Tax planning for the decisions that shape your business.
Halphen & Associates helps established business owners evaluate entity structure, owner compensation, tax timing, documentation, and projected tax exposure before important decisions become permanent. We also provide tax return preparation and direct IRS representation when needed.
Entity Structure Review
A business structure that made sense when the company started may not continue to fit as revenue, profitability, ownership, and long term plans change.
- • Review of the current entity structure against actual business activity
- • Comparison of potential tax treatment under alternative structures
- • S corporation election analysis when appropriate
- • Written findings and recommended next steps
Owner Compensation and Distributions
Salary, distributions, payroll, and tax exposure should be reviewed together as part of one coordinated strategy.
- • Reasonable compensation analysis for S corporation owners
- • Review of salary and distribution practices
- • Self employment and payroll tax exposure analysis
- • Coordination with payroll providers when applicable
Deduction and Documentation Review
Tax deductions should be supported by records that clearly explain the business purpose, amount, and basis for the position taken.
- • Review of deduction categories and available supporting records
- • Guidance for home office, vehicle, travel, meals, and mixed use expenses
- • Recordkeeping recommendations before documentation is needed
- • Identification of positions requiring additional support or review
Quarterly Tax Planning
Tax projections should reflect how the business is performing now, not only what happened during the prior year.
- • Quarterly estimated tax calculations
- • Updated projections when income or expenses change
- • Coordination with current financial records and bookkeeping
- • Review of planning opportunities before year end
Strategic Tax Advisory
Ongoing guidance for business owners who want to understand the tax impact of important decisions before acting.
- • Access for tax questions that arise throughout the year
- • Review of major decisions before they are finalized
- • Planning related to hiring, equipment, expansion, and owner activity
- • Coordination with bookkeepers, payroll providers, attorneys, or other professionals when appropriate
Tax Return Preparation
Tax preparation is the final step in reporting the decisions and activity that occurred throughout the year.
- • Partnership and S corporation returns
- • Individual returns, including business owners with more complex tax situations
- • Review of reporting positions and supporting documentation
- • Electronic filing and confirmation of submission
IRS Representation
Direct representation when an IRS notice, audit, collections matter, or appeal requires professional attention.
- • Review and response to IRS notices
- • Audit representation from initial contact through resolution
- • Collections assistance, including installment agreements and offers in compromise
- • Appeals and direct communication with the IRS on the client’s behalf
Not sure where your business needs attention?
A planning call gives us an opportunity to understand where your business stands, discuss the decisions currently in front of you, and determine whether our services are the right fit.