As a business owner in Hartford, WI, managing your finances efficiently is crucial to long-term success. Taxes can be one of the most overwhelming aspects of running a business, and without the right guidance, mistakes can lead to significant financial consequences. At Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC, I specialize in providing expert tax planning, bookkeeping, and financial management services to help businesses navigate tax season with confidence.

In my experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and tax specialist, I’ve seen countless business owners make avoidable mistakes that cost them thousands of dollars. Below, I’ll walk you through three of the biggest tax problems businesses face—and how you can prevent them with the right tax strategy.

1. IRS Audit Risks: Why Businesses Get Audited & How to Avoid It

An IRS audit is one of the most dreaded experiences for any business owner. Even if your business follows the law, an audit can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly.

Why Do Businesses Get Audited?

• Inconsistent Reporting: Mismatched numbers between tax returns and financial statements can raise red flags.
• Excessive Deductions: Large deductions that seem out of proportion to income can trigger an audit.
• Cash-Based Businesses: Businesses that deal heavily in cash (restaurants, salons, or construction firms) are often scrutinized more closely.
• Home Office Deductions: While legitimate, improperly claimed home office expenses are common IRS audit triggers.
• Large Charitable Contributions: While generosity is commendable, large charitable donations disproportionate to income can attract IRS attention.
• Frequent Business Losses: Consistently reporting losses can suggest tax avoidance to the IRS.

How to Reduce Your IRS Audit Risk

• Keep meticulous records of all income and expenses.
• Work with a CPA to ensure all deductions are valid and properly documented.
• File accurate and complete tax returns that match your financial statements.
• Avoid rounding numbers too neatly—this can appear suspicious to the IRS.
• Separate business and personal finances to ensure accurate reporting.
• Use tax planning strategies to structure your deductions and income appropriately.

At Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC, I help business owners minimize their audit risk by ensuring their records are accurate, their tax returns are optimized, and they have a solid tax strategy in place.

Even the most well-intentioned business owners can make tax mistakes that cost them thousands of dollars. Here are some of the most common ones I see:

Missed Deductions

Many businesses fail to take advantage of tax deductions they’re eligible for, such as:

• Home office expenses (if used exclusively for business).
• Business mileage and travel costs.
• Software and technology expenses used for business operations.
• Marketing and advertising costs.
• Retirement contributions for business owners and employees.
• Health insurance premiums for self-employed individuals.
• Legal and professional fees paid for business operations.

Misclassifying Employees

Classifying workers incorrectly as independent contractors instead of employees can lead to IRS penalties. If you control how, when, and where work is done, the worker is likely an employee—not a contractor.

Poor Record-Keeping

Disorganized or incomplete financial records lead to inaccurate tax filings, making you more susceptible to audits and missed deductions.

Not Paying Estimated Taxes

Small business owners, freelancers, and independent contractors must pay estimated taxes quarterly. Failing to do so can result in penalties and interest charges from the IRS.

Ignoring State and Local Taxes

Many businesses focus only on federal taxes and forget about state and local tax obligations, leading to unexpected liabilities.

How I Help Business Owners Avoid These Mistakes When you work with me, I ensure that you maximize your deductions, maintain accurate records, and file taxes correctly to avoid costly penalties. I offer bookkeeping services to keep your financials in check year-round, so tax season is stress-free. My tax planning services are tailored to help you stay compliant while minimizing your tax burden.

3. Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning: Why You Need Both

Many business owners think tax preparation is all they need, but tax planning is where the real savings happen. Here’s the difference:

• Tax Preparation is the process of filing your tax return and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. It’s a necessary service, but it focuses on past financial activity.
• Tax Planning is a proactive approach to structuring your finances in a way that minimizes tax liabilities for the future.

How Tax Planning Saves You Money

• Helps you choose the best business entity (LLC, S-Corp, etc.) for tax advantages.
• Identifies credits and deductions you may qualify for.
• Plans major business expenses strategically to maximize tax benefits.
• Avoids surprises by estimating tax liabilities ahead of time.
• Ensures retirement and investment strategies align with your tax goals.

At Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC, I take a proactive approach to tax planning, helping Hartford business owners reduce tax burdens and improve cash flow year-round. With a long-term strategy, I help business owners achieve financial stability and growth without unexpected tax bills.

Why Work with Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC?

As a CPA with over 20 years of experience, I don’t just crunch numbers—I provide personalized financial strategies that help small businesses thrive. Here’s what sets my firm apart:

• Personalized Service: I work one-on-one with my clients to provide tailored financial solutions.
• Military Precision & Integrity: My background as a Military Police Officer and law enforcement professional ensures attention to detail and ethical financial management.
• Local & Virtual Support: Whether you need in-person consultations in Hartford or cloud-based tax solutions, I’ve got you covered.
• Comprehensive Services: From bookkeeping to tax planning and IRS representation, I offer a full suite of accounting solutions.

Take Control of Your Taxes Today

If you’re looking for the best tax specialists near me in Hartford, WI, look no further than Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC. Whether you need help with tax preparation, tax planning, payroll, or IRS representation, I’m here to provide expert guidance and stress-free financial management.

📍 Visit me at: 1366 E Sumner St, PMB #27, Hartford, WI, 53027

📞 Call today: 262-649-9882

Let’s work together to secure your business’s financial future. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and ensure you’re making the best financial decisions for your business!