Detroit CPA Firm for S-Corps & Small Businesses
With 18+ years of experience helping business owners across the country, I bring specialized expertise to Detroit’s Automotive, Technology, Healthcare economy. Whether you’re handling Detroit’s 2.4% city income tax alongside state and federal obligations or capitalizing on Detroit’s automotive innovation hub with EV transition creating massive supplier demand, SDO CPA provides the virtual accounting support your business needs.
We offer cloud-based tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services designed for Detroit business owners who want proactive guidance — not just annual tax filing.
Key Takeaways: Detroit 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 Detroit’s 2.4% city income tax planning and multi-state compliance
- Industry focus — Specialized experience with Automotive, Technology, Healthcare
- 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 Detroit, MI
Detroit is America’s automotive capital and the epicenter of the EV transition. With Ford, GM, and Stellantis investing over $50 billion in electric vehicle and battery technology, the Metro Detroit economy is experiencing a manufacturing renaissance that extends across thousands of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. The city’s resurgent downtown, anchored by Rocket Companies and a growing tech startup scene in the Corktown and Midtown neighborhoods, has transformed Detroit into a hub for both industrial and digital innovation.
Detroit’s 2.4% city income tax (1.2% for non-resident employees) creates an additional compliance layer that many business owners overlook. Combined with Michigan’s flat 4.25% state income tax and the 6% Corporate Income Tax, Detroit businesses face three levels of income taxation that demand careful entity structuring. S-Corp owners operating within city limits should model whether the city tax savings from relocating to suburbs like Warren or Sterling Heights outweigh the benefits of a Detroit address.
SDO CPA works with Detroit business owners in automotive, technology, and healthcare to structure entities, claim R&D credits for EV component innovation, and manage the interplay between federal, state, and city tax obligations. Whether you’re an EV supplier along the I-94 corridor or a healthcare practice affiliated with Henry Ford Health, we provide monthly bookkeeping and fractional CFO services scaled to your growth 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 Detroit 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 Detroit businesses.
S-Corp Tax Services
Reasonable compensation analysis, QBI optimization, and S-Corp election guidance for Detroit business owners.
Common Challenges for Detroit Business Owners
Challenge
Detroit businesses often face navigating Detroit’s 2.4% city income tax alongside state and federal obligations, 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 Detroit’s business environment, helping you handle city, state, and federal tax layering with confidence.
Challenge
Many Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit EV startup navigate the city income tax and claim $15,000 in R&D credits for our battery component innovations.”— Jamal K., EV component supplier owner in Detroit
How to Get Started With SDO CPA
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Book a call to discuss your Detroit 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 Detroit Business Owners Choose SDO CPA
Michigan Tax Expertise
We understand Michigan has a flat 4.25% income tax plus Detroit’s 2.4% city income tax and help Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit Business Owners
Also Serving Metro Detroit
SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout Metro Detroit and Michigan.
Ready to Work With a CPA Who Understands Detroit Businesses?
Schedule your free consultation today. We’ll analyze your tax situation and provide an upfront estimate with no obligation.
Schedule a Call