed tax specialists; CPAs are state-licensed with broad accounting scope; attorneys add legal privilege and litigation. Our firm is led by a tax attorney/EA with CPAs on staff.

How do I know if my current accountant is enough?

If contact happens once a year and advice never precedes decisions, you’re buying preparation, not guidance.

Is year-round accounting help expensive?

It’s a scoped monthly relationship for most small businesses — and it typically surfaces savings that cover it.

Can software plus an annual preparer work for a simple business?

For genuinely simple situations, yes. The moment employees, a city filing, or entity questions appear, the gaps get expensive.

How do I switch accountants cleanly?

Sign an engagement with the new firm, authorize the records transfer, and the firms handle the rest — contact us and we’ll run the transition.

See how a year-round relationship works across our services, or meet the team.

Questions about your situation? Contact us or call (215) 914-6929.