Elgin CPA Firm for S-Corps & Small Businesses

Looking for a CPA in Elgin? SDO CPA provides virtual tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services to Elgin 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 Elgin 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 Elgin’s Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics economy. Whether you’re managing Managing multi-jurisdictional tax obligations across Kane and Cook County with complex manufacturing cost accounting or capitalizing on Fox Valley corridor growth with expanding logistics and distribution demand along the I-90 corridor, SDO CPA provides the virtual accounting support your business needs.

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

Key Takeaways: Elgin CPA Services

  • Virtual CPA services — Full tax, bookkeeping, and advisory support without geographic limitations
  • Illinois tax expertise — Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax plus Chicago city-level taxes planning and multi-state compliance
  • Industry focus — Specialized experience with Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics
  • 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 Elgin, IL

Elgin sits at the crossroads of Kane and Cook Counties along the Fox River, anchoring a manufacturing and healthcare economy that supports over 5,200 businesses. The city’s industrial base includes operations from Middleby Corporation, Illinois Tool Works suppliers, and a network of precision machining shops along Route 20 and the Randall Road corridor. Advocate Sherman Hospital and Presence St. Joseph Hospital employ thousands and support a cluster of medical practices, home health agencies, and healthcare IT firms. The Grand Victoria Casino and the Hemmens Cultural Center draw tourism revenue that feeds into local hospitality and retail businesses. Elgin’s logistics sector has expanded with new distribution centers near the I-90 interchange, serving companies that ship throughout the Midwest. SDO CPA works with Elgin manufacturers, healthcare operators, and logistics companies to structure entities, analyze equipment depreciation schedules, and optimize the Illinois PTE election for pass-through business owners earning $200K+ in state-source income. Whether you operate a machine shop along Big Timber Road or a medical practice near Sherman Boulevard, we provide monthly bookkeeping and fractional CFO services tailored to your growth stage.

Illinois Tax Planning Tip

Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax that applies to all pass-through entity income. S-Corp owners should evaluate Illinois’s pass-through entity tax (PTE) election to work around the federal SALT deduction cap — this can save $5,000-$20,000 for owners with $200K+ in Illinois-source income. Chicago businesses also face the city’s 0.4% personal property lease transaction tax on equipment rentals.

Elgin is home to 5,200+ small businesses and a population of 114,106. From Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics to professional services, Elgin business owners need CPAs who understand Managing multi-jurisdictional tax obligations across Kane and Cook County with complex manufacturing cost accounting and can provide year-round tax planning — not just compliance.

CPA Services for Elgin Businesses

Common Challenges for Elgin Business Owners

Challenge

Elgin businesses often face Managing multi-jurisdictional tax obligations across Kane and Cook County with complex manufacturing cost accounting, 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 Elgin’s business environment, helping you handle Managing multi-jurisdictional tax obligations across Kane and Cook County with complex manufacturing cost accounting with confidence.

Challenge

Many Elgin 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 Elgin 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 restructured our manufacturing S-Corp and identified $47,000 in equipment depreciation deductions we’d been underutilizing. Their understanding of Illinois pass-through entity taxation saved us significantly on our state tax bill.”
— Robert T., Precision manufacturing owner in Elgin

How to Get Started With SDO CPA

1

Schedule Your Free Consultation

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

Illinois Tax Expertise

We understand Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax plus Chicago city-level taxes and help Elgin 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 Elgin 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 Elgin?
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 Elgin business?
Yes. CPAs can prepare tax returns and provide accounting services for clients in any state. SDO CPA serves Elgin 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. Elgin’s Manufacturing sector has unique accounting needs including industry-specific deductions, revenue recognition, and compliance requirements 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 Elgin businesses?
Yes. Our fractional CFO services provide cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial modeling, and strategic planning for Elgin businesses generating $500K+ in revenue that need financial leadership without a full-time hire.
Should my Elgin 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 Elgin business during your free consultation. Learn about our bookkeeping services.

Resources for Elgin Business Owners

Also Serving Fox Valley/Chicago Western Suburbs

SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout Fox Valley/Chicago Western Suburbs and Illinois.

Ready to Work With a CPA Who Understands Elgin 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 Illinois under CPA practice mobility provisions. We do not maintain a physical office in Illinois — all services are delivered remotely via secure video, phone, and digital collaboration tools. SDO CPA does not hold a CPA license in Illinois. 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).