Philadelphia CPA Firm for S-Corps & Small Businesses

Looking for a CPA in Philadelphia? SDO CPA provides virtual tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia’s Healthcare, Life Sciences, Financial Services economy. Whether you’re managing Philadelphia’s layered tax structure including the BIRT, wage tax, and state obligations or capitalizing on the city’s thriving biotech corridor and “eds and meds” economy, SDO CPA provides the virtual accounting support your business needs.

We offer cloud-based tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services designed for Philadelphia business owners who want proactive guidance — not just annual tax filing.

Key Takeaways: Philadelphia CPA Services

  • Virtual CPA services — Full tax, bookkeeping, and advisory support without geographic limitations
  • Pennsylvania tax expertise — Philadelphia’s BIRT, wage tax, plus state and federal layers require specialized planning and multi-state compliance
  • Industry focus — Specialized experience with Healthcare, Life Sciences, Financial Services
  • 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 Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is the birthplace of American business and today anchors one of the nation’s largest metro economies with a $557 billion gross metropolitan product. The city’s “eds and meds” sector drives employment, with Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and Comcast among the largest employers. University City has emerged as a thriving biotech and startup hub, where Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania fuel innovation in life sciences and technology.

Philadelphia’s tax structure is uniquely complex. The Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) applies to gross receipts and net income for all businesses operating in the city. The Philadelphia wage tax adds another layer for both residents and non-residents working in the city. Combined with Pennsylvania’s flat 3.07% personal income tax and 8.99% corporate net income tax, business owners face four or more tax jurisdictions simultaneously. S-Corp owners in Center City, University City, and the Navy Yard corridor need careful entity structuring to minimize this cumulative burden.

SDO CPA works with Philadelphia business owners across healthcare, life sciences, professional services, and technology to optimize entity structure, claim R&D tax credits, and manage the interplay between BIRT, wage tax, state, and federal obligations. For biotech startups managing SBIR/STTR grants or established practices affiliated with major health systems, we provide monthly bookkeeping and fractional CFO services scaled to your stage of growth.

Pennsylvania Tax Planning Tip

Pennsylvania’s flat 8.99% corporate net income tax is among the highest in the U.S., but pass-through entities like S-Corps and partnerships are taxed at the individual level at a flat 3.07% personal income tax rate. Choosing the right entity structure can significantly reduce your state tax burden. Philadelphia businesses must also account for BIRT and the city wage tax, which adds another layer that proper planning can minimize.

Philadelphia is home to over 100,000 small businesses and a population of 1,603,797. From Healthcare, Life Sciences, Financial Services to professional services, Philadelphia business owners need CPAs who understand the city’s layered BIRT, wage tax, and state tax obligations and can provide year-round tax planning — not just compliance.

CPA Services for Philadelphia Businesses

Common Challenges for Philadelphia Business Owners

Challenge

Philadelphia businesses often face layered city, state, and federal tax obligations including BIRT, wage tax, and Pennsylvania corporate net income tax, 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 Philadelphia’s business environment, helping you handle BIRT, wage tax, and multi-jurisdictional compliance with confidence.

Challenge

Many Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.

“As a life sciences company in the Philadelphia area, we needed a CPA who understood R&D credits and healthcare accounting. SDO CPA helped us claim significant credits and kept our books investor-ready through our Series A.”
— Sarah L., Biotech startup founder in Philadelphia

How to Get Started With SDO CPA

1

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Book a call to discuss your Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Business Owners Choose SDO CPA

Pennsylvania Tax Expertise

We understand Philadelphia’s BIRT, wage tax, plus state and federal layers and help Philadelphia businesses maximize tax advantages while managing multi-jurisdictional 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia business?
Yes. CPAs can prepare tax returns and provide accounting services for clients in any state. SDO CPA serves Philadelphia 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 Healthcare businesses?
Yes. Philadelphia’s Healthcare sector has unique accounting needs including R&D tax credits for life sciences, revenue recognition for healthcare practices, SBIR/STTR grant accounting, and regulatory compliance 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 Philadelphia businesses?
Yes. Our fractional CFO services provide cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial modeling, and strategic planning for Philadelphia businesses generating $500K+ in revenue that need financial leadership without a full-time hire.
Should my Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia business during your free consultation. Learn about our bookkeeping services.

Resources for Philadelphia Business Owners

Also Serving Greater Philadelphia

SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout Greater Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

Ready to Work With a CPA Who Understands Philadelphia 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).