Columbus GA CPA Firm for S-Corps & Small Businesses

Looking for a CPA in Columbus, GA? SDO CPA provides virtual tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services to Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus’s Military (Fort Moore), Insurance, Manufacturing economy. Whether you’re managing military community turnover creating inconsistent client bases for local businesses or capitalizing on Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) and TSYS/Global Payments HQ creating stable defense and fintech demand, SDO CPA provides the virtual accounting support your business needs.

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

Key Takeaways: Columbus GA CPA Services

  • Virtual CPA services — Full tax, bookkeeping, and advisory support without geographic limitations
  • Georgia tax expertise — Georgia has a graduated state income tax (1% to 5.49%) that applies to pass-through entity income planning and multi-state compliance
  • Industry focus — Specialized experience with Military (Fort Moore), Insurance, Manufacturing
  • 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 Columbus, GA

Columbus is Georgia’s third-largest city and sits on the Alabama border along the Chattahoochee River, anchored by Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), one of the world’s largest military installations. With 120,000+ soldiers training annually and a $4.5+ billion annual economic impact, Fort Moore creates a steady flow of defense contractors, service businesses, and professional firms along Victory Drive and the Manchester Expressway corridor.

TSYS (now Global Payments), headquartered in the Uptown Columbus district, employs 3,500+ workers and positions the city as a fintech hub. Aflac’s Fortune 500 headquarters adds corporate stability, while proximity to the Kia Motors assembly plant in nearby West Point feeds a growing automotive supplier network. Georgia’s 5.49% top income tax rate applies to Columbus business owners, and companies serving clients across the Alabama state line face dual-state filing requirements that add complexity.

SDO CPA works with Columbus defense contractors, insurance professionals, and manufacturers to maintain compliant accounting systems for government work, optimize S-Corp structures for business owners serving both Georgia and Alabama markets, and manage equipment depreciation for manufacturing operations. For businesses in the Uptown revitalization district or along the Fort Moore contractor corridor, we provide monthly bookkeeping and fractional CFO services tailored to contract-cycle revenue patterns.

Georgia Tax Planning Tip

Georgia’s graduated income tax tops out at 5.49% for income above $10,000. S-Corp owners should calculate whether Georgia’s pass-through entity tax election (PTET) provides a federal deduction that offsets the SALT cap. For businesses generating $200K+ in Georgia-source income, the PTET election can save $5,000-$15,000 annually.

Columbus is home to 13,000+ small businesses and a population of 210,763. From Military (Fort Moore), Insurance, Manufacturing to professional services, Columbus business owners need CPAs who understand military community turnover creating inconsistent client bases for local businesses and can provide year-round tax planning — not just compliance.

CPA Services for Columbus Businesses

Common Challenges for Columbus Business Owners

Challenge

Columbus businesses often face military community turnover creating inconsistent client bases for local businesses, 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 Columbus’s business environment, helping you handle military community turnover creating inconsistent client bases with confidence.

Challenge

Many Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus military support services company as an S-Corp and identified $8,500 in missed deductions related to government contract work.”
— David R., Defense services company owner in Columbus

How to Get Started With SDO CPA

1

Schedule Your Free Consultation

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

Georgia Tax Expertise

We understand Georgia has a graduated state income tax (1% to 5.49%) that applies to pass-through entity income and help Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus, GA?
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 Columbus business?
Yes. CPAs can prepare tax returns and provide accounting services for clients in any state. SDO CPA serves Columbus 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 Military (Fort Moore) businesses?
Yes. Columbus’s defense sector has unique accounting needs including government contract compliance, FAR-based indirect cost tracking, and managing revenue cycles tied to contract award timelines 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 Columbus businesses?
Yes. Our fractional CFO services provide cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial modeling, and strategic planning for Columbus businesses generating $500K+ in revenue that need financial leadership without a full-time hire.
Should my Columbus 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 Columbus business during your free consultation. Learn about our bookkeeping services.

Resources for Columbus Business Owners

Also Serving West Georgia

SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout West Georgia and Georgia.

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