Why Hiring Senter, CPA is Worth the Expense

by | Jan 20, 2021 | Accounting, Tax

Where is the Value when hiring Senter, CPA?

Often, we get phone calls and questions online asking what our fees are for anything and everything related to tax and accounting and the honest answer is, well… its complicated.  Senter CPA, like most CPA firms, has hourly rates that apply, however knowing upfront how long something can take is impossible until we get started or able to review prior years.  We try to give a range or fixed quotes when able but there a set fee schedule isnt fair to all as all business or individuals are different. Senter CPA may be a big investment up front, but in the long run we can save you a lot of time and money taking care of things you don’t want to spend your valuable time dealing with.  Its what we love doing! 

You do what you are best at and we do what we are best at to produce excellent results. The Senter CPA TEAM strives to always exceed expectations, be efficient, a leader in technology and continues to seek all tax and accouting strategies to minimize taxes and serve our clients to the fullest extent.

Some ideas to maximize your time with us and keep keep costs to a minimum:

  • Organization is key – Try to have everything documented neatly before our meeting. This includes old tax documents from the previous years; Documents from current or previous CPAs, etc.  Try to keep things organized by year as well. 
  • Check in with us before making big financial decisions –  This can include business startups, large gifts, expenses, etc.  We can schedule some tax strategy meetings ahead of any major changes to talk through any questions you may have and avoid large fees for work that could have been avoided. 
  • Take advantage of our client portal – Did you know you can upload documents directly and securely here? Here is a blog post we did about our portal a while back, check it out here: Senter CPA Portal 5 Pro Tips 
  • Keep in contact with us, really! –We like to hear from you throughout the year, not just during tax season.  If something comes up throughout the year and you have questions, call us.
  • Keep us on our toes –  Make sure we are doing everything you would expect of us as your trusted CPA Firm.  Three Quarterly conversations to have with your cpais a blog post we did a while back that discusses some of the value we bring to businesses as their CPA, check it out HERE.
  • Client Accounting Service Packages – Did you know we offer several different Client Accounting Service packages that can be tailored to meet your businesses accounting needs?  By taking advantage of these services, we will work together throughout the entire year and will be there with you for anything that comes up along the way.  The deteails can be found HERE.

Lets Face it, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to handle your business and personal tax and accounting needs.  Let us help you! Give us a call at 248-934-0550 or contact us below.

CONTACT US

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National Reading Month at Senter, CPA 

March is National Reading Month, and it’s a reminder of something simple but incredibly powerful: books change lives.

Most of us can remember our favorite childhood story. You know the one we asked to hear again and again before bedtime, or the book that first made reading feel fun instead of like homework. Those early moments matter more than we often realize. They help children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

That’s one of the reasons Senter, CPA has chosen to support the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

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If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you drop off your tax documents, here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at life inside a small CPA firm during tax season.

Sharing Online Banking with Your Accountant

To allow your accountant access to your bank’s online banking system, follow these general steps. This typically involves navigating to a “User Management” or “Account Access” section, where you can add a new user and set permissions—usually “view-only” for accountants.

The 7 Deadly (Tax) Sins of Small Business Owners

Running a business is hard enough — between serving customers, managing staff, and juggling invoices, your taxes can feel like an afterthought. But beware, small business owner: the IRS has seen it all, and a few “little” mistakes can cost you big.

What the New “No Tax on Tips” Rule Means for You

The treatment of tip income is changing in 2025, thanks to the new “No Tax on Tips” provision introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). While tips remain taxable in several respects, eligible workers may now claim a federal income tax deduction of up to $25,000 annually for “qualified tips.”

Why QuickBooks Can’t Replace Your Accountant (Even If It Thinks It Can)

Let’s face it — QuickBooks is amazing. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of bookkeeping. It tracks your income, pays your bills, and even sends friendly reminders that you forgot to reconcile your bank account… again. But while QuickBooks can do a lot, it can’t do everything — especially the things that can make or save you money. And that’s where your accountant (hi, that’s us) comes in.

Business Mileage Deductibility: What Qualifies and What Does Not

Vehicle expenses can be a valuable tax deduction, but only when mileage is properly classified and documented. For tax purposes, the deductibility of mileage depends on whether the travel is considered business, commuting, or personal. Understanding these distinctions is essential to support allowable business mileage deductions.

Welcome to the Senter, CPA Team – Shannon Currie

Shannon is pleased to join the Senter team as a Staff Accountant.

How to Document Charitable Donations for Tax Deductions

Accurate documentation is essential when claiming charitable contributions on your tax return. The IRS requires specific records depending on the type and value of your donations. Maintaining proper records ensures your contributions are deductible and helps you avoid issues if your return is ever reviewed.

How to make Federal & State Income Tax Payments (update January 2026)

Paying federal and Michigan income taxes is pretty straightforward and are now required to be paid online.

Always remember, Senter, CPA is here for you if you need any assistance.

Don't hesitate to give us a call at 248-934-0550, or contact us below.

National Reading Month at Senter, CPA 

March is National Reading Month, and it’s a reminder of something simple but incredibly powerful: books change lives.

Most of us can remember our favorite childhood story. You know the one we asked to hear again and again before bedtime, or the book that first made reading feel fun instead of like homework. Those early moments matter more than we often realize. They help children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

That’s one of the reasons Senter, CPA has chosen to support the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

A Day in the Life of a CPA During Tax Season (Please Send Snacks)

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you drop off your tax documents, here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at life inside a small CPA firm during tax season.

Sharing Online Banking with Your Accountant

To allow your accountant access to your bank’s online banking system, follow these general steps. This typically involves navigating to a “User Management” or “Account Access” section, where you can add a new user and set permissions—usually “view-only” for accountants.

The 7 Deadly (Tax) Sins of Small Business Owners

Running a business is hard enough — between serving customers, managing staff, and juggling invoices, your taxes can feel like an afterthought. But beware, small business owner: the IRS has seen it all, and a few “little” mistakes can cost you big.

What the New “No Tax on Tips” Rule Means for You

The treatment of tip income is changing in 2025, thanks to the new “No Tax on Tips” provision introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). While tips remain taxable in several respects, eligible workers may now claim a federal income tax deduction of up to $25,000 annually for “qualified tips.”

Why QuickBooks Can’t Replace Your Accountant (Even If It Thinks It Can)

Let’s face it — QuickBooks is amazing. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of bookkeeping. It tracks your income, pays your bills, and even sends friendly reminders that you forgot to reconcile your bank account… again. But while QuickBooks can do a lot, it can’t do everything — especially the things that can make or save you money. And that’s where your accountant (hi, that’s us) comes in.

Business Mileage Deductibility: What Qualifies and What Does Not

Vehicle expenses can be a valuable tax deduction, but only when mileage is properly classified and documented. For tax purposes, the deductibility of mileage depends on whether the travel is considered business, commuting, or personal. Understanding these distinctions is essential to support allowable business mileage deductions.

Welcome to the Senter, CPA Team – Shannon Currie

Shannon is pleased to join the Senter team as a Staff Accountant.

How to Document Charitable Donations for Tax Deductions

Accurate documentation is essential when claiming charitable contributions on your tax return. The IRS requires specific records depending on the type and value of your donations. Maintaining proper records ensures your contributions are deductible and helps you avoid issues if your return is ever reviewed.

How to make Federal & State Income Tax Payments (update January 2026)

Paying federal and Michigan income taxes is pretty straightforward and are now required to be paid online.