Small Business Accounting Professionals

Grow Your Business

With Confidence

We ensure your financials are well-managed and your tax strategy is strong

Offices in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Managing your own financials is risky

It feels like an easy way to save money. The truth is, most small business owners waste time and money in the process, and risk:

Surprise tax bills and missed deadlines

Leaving money on the table

Big fines for being out of compliance

Sleepless nights and stalled growth

It’s not worth it.

SCHEDULE A CALL

No One Starts a Business to Get Buried in the Books

We give you the confidence you need to get back to growing your business.

Understand Your Numbers

Clarity in your financials creates confidence in your business decisions.

Save on Your Taxes

A proactive tax strategy means more cash in your pocket.

Get Your Weekends Back

We handle your accounting so you can get back to what you love.

SCHEDULE A CALL

Centive Accounting and Tax Professionals Team Photo

Expert Guidance For Every Dollar, and Every Decision

Anyone can crunch numbers. We walk with you as your trusted financial partner to help you grow your business the right way. From clarity in your day-to-day financials to the right small business tax strategy, we make sure you’re confident in the way you grow your business.

SCHEDULE A CALL

Three Simple Steps to Financial Peace of Mind

We give you the confidence you need to get back to growing your business.



1. Talk to an Accountant

We’ll spend 30 minutes getting to know each other and learning how we can help your business succeed.



2. Discovery and Proposal

We’ll review the last few years of your financials and prepare a custom proposal tailored to your needs.



3. Partner with Confidence

We partner with you to ensure your business finances and tax strategy are strong, so you can focus on the work you love.

SCHEDULE A CALL

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

Hear From Our Clients

I’ve known John for more than 15 years. I appreciate his extensive bookkeeping and tax knowledge, as well as his monthly fee program that allows me to have access to his expertise when I need it without worrying about additional bills. He is great about keeping me on track with my books so that I can focus on my business. I highly recommend Centive accounting for your bookkeeping and tax needs!

Elizabeth Marshall

Insurance and Financial Services

We love working with John and his team at Centive Accounting because of how easy they make things. I have always cringed at the end of the year, the dollar amount we owed, and the check we had to send to former accountants. There have been so many times in our 17 years of business that we wouldn’t ask a question because of how much it would cost. With Centive Acccounting it is factored into your tailored process. Also, being able to meet and strategize over the year has been essential for making the right moves in business. I highly recommend John and his team.

Arin Lindauer

Transformation Fitness and Wellness & Infinite Women

I have known John for over 17 years. He has a ton of experience working with small businesses and is very professional in his approach. Specifically, he has helped me recently with aspects of managing multiple commercial properties and their tenants. He is truly a QuickBooks Pro. I have also confidently referred him to my clients, and he has helped businesses ranging from medical to construction, and everything in between. You will be happy you chose John at Centive Accounting.

Michael Dickerson

Engage FinGroup

Our Small Business Accounting and Tax Services



Weekly Bookkeeping

We conduct weekly bookkeeping to keep your financial records up to date. This includes preparing invoices, applying payments, reviewing transactions, and providing monthly financial reports.



Monthly Bookkeeping Services

We provide monthly bookkeeping to keep your financial data current. This includes maintaining data feeds, reviewing transaction classifications, reconciling bank statements, and delivering monthly financial reports.



Bi-weekly Payroll

We process bi-weekly payroll for up to 20 employees, ensuring compliance with tax requirements. Our services include calculating payroll, tracking benefits, providing direct deposit, and filing necessary tax reports.



1099 Preparation

We assist in the preparation of annual 1099 forms for contractors and service providers.



Tax Planning and Strategy

We offer periodic tax planning sessions to discuss business developments, update tax documents, and strategize tax-saving opportunities.



Individual Income Tax Return

We prepare and electronically file your annual individual income tax return, including federal and state submissions and calculating any required estimated tax payments.



S Corporation Tax Return

Our services include preparing and electronically filing your S Corporation income tax return (Form 1120S) and calculating any necessary estimated payments.



Sales Tax Compliance

We assist in preparing your sales tax return, including data validation, return preparation, electronic submission, and payment remittance.

SCHEDULE A CALL

Common Questions From Small Business Owners

What exactly do you do for me, and what don’t you do?

We work with you throughout the year to help you understand the numbers behind your business. Along with this, we start estimating your tax liability mid-year, meet about, and explore strategies that make sense to help ease the tax burden.

How much will this cost, and how predictable is that cost?

Our pricing strategy varies from client to client based on your specific needs. After we assess your business, we will propose the services that make sense for you and package them into an annual plan. The price will be fixed, and you will pay the same amount each month. No surprise invoices for phone calls, emails, or QuickBooks assistance! No hourly billing!

How can you help me legally lower my tax bill?

There are many strategies, especially for business owners, that can help lower your tax bill. We will make sure that the structure of your business is optimal for tax purposes.

Perhaps your business should be an LLC taxed as an S-corporation. Do you have kids? Maybe we can put them to work in your business. Retirement plans are a great way to save on taxes and save for your future.

Am I paying too much in taxes compared to similar businesses?

We work with businesses in many industries and have access to benchmark resources to compare how your business measures up.

Can you help me plan…not just report the past?

Yes, in fact, that is what makes us different than many accountants.

We are intentional in the ongoing planning process.

We proactively schedule the planning meetings included in your package so you don’t miss out.

Do you understand my industry and size, or am I just another file?

Our partners have over 30 years of experience working with closely held businesses.

During that time, we have worked with clients in a variety of industries.

While some industries have specialized accounting needs, all small businesses have one thing in common: they are ultimately owned by people.

We build relationships with our business-owner clients to understand and address their unique needs.

What do you need from me, and how much work will this create on my end?

Our goal is to take work off your plate.

As we onboard your business, we will assess the current state of your accounting records and compile a comprehensive list of items we need from you.

We will ask for user access to your QuickBooks Online or other accounting software.

We will ask for third-party access to your business’s online banking (checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, etc.).

All of this will facilitate our efficiency in preparing your accounting work.

How will I know if my business is actually healthy?

During our planning meetings, we will present your current-year financial statements and help you read and understand the reports.

We will talk through our concerns and any concerns that you have.

What happens if I get audited or make a mistake?

Mistakes happen.

If you are audited by a government agency, we stand ready to represent you during the audit, taking that stress off you.

How often will we actually talk?

While this can vary, our basic service package includes two formal tax planning meetings with your lead accountant throughout the year.

Beyond that, you will interact with your bookkeeper at each period-end.

Of course, you are welcome to call or email anytime with questions and concerns.

I don’t own a business. Can you help me with my personal tax return?

Yes!

We prepare individual tax returns for all of our business owners and have many clients for whom we prepare only personal tax returns.

Along with tax preparation, you may have a need for tax planning, such as what to do when transitioning from work to retirement and how to best utilize savings.

We are here to help with that.

SCHEDULE A CALL