Tacoma CPA Firm for S-Corps & Small Businesses

Looking for a CPA in Tacoma? SDO CPA provides virtual tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO services to Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma’s Logistics, Defense Contracting, Healthcare economy. Whether you’re managing government contract compliance and multi-state nexus from port operations or capitalizing on Washington’s zero state income tax advantage with 30% lower cost of living than Seattle, SDO CPA provides the virtual accounting support your business needs.

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

Key Takeaways: Tacoma CPA Services

  • Virtual CPA services — Full tax, bookkeeping, and advisory support without geographic limitations
  • Washington tax expertise — Washington has no state income tax, but B&O tax on gross receipts applies to most businesses planning and multi-state compliance
  • Industry focus — Specialized experience with Logistics, Defense Contracting, Healthcare
  • 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 Tacoma, WA

Tacoma anchors the South Sound economy as the third-largest container port on the West Coast through the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The Port of Tacoma handles over $50 billion in annual trade, supporting hundreds of logistics, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage businesses throughout Pierce County. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest military installation on the West Coast with a $10 billion annual economic impact, drives a significant defense contracting sector that requires specialized government accounting and FAR compliance.

Washington’s B&O tax applies to Tacoma businesses based on gross receipts, with different rates for manufacturing (0.484%), service businesses (1.5%), and retailers (0.471%). Tacoma’s cost of living runs roughly 30% below Seattle, attracting businesses and remote workers who benefit from Washington’s zero state income tax while avoiding Seattle metro pricing. MultiCare Health System, the city’s largest private employer with over 7,500 workers, anchors a healthcare sector that requires specialized billing and reimbursement accounting.

SDO CPA works with Tacoma business owners across logistics, defense contracting, and healthcare to structure entities, optimize S-Corp reasonable compensation, and manage the interplay between federal tax obligations and Washington’s B&O tax. For businesses near the Tacoma Tideflats industrial district or the growing Stadium District, we provide monthly bookkeeping and fractional CFO services scaled to your stage of growth.

Washington Tax Planning Tip

Washington has no state income tax, but the B&O (Business & Occupation) tax applies to gross receipts at rates varying by classification: 1.5% for service businesses, 0.471% for manufacturing, and 0.484% for retailing. Many Tacoma businesses overpay because they file under the wrong classification or miss available credits. Proper classification review can reduce your B&O liability significantly.

Tacoma is home to over 15,000 small businesses and a population of 219,346. From Logistics, Defense Contracting, Healthcare to professional services, Tacoma business owners need CPAs who understand government contract compliance and multi-state nexus from port operations and can provide year-round tax planning — not just compliance.

CPA Services for Tacoma Businesses

Common Challenges for Tacoma Business Owners

Challenge

Tacoma businesses often face government contract compliance and multi-state nexus from port operations, 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 Tacoma’s business environment, helping you handle government contract compliance and multi-state nexus from port operations with confidence.

Challenge

Many Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 streamlined our bookkeeping and S-Corp filing after we outgrew our local accountant. Their team understands logistics accounting and helped us optimize our fleet depreciation strategy.”
— David K., Logistics company owner in Tacoma

How to Get Started With SDO CPA

1

Schedule Your Free Consultation

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

Washington Tax Expertise

We understand Washington has no state income tax, but B&O tax on gross receipts applies to most businesses and help Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
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 Tacoma business?
Yes. CPAs can prepare tax returns and provide accounting services for clients in any state. SDO CPA serves Tacoma 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 Logistics businesses?
Yes. Tacoma’s Logistics sector has unique accounting needs including fleet depreciation, multi-state nexus from shipping operations, fuel tax optimization, and job costing 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 Tacoma businesses?
Yes. Our fractional CFO services provide cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial modeling, and strategic planning for Tacoma businesses generating $500K+ in revenue that need financial leadership without a full-time hire.
Should my Tacoma 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 Tacoma business during your free consultation. Learn about our bookkeeping services.

Resources for Tacoma Business Owners

Also Serving the Puget Sound Region

SDO CPA provides virtual CPA services to businesses throughout the Puget Sound Region and Washington.

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