CPA Services in Tucson for S-Corps & Small Businesses

Looking for a CPA in Tucson? SDO CPA provides virtual tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services to Tucson 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 Tucson 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 Tucson’s Aerospace & Defense, Optics, Higher Education economy. Whether you’re managing Managing federal contract compliance and cost accounting standards (CAS) for defense contractors working with Davis-Monthan AFB or capitalizing on Substantial R&D tax credit opportunities in optics and aerospace manufacturing, plus university research partnerships, SDO CPA provides the virtual accounting support your business needs.

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

Key Takeaways: Tucson 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 Aerospace & Defense, Optics, Higher 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 Tucson, AZ

Tucson serves as Southern Arizona’s economic center and a global leader in aerospace, defense, and optics innovation, with over 18,500 businesses anchored by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and the University of Arizona. The city’s optics cluster — concentrated in the Tucson Tech Corridor and Rita Ranch — produces more optics and imaging systems than anywhere else in North America, creating substantial R&D tax credit opportunities for manufacturers and research firms. Defense contractors working with Davis-Monthan face complex federal cost accounting standards (CAS) and indirect cost allocation requirements that demand specialized CPA expertise. Tucson’s tourism and hospitality sector in areas like Downtown Tucson and the Catalina Foothills generates significant revenue but requires careful TPT compliance as Arizona taxes many services. SDO CPA helps Tucson business owners navigate federal contract accounting, maximize R&D credits for aerospace and optics innovation, structure cost segregation studies for commercial properties in emerging districts like the Mercado District, and optimize S-Corp distributions to leverage Arizona’s favorable 2.5% flat tax rate. From government contractors to research spin-offs, we provide specialized accounting for Tucson’s unique economy.

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.

Tucson is home to 18,500+ small businesses and a population of 548,073. From Aerospace & Defense, Optics, Higher Education to professional services, Tucson business owners need CPAs who understand Managing federal contract compliance and cost accounting standards (CAS) for defense contractors working with Davis-Monthan AFB and can provide year-round tax planning — not just compliance.

CPA Services for Tucson Businesses

Common Challenges for Tucson Business Owners

Challenge

Tucson businesses often face Managing federal contract compliance and cost accounting standards (CAS) for defense contractors working with Davis-Monthan AFB, 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 Tucson’s business environment, helping you handle Managing federal contract compliance and cost accounting standards (CAS) for defense contractors working with Davis-Monthan AFB with confidence.

Challenge

Many Tucson 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 Tucson 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 defense contractor, we needed a CPA who understood both federal cost accounting and Arizona tax law. SDO CPA’s expertise in contract compliance and R&D credits has been invaluable to our growth.”
— Robert K., Aerospace engineering firm owner in Tucson

How to Get Started With SDO CPA

1

Schedule Your Free Consultation

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

Resources for Tucson Business Owners

Also Serving Southern Arizona

SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout Southern Arizona and Arizona.

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