Ann Arbor CPA Firm for S-Corps & Small Businesses
With 18+ years of experience helping business owners across the country, I bring specialized expertise to Ann Arbor’s Technology, Life Sciences, Higher Education economy. Whether you’re managing university spin-off IP licensing and R&D credit complexity or capitalizing on University of Michigan’s $1.7B research enterprise creating a pipeline of biotech and tech startups, SDO CPA provides the virtual accounting support your business needs.
We offer cloud-based tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services designed for Ann Arbor business owners who want proactive guidance — not just annual tax filing.
Key Takeaways: Ann Arbor CPA Services
- Virtual CPA services — Full tax, bookkeeping, and advisory support without geographic limitations
- Michigan tax expertise — Michigan has a flat 4.25% income tax plus 6% Corporate Income Tax planning and multi-state compliance
- Industry focus — Specialized experience with Technology, Life Sciences, Higher Education
- Transparent pricing — Upfront estimates starting at $300/month; if scope changes, we discuss it first
- Responsive support — Direct CPA access, same-day responses
Accounting & Tax Services in Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor is Michigan’s innovation capital, anchored by the University of Michigan and its $1.7 billion annual research enterprise. The university’s technology transfer office has spawned hundreds of startups in biotech, software, and autonomous vehicles, creating a vibrant ecosystem of venture-backed companies along the South State Street and North Campus corridors. Major employers including Michigan Medicine, Google’s Ann Arbor office, and Toyota Research Institute attract a highly educated workforce, with over 75% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Michigan’s flat 4.25% income tax applies to all pass-through entity income, and Ann Arbor businesses with university IP licensing revenue face additional complexity around royalty income classification and R&D credit documentation. Startups receiving SBIR or STTR grants need specialized grant accounting to maintain compliance while maximizing the tax benefits of their research spending. The city’s proximity to Detroit also creates dual-market opportunities for tech companies serving automotive OEMs.
SDO CPA works with Ann Arbor business owners in technology, life sciences, and professional services to structure entities for venture investment, document R&D credits for software and biotech development, and manage equity compensation planning for stock options and RSUs. Whether you’re a university spin-off on Plymouth Road or a SaaS company in the Kerrytown district, we provide monthly bookkeeping and fractional CFO services scaled to your funding stage.
Michigan Tax Planning Tip
Michigan’s flat 4.25% income tax applies to all pass-through entity income. Detroit businesses face an additional 2.4% city income tax (1.2% for non-resident employees). S-Corp owners in the Detroit metro should evaluate whether locating outside city limits reduces their total tax burden. Michigan’s flow-through entity tax election can also help bypass the federal SALT cap for owners with $200K+ in Michigan-source income.
CPA Services for Ann Arbor Businesses
Business Tax Preparation
Federal and Michigan business tax returns for LLCs, S-Corps, partnerships, and sole proprietors.
Bookkeeping & Accounting
Monthly bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and financial statements using QuickBooks or Xero.
Payroll Services
Full-service payroll processing, tax deposits, and quarterly filings through Gusto integration.
Tax Planning & Strategy
Proactive tax planning to minimize liability through entity selection, retirement contributions, and timing strategies.
Fractional CFO
Cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and financial strategy for growing Ann Arbor businesses.
S-Corp Tax Services
Reasonable compensation analysis, QBI optimization, and S-Corp election guidance for Ann Arbor business owners.
Common Challenges for Ann Arbor Business Owners
Challenge
Ann Arbor businesses often face managing university spin-off IP licensing and R&D credit complexity, making tax planning and cash flow management more complex than standard approaches allow.
Our Approach
We provide proactive tax planning and fractional CFO services tailored to Ann Arbor’s business environment, helping you handle R&D credit documentation and IP licensing with confidence.
Challenge
Many Ann Arbor business owners struggle to get timely responses from their CPA, especially during busy seasons when questions are most urgent.
Our Approach
SDO CPA provides direct access to your CPA team with same-day response times. No call centers, no waiting weeks for answers.
Challenge
Tax preparation alone doesn’t help Ann Arbor business owners understand their financial position or make informed decisions throughout the year.
Our Approach
We deliver monthly financial reports with actionable insights, helping you understand cash flow, profitability, and tax liability before year-end.
“SDO CPA helped our Ann Arbor biotech spin-off properly document R&D credits and structure our S-Corp election. They saved us $13,500 in federal taxes.”— Dr. Priya N., Biotech startup founder in Ann Arbor
How to Get Started With SDO CPA
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Book a call to discuss your Ann Arbor business, current financial setup, and goals.
Get Your Custom Proposal
Receive a clear proposal with upfront estimates — if scope changes, we discuss it first.
Seamless Onboarding
We connect to your QuickBooks or Xero and organize your books within 30 days.
Ongoing Partnership
Monthly reports, proactive tax planning, and year-round CPA access.
Why Ann Arbor Business Owners Choose SDO CPA
Michigan Tax Expertise
We understand Michigan has a flat 4.25% income tax plus 6% Corporate Income Tax and help Ann Arbor businesses maximize tax advantages while managing federal obligations and multi-state complexity.
Transparent Pricing
Clear monthly estimates for standard services. We scope your needs upfront and communicate before any additional work. See our pricing.
Cloud-Based & Virtual
Access your financials anywhere. We work with QuickBooks Online, Xero, Gusto, and Ramp to keep your Ann Arbor business running smoothly.
S-Corp & Partnership Specialists
Our clients are pass-through entity owners. We handle reasonable compensation analysis, K-1 preparation, QBI optimization, and entity selection.
Responsive Communication
Get answers when you need them. Our team responds within one business day, and you’ll have direct access to your CPA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources for Ann Arbor Business Owners
Also Serving Washtenaw County
SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout Washtenaw County and Michigan.
Ready to Work With a CPA Who Understands Ann Arbor Businesses?
Schedule your free consultation today. We’ll analyze your tax situation and provide an upfront estimate with no obligation.
Schedule a Call