TAX AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES
Tax and accounting support for North Carolina business owners
Business tax preparation, planning, and bookkeeping for owners who want their books current, their filings handled properly, and fewer financial surprises.
Takes about two minutes. If your answers suggest a fit, we'll email you a private link to book the next step.
A tax team that plans with you all year
A tax manager and staff accountants prepare your return, and every return is reviewed before it is filed.
1000+
Business returns prepared and reviewed
2
Planning meetings a year, before the decisions are due
100%
Of returns reviewed before filing
12 months
Year-round planning, not just April
Five signs your tax work needs a plan
If any of these sound familiar, this may be for you.
Tax season shock
Tax season arrives and your books are not ready for it.
Decisions arrive too late
You hear about a tax decision after it is too late to make it.
Estimates are a guess
Your estimated payments are a guess.
No communication
Your bookkeeper and your tax preparer never talk to each other.
You need an annual plan
You want a firm that plans with you during the year, not only in April.
Your books and your taxes in one place
TAX PLANNING
We keep your year on a calendar
Planning happens before year-end, and you know what is coming before it is due.
TAX PREPARATION
Returns prepared from reviewed books
Your return is prepared from books we have reviewed, in QuickBooks Online.
Two scopes, confirmed after the consultation
After the consultation, we confirm the scope that fits your business. Your exact fee is confirmed then, based on that scope.
Business Tax
Best for owners who want their returns prepared and planned during the year.
✓ Business tax return preparation
✓ Every return reviewed before filing
✓ Two planning meetings a year
✓ Year-end tax projection
✓ Quarterly payment reminders
Bookkeeping
Best for owners who want current books in QuickBooks Online.
✓ Monthly bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online
✓ Bank and card reconciliations
✓ Books ready before tax time
✓ Cleanup, scoped separately if needed
The first step
Self-schedule a 30- to 60-minute meeting with our managing partner. We'll get to know you, your business, and your current tax standing, then come up with a plan specific to your needs. Your exact fee is confirmed after the consultation, based on scope.
What ongoing support looks like
Spring check-in
Changes in your business, and whether your scope still fits.
Year-end planning meeting
Income, payroll, purchases, and entity changes.
Quarterly reminders
A reminder before each estimated payment is due.
Year-end tax projection
What to expect, and what to set aside.
Midyear check
New employees, contractors, or ownership changes.
Return prepared and reviewed
From current books, reviewed before filing.
All six are part of your ongoing service, not billed separately.
What getting started looks like
Three steps from a two-minute form to a scope you have agreed to.
1
Tell us about your business
A short form, about two minutes. If your answers suggest a fit, we email you a private link to book the next step.
2
Meet with us, records in hand
A 30- or 60-minute consultation with one of our partners, from $150. We go through your structure, your books and your filings, and talk about what you need.
3
Get your scope and your fee
Your scope and your monthly fee, in writing. Nothing starts until you have agreed to both.
Why Harbor Creek
Hands-on
Our team is fully involved with every client. You get hands-on professional support.
Based in Wilmington
Meetings are usually virtual. We're happy to meet you at our office for a personal experience.
Planning and filing
Two planning meetings a year, tax projections and more. So your taxes get a customized, personal approach.
A+ bookkeeping
Professional, dedicated staff accountants doing what we do best: counting your beans every month.
Who this is for, and who it is not
A good fit
✓ A business owner based in North Carolina
✓ Filings and tax payments are current
✓ Willing to use QuickBooks Online
✓ Ongoing needs of at least $500 per month
Probably not a fit
✕ You only need a personal tax return
✕ You need a one-time filing
✕ You prefer not to use QuickBooks Online
✕ You need ongoing CFO-level finance support
Need ongoing financial reporting or CFO support? See our Fractional CFO page.
Questions
What does the consultation cost?
$150 for 30 minutes or $300 for 60 minutes, paid when you book. Consultations are by phone or virtual meeting, and we are glad to meet at our Wilmington office.
What does ongoing service cost?
Ongoing tax services start at $500 per month. Your exact fee is confirmed after the consultation, based on your scope.
Do you only work with North Carolina businesses?
Yes. Our tax services are for businesses based in North Carolina.
Do I have to use QuickBooks Online?
Yes. If you use another system today, we can talk about switching during the consultation.
What if my books are behind?
That is common. Cleanup is scoped, priced, and agreed separately, before tax preparation begins.
Do you prepare personal tax returns?
If you need it, yes. Your personal return is included in your service and priced into your monthly fee.
Do you take new clients during tax season?
Sometimes. It depends on our capacity at the time. Complete the form and we will let you know.
Can you help with more than taxes?
Yes. Our CFO services cover ongoing reporting, forecasting, and finance leadership. See our Fractional CFO page.