These services are far more comprehensive than the preparation of tax returns. CPAs help businesses and individuals comply with complex tax laws and represent their clients before government agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service. They also advise business owners about the tax ramifications of their decisions and just about anything else that affects taxpayers. Many MAS engagements involve problem solving of one or more critical elements of a business's operations. CPAs also help entrepreneurs start their businesses, set up accounting systems, advise established companies about business continuation issues, inventory management, internal control, cash management, and others.
Some accountants specialize as personal financial planners.
These are just a few of the many, many services CPAs in public practice provide for their clients. Take a closer look.