Tax & Financial Resources

When choosing a CPA in Bellevue, look for credentials (CPA license), industry specialization (medical/dental practices, small business, high net worth individuals), years of experience, and local expertise. Benton Bray PLLC has served the Greater Puget Sound area since 1989 with 35+ years of experience. We specialize in medical and dental practices, closely held businesses, and high net worth taxpayers. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and see if we're the right fit.

A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) has passed rigorous state licensing exams, met education requirements, and maintains continuing education. CPAs can represent you before the IRS, provide audit services, and offer expert tax planning. At Benton Bray PLLC in Bellevue, all our partners are licensed CPAs, and our firm includes Master of Taxation (MST) expertise, providing the highest level of knowledge for complex tax situations.

Yes, Benton Bray PLLC handles both federal and Washington state tax filings. We prepare individual tax returns (Form 1040), business returns (S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership, LLC), trust and estate returns, and handle Washington state B&O tax, sales tax, and other state-specific requirements. Our team has extensive experience with complex state tax issues and compliance.

CPA fees vary significantly based on the complexity of your tax situation. Individual returns can range from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on income sources, investments, and deductions. Business returns (S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership) typically start at $1,500 and can exceed $5,000+ for complex entities. High net worth individuals with multiple income streams, rental properties, and investments often invest $2,000-$10,000+ annually for comprehensive tax preparation and planning. At Benton Bray PLLC, we provide transparent pricing after a consultation where we understand the full scope of your needs. Contact us at 425-827-8100 to discuss your specific situation and receive a customized quote.

Tax planning should happen year-round, not just at tax time. The best time to start is now! Benton Bray PLLC recommends quarterly check-ins to review your financial position, adjust estimated payments, and identify tax-saving opportunities. Strategic planning throughout the year allows you to maximize deductions, time income and expenses, and make informed business decisions that reduce your tax burden.

Yes, Benton Bray PLLC provides IRS audit representation and tax dispute resolution services. As licensed CPAs, we can represent you before the IRS, respond to notices, negotiate settlements, and handle audits, appeals, and collections matters. Our team has extensive experience resolving complex tax issues and protecting our clients' interests during IRS examinations.

Small business owners can deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses including: home office expenses, vehicle mileage, equipment and supplies, professional development, health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, business meals (50%), travel expenses, and more. Washington state has no income tax but requires B&O tax filings. Benton Bray PLLC specializes in maximizing deductions for small businesses while ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements.

Yes, medical and dental practice accounting is one of our core specializations. Managing Partner Brian Bray, CPA leads our Medical/Dental group with over 35 years of experience. We understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face including practice valuations, buy-ins/buy-outs, equipment financing, associate compensation structures, and healthcare-specific tax strategies. We also offer Dental Accounting Pros, our specialized dental bookkeeping service.

You likely need quarterly estimated tax payments if you're self-employed, own a business, or have significant income not subject to withholding (rental income, investments, contract work). Generally, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes after withholding and credits, you should make estimated payments. Benton Bray PLLC can calculate your quarterly obligations and help you avoid underpayment penalties.

The right business entity depends on your income level, growth plans, and tax situation. LLCs offer flexibility and pass-through taxation. S-Corps can reduce self-employment taxes for profitable businesses. C-Corps may benefit high-growth companies seeking investment. Benton Bray PLLC provides business entity selection consulting to analyze your specific situation and recommend the optimal structure for tax efficiency and liability protection.

Yes, Benton Bray PLLC offers comprehensive bookkeeping services including QuickBooks setup, training, and ongoing maintenance. Our team can handle monthly bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and bank reconciliations. We ensure your books are accurate and tax-ready year-round, not just at tax time.

Key annual tax deadlines include: January 15 (Q4 estimated payments for prior year), March 15 (S-Corp and Partnership returns), April 15 (Individual returns and Q1 estimated payments), June 15 (Q2 estimated payments), September 15 (Q3 estimated payments and extended business returns), and October 15 (Extended individual returns). Deadlines may shift when they fall on weekends or holidays. Benton Bray PLLC provides personalized deadline reminders and ensures all filings are submitted on time to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Yes, Benton Bray PLLC offers both in-person meetings at our Bellevue office and virtual consultations via video conference. We serve clients throughout the Greater Puget Sound area and beyond with secure document sharing, e-signatures, and remote communication. Contact us at 425-827-8100 or info@bentonbray.com to schedule a consultation in the format that works best for you.

High net worth tax strategies include: maximizing retirement contributions (401k, backdoor Roth IRA), tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving strategies (donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions), estate planning, business entity optimization, and timing of income/deductions. Benton Bray PLLC Partner Tyler Opp, CPA, MST specializes in complex tax planning for high net worth individuals with sophisticated tax needs.

Keep tax returns and supporting documents for at least 7 years. This includes receipts, invoices, bank statements, 1099s, W-2s, and documentation for deductions. For business owners, maintain payroll records, asset purchase documentation, and business expense receipts. Digital copies are acceptable if clear and complete. Benton Bray PLLC can help you establish a record-keeping system that ensures compliance and makes tax preparation efficient.