Erie CPA Firm for S-Corps & Small Businesses

Looking for a CPA in Erie? SDO CPA provides virtual tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services to Erie businesses specializing in S-Corps and partnerships. We provide upfront estimates — if scope changes, we discuss it first. Schedule a free consultation.
Serena Do, CPA — Managing Partner of SDO CPA

Serena Do, CPA

Managing Partner | Duncanville, TX (Serving Erie Virtually)

18+ Years Experience | AICPA Member

Licensed CPA — Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

With 18+ years of experience helping business owners across the country, I bring specialized expertise to Erie’s Manufacturing, Insurance, Healthcare economy. Whether you’re managing seasonal tourism cash flow and manufacturing complexity or capitalizing on Erie Insurance’s Fortune 500 headquarters driving professional services 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 Erie business owners who want proactive guidance — not just annual tax filing.

Key Takeaways: Erie CPA Services

  • Virtual CPA services — Full tax, bookkeeping, and advisory support without geographic limitations
  • Pennsylvania tax expertise — Pennsylvania has a flat 8.99% corporate net income tax and 3.07% personal income tax planning and multi-state compliance
  • Industry focus — Specialized experience with Manufacturing, Insurance, 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 Erie, PA

Erie is northwestern Pennsylvania’s economic anchor, with over 95,000 residents and an economy built on manufacturing, insurance, and healthcare. The city is home to Erie Insurance Group, a Fortune 500 company employing over 5,500 workers locally, along with major healthcare provider UPMC Hamot and manufacturers like GE Transportation (now Wabtec). Erie County’s Presque Isle State Park draws over 4 million visitors annually, supporting a significant seasonal tourism economy along the Bayfront District and Peninsula Drive corridors.

Pennsylvania’s tax structure creates unique planning opportunities for Erie businesses. The state’s flat 8.99% corporate net income tax rate is among the highest in the nation, making entity selection critical for business owners deciding between S-Corp pass-through treatment and C-Corp status. Erie businesses with seasonal tourism revenue from the Presque Isle area must manage cash flow fluctuations between peak summer months and slower winter periods. Manufacturing companies along the 12th Street industrial corridor face equipment depreciation planning, inventory valuation decisions, and multi-state nexus when shipping products to customers in neighboring New York and Ohio.

SDO CPA works with Erie business owners across manufacturing, insurance services, and healthcare to optimize entity structures under Pennsylvania’s tax system, manage seasonal cash flow patterns, and track multi-state obligations. Whether you’re supplying parts to Wabtec’s locomotive operations or running a tourism business near Presque Isle, we provide monthly bookkeeping and fractional CFO services tailored to Erie County’s diversified economy.

Pennsylvania Tax Planning Tip

Pennsylvania’s flat 8.99% corporate net income tax rate is one of the highest in the country, making S-Corp election particularly valuable for qualifying Erie businesses. Pass-through owners pay only the 3.07% personal income tax on business income instead. However, Erie businesses should also factor in the local earned income tax, which varies by municipality within Erie County. Careful entity structuring can produce combined savings of 5-6% on business income compared to C-Corp status.

Erie is home to approximately 8,000 small businesses and a population of over 95,000. From Manufacturing, Insurance, Healthcare to professional services, Erie business owners need CPAs who understand seasonal tourism cash flow and manufacturing complexity and can provide year-round tax planning — not just compliance.

CPA Services for Erie Businesses

Common Challenges for Erie Business Owners

Challenge

Erie businesses often face seasonal tourism cash flow and manufacturing 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 Erie’s business environment, helping you handle seasonal tourism cash flow and manufacturing complexity with confidence.

Challenge

Many Erie 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 Erie 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.

“Our tourism business near Presque Isle had wild cash flow swings between summer and winter. SDO CPA set up cash reserves planning and restructured our S-Corp, saving us $6,800 in taxes while smoothing out our monthly financials.”
— Lisa M., Tourism business owner in Erie

How to Get Started With SDO CPA

1

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Book a call to discuss your Erie business, current financial setup, and goals.

2

Get Your Custom Proposal

Receive a clear proposal with upfront estimates — if scope changes, we discuss it first.

3

Seamless Onboarding

We connect to your QuickBooks or Xero and organize your books within 30 days.

4

Ongoing Partnership

Monthly reports, proactive tax planning, and year-round CPA access.

Why Erie Business Owners Choose SDO CPA

Pennsylvania Tax Expertise

We understand Pennsylvania has a flat 8.99% corporate net income tax and 3.07% personal income tax and help Erie 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 Erie 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

How much does a CPA cost for a small business in Erie?
At SDO CPA, bookkeeping starts at $300-$500 per month for a single entity. Full-service packages including bookkeeping, tax planning, and advisory range from $1,000-$2,000 per month with upfront estimates — if scope changes, we discuss it first. View our pricing.
Can a virtual CPA serve my Erie business?
Yes. CPAs can prepare tax returns and provide accounting services for clients in any state. SDO CPA serves Erie businesses through secure cloud-based tools including QuickBooks Online, Gusto, and encrypted document sharing with the same quality as a local firm.
Do you specialize in Manufacturing businesses?
Yes. Erie’s Manufacturing sector has unique accounting needs including equipment depreciation schedules, inventory valuation methods, cost of goods sold tracking, and multi-state nexus compliance for shipments to New York and Ohio that we address with tailored solutions.
What is the difference between a bookkeeper and a CPA?
A bookkeeper records transactions and maintains financial records. A CPA is a state-licensed professional who can prepare and sign tax returns, provide tax planning advice, represent you before the IRS, and offer strategic financial guidance that bookkeepers cannot.
Do you offer fractional CFO services for Erie businesses?
Yes. Our fractional CFO services provide cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial modeling, and strategic planning for Erie businesses generating $500K+ in revenue that need financial leadership without a full-time hire.
Should my Erie business be an S-Corp or LLC?
It depends on your net income. Generally, businesses earning over $60,000 in net profit may save on self-employment taxes by electing S-Corp status. Use our S-Corp tax calculator to estimate savings, then schedule a consultation for personalized analysis.
How quickly does SDO CPA respond to questions?
We respond to all client inquiries within one business day. For urgent tax matters, we prioritize same-day responses. You’ll have direct access to your CPA — no call centers or gatekeepers.
What accounting software do you work with?
We work with QuickBooks Online, Xero, Gusto for payroll, and Ramp for expense management. We’ll recommend the best setup for your Erie business during your free consultation. Learn about our bookkeeping services.

Resources for Erie Business Owners

Also Serving Northwest Pennsylvania

SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout Northwest Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania.

Ready to Work With a CPA Who Understands Erie Businesses?

Schedule your free consultation today. We’ll analyze your tax situation and provide an upfront estimate with no obligation.

Schedule a Call
Licensing & Service Disclaimer: SDO CPA LLC is a Texas-licensed CPA firm serving clients in Pennsylvania under CPA practice mobility provisions. We do not maintain a physical office in Pennsylvania — all services are delivered remotely via secure video, phone, and digital collaboration tools. SDO CPA does not hold a CPA license in Pennsylvania. Services requiring CPA licensure are performed by Texas-licensed CPAs. We do not provide attest services (audits, reviews, or compilations). Per Texas State Board of Public Accountancy regulations (22 TAC §501.82).