CPA Services in Tempe for S-Corps & Small Businesses
With 18+ years of experience helping business owners across the country, I bring specialized expertise to Tempe’s Technology, Higher Education, Professional Services economy. Whether you’re managing High concentration of startups and early-stage companies requiring equity compensation planning and founder tax strategies or capitalizing on Arizona State University research partnerships creating R&D tax credit opportunities and commercialization pathways, SDO CPA provides the virtual accounting support your business needs.
We offer cloud-based tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services designed for Tempe business owners who want proactive guidance — not just annual tax filing.
Key Takeaways: Tempe CPA Services
- Virtual CPA services — Full tax, bookkeeping, and advisory support without geographic limitations
- Arizona tax expertise — Arizona has a flat 2.5% income tax rate with 5.6% transaction privilege tax (TPT) planning and multi-state compliance
- Industry focus — Specialized experience with Technology, Higher Education, Professional 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 Tempe, AZ
Tempe serves as metro Phoenix’s innovation and startup hub, with over 15,600 businesses concentrated around Arizona State University, the Tempe Town Lake district, and the South Tempe technology corridor. ASU’s presence creates a vibrant ecosystem of research spin-offs, consulting firms, and education technology companies that often qualify for R&D tax credits through university partnerships and applied research projects. Tempe’s thriving startup scene — centered in Downtown Tempe and the Mill Avenue District — requires specialized CPA expertise in founder equity compensation, qualified small business stock (QSBS) planning, and early-stage cash flow management. Technology service firms and consultancies must navigate Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax on professional services while optimizing entity structures to leverage the state’s favorable 2.5% flat income tax rate. Commercial real estate investment in areas like Tempe Marketplace and the Rio Salado corridor benefits from cost segregation studies and 1031 exchange planning. SDO CPA serves Tempe business owners with expertise in startup and early-stage accounting, R&D tax credit documentation, technology sector TPT compliance, and multi-state tax planning for companies scaling beyond Arizona. From ASU research labs to Mill Avenue startups, we provide growth-focused tax strategies.
Arizona Tax Planning Tip
Arizona’s flat 2.5% individual income tax rate (effective 2023) is one of the lowest in the nation. For S-Corp and partnership owners, this means pass-through income faces minimal state tax. However, Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) — the state’s version of sales tax — applies to many services that other states exempt, so verify your business activities aren’t triggering unexpected TPT obligations.
CPA Services for Tempe Businesses
Business Tax Preparation
Federal and Arizona 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 Tempe businesses.
S-Corp Tax Services
Reasonable compensation analysis, QBI optimization, and S-Corp election guidance for Tempe business owners.
Common Challenges for Tempe Business Owners
Challenge
Tempe businesses often face High concentration of startups and early-stage companies requiring equity compensation planning and founder tax strategies, 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 Tempe’s business environment, helping you handle High concentration of startups and early-stage companies requiring equity compensation planning and founder tax strategies with confidence.
Challenge
Many Tempe 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 Tempe 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 tech startup founder, I needed help structuring equity compensation and planning for QSBS treatment. SDO CPA’s guidance on founder tax strategies and R&D credits has been critical to our scaling.”— Kevin P., EdTech startup founder in Tempe
How to Get Started With SDO CPA
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Book a call to discuss your Tempe 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 Tempe Business Owners Choose SDO CPA
Arizona Tax Expertise
We understand Arizona has a flat 2.5% income tax rate with 5.6% transaction privilege tax (TPT) and help Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe Business Owners
Also Serving Phoenix Metropolitan Area
SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout Phoenix Metropolitan Area and Arizona.
Ready to Work With a CPA Who Understands Tempe Businesses?
Schedule your free consultation today. We’ll analyze your tax situation and provide an upfront estimate with no obligation.
Schedule a Call