Lansing CPA Firm for S-Corps & Small Businesses

Looking for a CPA in Lansing? SDO CPA provides virtual tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services to Lansing 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 Lansing 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 Lansing’s Government, Automotive, Education economy. Whether you’re managing Navigating government contractor accounting requirements alongside Michigan’s 1% city income tax on residents or capitalizing on State capital government contracting pipeline and Michigan State University research commercialization driving new business formation, SDO CPA provides the virtual accounting support your business needs.

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

Key Takeaways: Lansing 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 Government, Automotive, 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 Lansing, MI

Lansing serves as Michigan’s state capital and anchors a tri-county region that includes neighboring East Lansing, home to Michigan State University. The State of Michigan is the region’s largest employer, and government operations generate steady demand for contracting firms, IT service providers, legal practices, and consulting companies along the Capitol Avenue and Washington Square corridors. General Motors’ Lansing Grand River Assembly and Lansing Delta Township Assembly plants produce the Cadillac CT4, CT5, and Buick Enclave, supporting hundreds of automotive suppliers throughout the Lansing metro area. Michigan State University’s research output fuels a growing startup ecosystem in the University Research Corridor, with spinoffs in agricultural biotechnology, advanced materials, and cybersecurity operating from MSU’s Innovation Center. Lansing’s 1% city income tax on residents and 0.5% on non-residents adds a local compliance layer beyond Michigan’s flat 4.25% state rate. SDO CPA works with Lansing government contractors, automotive suppliers, and university-linked startups to structure entities, manage multi-level tax compliance, and provide monthly bookkeeping scaled to your stage of growth. We analyze your government contract revenue recognition and help automotive suppliers track production costs accurately.

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.

Lansing is home to 5,100+ small businesses and a population of 112,546. From Government, Automotive, Education to professional services, Lansing business owners need CPAs who understand Navigating government contractor accounting requirements alongside Michigan’s 1% city income tax on residents and can provide year-round tax planning — not just compliance.

CPA Services for Lansing Businesses

Common Challenges for Lansing Business Owners

Challenge

Lansing businesses often face Navigating government contractor accounting requirements alongside Michigan’s 1% city income tax on residents, 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 Lansing’s business environment, helping you handle Navigating government contractor accounting requirements alongside Michigan’s 1% city income tax on residents with confidence.

Challenge

Many Lansing 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 Lansing 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 Lansing IT consulting firm set up proper contract accounting for three state government projects and identified $41,000 in deductions related to our home office and equipment purchases.”
— David K., IT consulting firm owner in Lansing

How to Get Started With SDO CPA

1

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Book a call to discuss your Lansing 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 Lansing 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 Lansing 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 Lansing 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 Lansing?
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 Lansing business?
Yes. CPAs can prepare tax returns and provide accounting services for clients in any state. SDO CPA serves Lansing 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 Government businesses?
Yes. Lansing’s Government 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 Lansing businesses?
Yes. Our fractional CFO services provide cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial modeling, and strategic planning for Lansing businesses generating $500K+ in revenue that need financial leadership without a full-time hire.
Should my Lansing 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 Lansing business during your free consultation. Learn about our bookkeeping services.

Resources for Lansing Business Owners

Also Serving Mid-Michigan/Capital Region

SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout Mid-Michigan/Capital Region and Michigan.

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