Our Services

We offer a full range of tax and accounting services including:

Services For Individuals

Creating Financial Freedom Starts Here

Personalized Financial Planning That Grows and Protects Your Wealth

Building and preserving your wealth takes more than good intentions—it requires expert guidance, strategic planning, and consistent follow-through. Through one-on-one support and holistic financial strategies, we help you manage risk, improve performance, and build a secure financial future.

All of this is available under one roof—ask your tax preparer for more information or complete the form below to get started.

Smart Strategies for Every Stage of Life
Retirement Planning

Plan confidently for a future you can enjoy. We help you:

  • Identify your retirement income needs
  • Analyze your assets and income streams
  • Estimate shortfalls and recommend adjustments
  • Build a personalized savings and investment plan
College Planning

Make education affordable—without compromising your own financial goals. We help you:

  • Accurately project future education costs
  • Evaluate your current savings and investment options
  • Address potential shortfalls
  • Develop a tax-smart college savings strategy
Financial Protection

Prepare for life’s unexpected events with a strong financial safety net. We help you:

  • Strengthen your emergency fund
  • Assess and optimize insurance coverage (life, health, home, auto, disability)
  • Review essential legal documents like your will and powers of attorney
Investment Planning

Grow your wealth with a strategy that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. We help you:

  • Define your short- and long-term financial goals
  • Balance risk and reward across diversified investments
  • Improve predictability and performance
  • Adjust plans as your life and the markets evolve
Legacy & Estate Planning

Leave more behind—on your terms. We help you:

  • Minimize estate taxes, legal fees, and probate delays
  • Protect the value of your estate from creditors and unnecessary costs
  • Ensure your wishes are followed with clear, strategic estate planning
Ready to Take the First Step?

Speak with your tax preparer or Contact Us today to schedule your personalized financial planning consultation. Your future starts with a smart plan.

Plan Ahead Now — Reap the Benefits Later

Whether you’re just beginning your career, approaching retirement, or already retired, effective retirement planning is essential. Unfortunately, many people delay retirement planning until it’s almost too late—putting their financial future and peace of mind at risk.

The good news? The earlier you start, the more benefits you’ll enjoy.

Why Start Retirement Planning Now?

Planning ahead offers critical advantages, including:

  • Long-term financial security for you and your family
  • Tax-deferred or tax-free growth on retirement contributions
  • Legal protection from creditors in the event of bankruptcy
  • Flexibility to choose from a variety of retirement plans (401(k), IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, Keogh, Roth, and more)

But knowing how much to save, which account to choose, and when to take distributions can be complex. That’s where we come in.

What Our Retirement Planning Services Include

Retirement tax rules are complicated—and no single plan fits everyone. That’s why working with a knowledgeable tax and financial planning professional is key to building a retirement strategy tailored to your needs and goals.

Our process includes:

  • Analyzing your current financial situation: Evaluate assets, debts, income, and spending to establish your estate’s value and baseline.
  • Calculating ideal withdrawal strategies: Optimize distributions from 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth IRAs—lump sum vs. scheduled installments.
  • Building a retirement-ready budget: Plan how much you'll need to retire comfortably, based on your lifestyle, goals, and projected expenses.
  • Reviewing your Social Security strategy: Determine the best time to begin taking benefits based on your earnings record and retirement timeline.
  • Selecting the best retirement accounts for your situation: Understand contribution limits, tax advantages, and withdrawal rules for traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and self-employed plans.
  • Maximizing available tax credits: Find out if you or your small business qualify for tax credits for retirement contributions.
  • Developing a flexible, long-term retirement plan: Create a plan that adapts with your life—job changes, family needs, market shifts, and health care costs.
Your Future Starts Today

The sooner you start planning for retirement, the more control you’ll have over your financial future. Whether you're saving for yourself, your spouse, or your small business, we help simplify complex rules and create a roadmap you can rely on.

Contact us today to schedule a retirement planning consultation and start building the secure, comfortable future you deserve.

Protect Your Legacy. Provide for the People You Love.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly—it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family, minimize taxes, and ensure their wishes are honored. But trying to plan your estate on your own can be complicated, stressful, and costly.

From probate court delays to estate taxes, creditor claims, blended family concerns, and healthcare directives—there’s a lot to consider. Without a proper plan, your family could face unnecessary expenses, delays, and emotional strain.

Why Estate Planning Matters

Common questions we help answer:

  • Can I protect my heirs from creditors or divorce disputes?
  • How can I avoid probate and reduce estate taxes?
  • What happens if I become incapacitated?
  • Should my minor children or heirs inherit at a specific age?
  • How do I account for children from a previous marriage?
  • What are the legal requirements for a will or living trust?

Even if you're young or hesitant to think about it, estate planning saves your family time, money, and heartache in the future.

What We Help You Do

Every situation is unique. That’s why our approach starts with listening and understanding your family dynamics, financial goals, and future wishes. From there, we tailor an estate plan that’s both practical and protective.

Our estate planning support includes:

  • Defining your estate goals clearly and realistically
  • Organizing your estate planning team (legal, financial, and tax professionals) if needed
  • Evaluating and recommending appropriate planning tools and strategies
  • Preparing, reviewing, or updating key documents:
    • Wills
    • Trusts
    • Healthcare directives
    • Durable powers of attorney
  • Reducing probate expenses and delays
  • Minimizing estate and inheritance taxes
  • Planning for incapacity and long-term care needs
  • Creating a clear roadmap for managing and distributing your estate
  • Transferring assets efficiently and in alignment with your wishes
  • Coordinating asset liquidation to cover taxes and final expenses
  • Updating your plan as life changes (marriage, divorce, children, business changes, etc.)
Additional Estate Planning Solutions

We also help with:

  • Living wills and revocable living trusts
  • Lifetime family wealth transfers
  • Family partnerships and business succession planning
  • Charitable giving and foundation setup
  • Estate and trust tax preparation
  • Navigating IRS rules and probate court systems
Plan With Peace of Mind

You don’t need to navigate estate planning alone. Whether your estate is simple or complex, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—with clear communication, trusted advice, and long-term support.

Business Services

Focus on Growing Your Business—We’ll Handle the Books

As a small business owner, your time is better spent running your company—not managing spreadsheets and reconciling accounts. Our small business accounting services take the burden off your shoulders, providing you with accurate financial records and peace of mind.

We handle your books so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business and increasing profitability.

Monthly or Quarterly Accounting Packages

Every month or quarter, we provide:

  • Bank account reconciliation
  • Income statement (Profit & Loss report)
  • Balance sheet preparation
  • General ledger clean-up
  • Unlimited consultations and expert support

You can also customize your package with add-ons like payroll processing, tax planning, or business tax preparation.

Why These Services Matter
Bank Reconciliation

Reconciling your business checking account each month keeps your books accurate and your business protected.

Benefits of monthly bank reconciliation include:

  • Detecting lost checks, and bank errors
  • Preventing internal fraud or embezzlement
  • Monitoring your company’s true cash position
  • Supporting timely and accurate financial statements
Income Statement (Profit & Loss)

This report gives you a clear picture of your revenues and expenses over a specific period.

With your income statement, you can:

  • Track your business’s financial performance
  • Identify over-budget or under-performing areas
  • Spot unexpected expenses or inefficiencies
  • Calculate your net profit and income tax liability
  • Make data-driven decisions to improve profitability
Balance Sheet

The balance sheet shows your company’s financial position at a specific point in time.

A well-prepared balance sheet helps you:

  • Evaluate the financial strength of your business
  • Identify trends in receivables, payables, and cash flow
  • Determine readiness for expansion or new investments
  • Respond quickly to financial risks or cash shortfalls
  • Build trust with banks, investors, and vendors
General Ledger Maintenance

Your general ledger is the backbone of your accounting system. Every transaction flows through it—and small errors can lead to big problems.

We help you:

  • Detect and correct double entries or missing transactions
  • Keep your books accurate and audit-ready
  • Ensure your reports reflect true financial activity
Unlimited Accounting Support

Need help understanding a report or planning next steps? We offer unlimited consultations at no extra cost. We’re your accounting partner, not just your bookkeeper.

Let’s Simplify Your Small Business Finances

Accurate books are the foundation of sound business decisions. Let us handle the accounting so you can stay focused on building your business.

Assurance You Can Trust—For Lenders, Investors, and Leadership Teams

Lenders, stockholders, and investors rely on accurate financial statements. Whether you're applying for a loan, securing investors, or meeting regulatory requirements, our team provides the right level of assurance with CPA-certified audit, review, and compilation services tailored to your business needs.

Choose the Right Level of Assurance

We offer tiers of financial reporting assurance to fit your goals, budget, and stakeholder expectations.

Review Services — Limited Assurance

A CPA review provides moderate assurance and is often ideal for privately held companies seeking external validation without the full scope of an audit.

What’s included in a review?

  • Analytical procedures to spot inconsistencies
  • Inquiries with management
  • Limited assurance that financials are in conformity with GAAP
  • Financial statements with all required footnotes and disclosures

Why Choose a Review?

  • Lower cost than an audit
  • Sufficient for certain lender or investor requirements
  • Great for businesses seeking professional oversight without extensive testing

Our review opinion states: “We are not aware of any material modifications...” — a standard, respected form of limited assurance.

Compilation Services — Basic Financial Reporting

A financial statement compilation is the simplest option. We take your financial data and format it into formal statements based on accounting principles—without offering any assurance.

What’s included in a compilation?

  • Presentation of financial statements prepared from client-provided data
  • No audit, review, or testing procedures
  • Statements marked with a disclosure that no assurance is provided

Why Choose a Compilation?

  • Often required for internal use or bank loan applications
  • Cost-effective for small businesses or startups
  • Helpful for annual business reporting needs

Even though no assurance is provided, compilations from a CPA lend credibility and meet bank requirements for many small businesses.

Which Report Is Right for You?

Choosing between a review, or compilation depends on:

  • Your business’s size and structure
  • Stakeholder or lender requirements
  • Budget constraints
  • Regulatory obligations

We’re here to help you make the right decision.

Helping You Stand Firm in Your Mission—We’ll Handle the Rest

Running a non-profit comes with aAstute, personalized service from start to finish Here’s how we help you succeed:

  • Expertise in nonprofit accounting and IRS compliance
  • Preparation and filing of Forms 990, 990-EZ, and 990-T
  • Support with nonprofit incorporation, EIN registration, and payroll setup
  • Friendly, personalized support from formation to annual filing
Starting a New 501(c)(3)? We Can Help

We guide you step by step through the nonprofit formation and IRS application process, including:

  • Articles of Incorporation with required IRS language
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Bylaws and governance documents
  • Form 1023 or 1023-EZ application for tax-exempt status
  • Organizational minutes, member rosters, and board resumes
  • Financials: asset & liability inventories and 3–4 years of revenue and expenses (if available)
  • Program and fundraising descriptions
  • Church-specific materials: Statement of Faith, Ministry activities, and housing allowance docs
  • IRS user fee and supporting documents

Don't worry if you're missing items—we can prepare and organize all required documentation for you.

Why Nonprofits Choose Us
  • Nonprofit accounting and IRS reporting expertise
  • Friendly, personalized support from formation to annual filing
  • Understanding of church and religious organization compliance
  • Flexible service packages to meet your needs and budget

Tax Services

Professional Tax Preparation Services

Get Every Deduction You Deserve — Without the Stress

Filing your own tax return can lead to more confusion than confidence. In fact, according to the U.S. Government’s General Accounting Office, over 75% of taxpayers say they benefited from using a professional preparer.

With today’s complex tax laws, even a relatively simple return can be tricky. Tax software helps, but it’s no replacement for a seasoned expert who knows the rules, keeps up with changes, and knows exactly where to find savings.

What You Can Expect from Us

Accurate, Thorough, Worry-Free Tax Preparation

Here’s how we make tax season less painful—and more profitable—for you:

  • Your return is checked and double-checked by advanced software and human experts
  • We identify red flags the IRS may target—so your return has fewer chances of triggering an audit
  • Your return is filed electronically for faster refunds
  • We’ll help you adjust your payroll withholding so you can keep more money each paycheck
  • We’ll show you deductions you may have missed—and help plan for next year’s savings
  • We provide a list of commonly overlooked deductions to make sure you don’t miss a thing
Small Business Owners: We’ve Got You Covered

Books a mess? No problem.

If you're a small business owner who’s behind on bookkeeping, we’ll take care of everything:

  • Reconstruct your books for the year
  • Prepare your full Schedule C and personal income tax return
  • Set up a simple, easy-to-maintain bookkeeping system for the year ahead
Why Choose Us for Tax Prep?
  • Years of experience across personal, business, and self-employed returns
  • Proactive planning advice—not just form-filing
  • Fast turnaround times and e-filing for quicker refunds
  • Ongoing support—get answers to your tax questions year-round

Pay Only What You Owe—Nothing More

Smart tax planning isn’t just about filing—it’s about proactively making the right moves before tax season hits. At our firm, we help individuals and businesses keep more of what they earn by using proven, legal strategies to minimize tax liability year-round.

Our Approach: More Than Compliance

We don’t just help you follow the rules—we help you leverage them. Our team stays ahead of changes in tax law by regularly attending advanced tax seminars, studying new regulations, and applying up-to-the-minute strategies.

We look at the full picture—not just April 15.

Real Tax-Saving Results

Here’s what our clients gain from strategic tax planning:

  • Grow and preserve more of your wealth
  • Defer income to reduce your current tax burden
  • Lower your income taxes so you keep more of what you earn
  • Reduce estate and gift taxes so your legacy lasts
  • Pay less on investments and maximize returns
  • Keep more of your retirement income
Tax Strategies We Use

We customize each plan to your unique situation. Here are just a few methods we might apply:

  • Income splitting across family members or business entities to take advantage of lower tax brackets
  • Timing income or expenses to reduce your tax in high-income years
  • Deferring taxes through qualified investments like retirement accounts
  • Earning tax-free income via municipal bonds or other tax-exempt instruments
  • Deducting lifestyle assets by legally structuring them as business or investment expenses (yes, even vacation homes)
Tax Planning That Works For You—Not the IRS

We advocate for your financial interests. Most clients recoup our fees many times over through carefully executed planning. And it’s all done legally, ethically, and with full transparency.

Get Your IRS File

Want to know what the IRS knows about you?

Your IRS file contains detailed records—tax returns, payment history, notices, and more—that can impact your current or future tax situation.

We’ll help you:

  • Request your IRS file discreetly
  • Decode what’s in it
  • Identify risks or issues
  • Create a plan to resolve tax problems

Avoid surprises. Take control.

Request a free consultation today to get started.

IRS Audit Representation Services

Expert IRS Audit Help for Individuals & Businesses

Receiving an IRS audit letter can be stressful and overwhelming. At Alpina Tax and Accounting, we provide professional IRS audit representation to protect your rights and minimize your tax liability—so you don’t have to face the IRS alone.

Why You Need Professional IRS Audit Representation

IRS audits are time-consuming and complex. You may be required to:

  • Provide detailed financial records
  • Understand intricate tax laws
  • Defend every line item on your return

Without expert representation, you risk overpaying due to simple mistakes or lack of documentation.

Our experienced tax professionals know how IRS auditors operate—and how to respond effectively. We protect you from unnecessary questioning, prevent costly missteps, and advocate for the best possible outcome.

What We Do for You:

  • Respond to the IRS on your behalf
  • Prepare and organize all required documentation
  • Communicate directly with IRS auditors
  • Negotiate to reduce or eliminate additional taxes and penalties
  • Ensure you understand your rights throughout the process

Don't Face an IRS Audit Alone

Most of our clients never have to speak with the IRS. We handle the entire process—start to finish—so you can focus on your life and business.

Received an IRS Audit Notice?

Contact us today for a free consultation with an IRS audit specialist.

Non-Filed Tax Returns

Behind on Your Taxes? We Can Help You Catch Up and Avoid Penalties

If you have unfiled tax returns, you’re not alone—but the IRS is getting better at finding delinquent taxpayers. Failing to file is a serious offense and can lead to steep penalties or even criminal charges.

Why You Should Act Now:

  • Avoid IRS enforcement actions like wage garnishments or asset seizures
  • Prevent criminal prosecution (up to one year in jail per unfiled return)
  • Reduce penalties and interest by voluntarily filing before the IRS contacts you
  • Protect deductions—IRS-prepared returns don’t include credits or deductions you deserve

How We Help:

  • File all past-due returns quickly and accurately
  • Bring you into compliance with the IRS
  • Review your tax liability and explain your options
  • Help negotiate payment plans or settlements if you owe back taxes

Don't wait for the IRS to come to you.

Get back on track today—schedule your free tax consultation with our specialists.

Back Taxes Owed

Owe Back Taxes? Don’t Let Penalties Pile Up

If you’ve filed your returns but couldn’t pay, you're not alone. Many taxpayers fall behind, thinking they’ll catch up next year—until years pass and an IRS notice arrives showing a much larger balance due.

Why Act Now:

  • Penalties and interest grow fast, often doubling or tripling your original tax bill
  • Ignoring the IRS can lead to levies, liens, and wage garnishments
  • The longer you wait, the fewer options you may have

How We Help:

  • Review your full tax situation
  • Help you avoid or reduce penalties
  • Offer solutions like Installment Agreements, Offer in Compromise, or Penalty Abatement
  • Communicate with the IRS on your behalf

Stop the snowball. Let us help you resolve your unpaid taxes.

Payroll Tax Problems

Owe Payroll Taxes? The IRS Takes This Very Seriously

Falling behind on payroll taxes is one of the IRS’s biggest red flags—because those taxes include your employees’ withholdings. The IRS treats it as stealing and responds with aggressive enforcement.

What’s at Risk:

  • Massive penalties that grow rapidly
  • Asset seizures, business closure, and personal liability
  • Immediate collection actions—no negotiation without representation

Don’t Face the IRS Alone:

If you’re behind on payroll taxes, the worst thing you can do is meet the IRS without expert help. A single wrong answer can jeopardize your business.

Let us defend your business and resolve your payroll tax issues.

IRS Liens

A federal tax lien is the IRS’s legal claim against your assets when you fail to pay your tax debt. It can affect your home, business, bank accounts—even your ability to get credit.

How a Tax Lien Impacts You:

  • Freezes your real estate and personal property
  • Seizes business receivables and accounts
  • Ruins your credit score, finallto get loans or open accounts
  • Blocks you from buying, selling, or refinancing property
  • Leads to higher interest rates or loan denials

A lien puts everything you own one step away from government seizure. Don't let it derail your financial future.

We can help you remove or resolve IRS tax liens before they escalate.

IRS Levies

An IRS levy is one of the most aggressive tax collection tools—and it can drain your bank accounts, seize your wages, and take your assets without warning.

What the IRS Can Take:

  • Bank accounts
  • Paychecks (wage garnishment)
  • Cars, homes, boats, retirement funds
  • Even Social Security benefits

A levy means the IRS believes you’ve ignored previous notices—and now they're collecting by force. It can wreck your finances, destroy your credit, and leave you unable to cover daily expenses.

We Can Help Stop IRS Levies

  • Release existing levies
  • Prevent future garnishments
  • Negotiate a manageable resolution
IRS Wage Garnishment

Did the IRS just take most of your paycheck?

If you've received a Notice of Intent to Levy and didn’t respond, your wages can be garnished until your tax debt is paid in full. That means less money for rent, bills, or groceries—every single payday.

What Happens:

  • Your employer is legally required to withhold a large portion of each check.
  • The garnishment continues until the full balance is paid.
  • Your financial stability takes a major hit.

We Can Stop the Garnishment

Our tax experts can:

  • Negotiate a payment plan
  • Release the wage levy
  • Protect your full paycheck

Don’t let the IRS control your income.

IRS Seizures

An IRS seizure is more serious than a levy—it means the government can take your home, car, or other physical assets to cover unpaid taxes.

Seizures happen when taxpayers ignore multiple IRS notices. The IRS doesn’t hesitate to auction your property, often for far less than it’s worth.

What Can Be Seized?

  • Homes and vehicles
  • Boats, motorcycles, and jewelry
  • Retirement accounts and insurance policies

Don’t Let It Get This Far

If you're at risk of an IRS seizure, act now. We help stop seizures and negotiate with the IRS before it's too late.

Offer in Compromise

Did you know you can settle your IRS tax debt for less than the amount owed through the Offer in Compromise (OIC)? This program allows you to pay a fraction of your debt if you can’t afford to pay in full or if your tax assessment was incorrect.

What is the IRS Offer in Compromise?

The Offer in Compromise is a program that lets taxpayers settle their debts for less than the total amount owed. The IRS will accept an OIC when it's unlikely they can collect the full debt from you and your offer reflects your ability to pay.

Key Benefits:

  • Pay less: Settle your debt for 5-15% of what you owe, including penalties and interest.
  • Eliminate penalties: Many taxpayers have penalties and interest reduced or eliminated.
  • Resolve tax issues: If you’re unable to pay your taxes in full, OIC is a way out.

How We Can Help:

Navigating the OIC process can be tricky. We specialize in preparing and submitting OIC applications to maximize your chances of acceptance.

IRS Payment Plan

If you don’t qualify for an Offer in Compromise, an IRS Payment Plan can give you more time to pay off your tax debt.

While penalties and interest continue to accumulate, we may be able to negotiate penalty removal, helping you reduce the total amount owed.

Benefits of an IRS Payment Plan:

  • Extended time to pay off debt
  • Potential penalty removal
  • Flexible payment options
Innocent Spouse Relief

Did you know you can be relieved of tax debt caused by your spouse’s fraud or misdeeds? Innocent Spouse Relief was created to protect individuals who were victims of fraud or tax errors made by their spouse or ex-spouse.

What is Innocent Spouse Relief?

If you qualify, Innocent Spouse Relief can exempt you from tax liabilities caused by your spouse’s actions, ensuring you’re not held responsible for the fraud or misdeeds.

Key Benefits:

  • No tax liability: You may not owe any tax if you're deemed an innocent spouse.
  • Protect your rights: Avoid being unfairly burdened by your spouse’s tax mistakes or fraud.

How We Can Help:

We can help determine if you qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief and assist you in filing the necessary forms to ensure you are protected.

Get Your IRS File

Did you know you can obtain a copy of your IRS file? Most people are surprised by how much the IRS knows about them. Having access to this file is crucial for analyzing your options to resolve tax issues.

Why You Need Your IRS File:

  • Comprehensive insight: Understand what the IRS knows about your tax history.
  • Strategic advantage: Identify opportunities to resolve your tax problems effectively.

Let Us Help:

We specialize in obtaining IRS files professionally, without triggering any issues, and can guide you through analyzing the information to determine the best solution.