Summary of What This Blog Covers:
- Why Many CPAs Say “No” to Deductions and Why It’s Costing You
This blog explores how traditional CPAs are often focused on compliance over strategy, default to conservative, outdated tax advice. It breaks down how this overly cautious approach can lead women entrepreneurs to overpay taxes, miss legitimate deductions, and feel unsupported during tax season. - Commonly Missed Deductions and How a Strategic CPA Helps You Take Them
From the home office deduction and business travel to retirement contributions and 1099 contractor payments, the blog outlines key tax strategies often misunderstood or avoided by generalist accountants. It shows how a knowledgeable CPA in Austin, Texas ensures every qualified deduction is documented and maximized. - How a Proactive CPA Builds Systems to Simplify and Strengthen Compliance
The post details how the right CPA partner can help you track expenses using tools like QuickBooks Self-Employed, file 1099 NEC forms on time, categorize business use of personal technology, and manage international tax compliance, including FBAR filing. All while giving you year-round peace of mind. - How Insogna CPA Empowers Women Business Owners with Strategic, Flat-Rate Support
With flat-fee pricing, proactive planning, and concierge-level service, Insogna CPA becomes more than just a tax preparer, it’s a trusted partner in your growth. This blog invites readers to stop settling for “no” and start building a confident, compliant tax strategy aligned with their vision and financial goals.
When Your CPA Says “No,” It Might Be Costing You More Than You Think
You’ve built your business from the ground up. You know your numbers. You know your worth. And yet every tax season, you hear the same answers from your CPA:
“That deduction might raise red flags.”
“Let’s be conservative.”
“Better not to claim that just in case.”
It’s frustrating.
You’re not trying to push boundaries or cheat the system. You simply want to take the deductions you’ve earned and make tax season work for your business, not against it.
If your current CPA near you feels more like a gatekeeper than a partner, it might be time for a change.
At Insogna CPA, we help women entrepreneurs confidently navigate the tax landscape. Taking every legitimate deduction, staying compliant, and planning ahead with strategy and clarity.
Why So Many CPAs Default to “No”
Many tax accountants near you are trained for compliance, not strategy. They’re focused on filing forms, not empowering business owners. And they often fall into one of two categories:
1. They’re overly conservative out of fear
These CPAs don’t want to deal with audits, ambiguity, or complex deductions. So, instead of looking at the law and supporting documentation, they default to saying “no” across the board.
This kind of defensive accounting might keep things simple but it also leads to overpayment, missed opportunities, and a lot of unnecessary stress for you.
2. They don’t specialize in small business or service-based models
A general tax preparer near you may not fully understand your business model especially if you’re a service-based provider, solopreneur, or creative entrepreneur.
They may not know how to document deductions for:
- Digital tools
- Online advertising
- Coaching and mentorship
- Hybrid workspaces
- Multi-state operations
When your CPA doesn’t understand the nuances of your business, it’s no wonder they hesitate to help you fully leverage your tax strategy.
What a Strategic, Supportive CPA Does Differently
At Insogna CPA, we believe your accountant should be your ally not a barrier. We don’t just tell you what you can’t do. We help you uncover what’s possible with clear guidance, proper documentation, and proactive planning.
Here are some of the most commonly missed deductions and how we help our clients confidently claim them.
1. The Home Office Deduction: You’re Working, Not Just “At Home”
If you use a dedicated space in your home exclusively for business, you likely qualify for the home office deduction. An important tool for reducing your taxable income.
Yet, many CPAs will caution against it out of fear. The truth? The IRS has long-established criteria for this deduction, and when taken correctly, it’s completely legitimate.
As a small business CPA in Austin, we help you:
- Measure your workspace
- Determine the appropriate business-use percentage
- Deduct expenses like rent, utilities, and home maintenance proportionally
- Document everything in a way that aligns with IRS standards
You work hard in that space. You deserve to deduct it.
2. Phone and Internet Expenses: Not Just Personal Anymore
If you’re using your phone and internet to run your business (for example: manage schedules, communicate with clients, run social media ads) those services are partially business expenses.
Yet, many tax professionals near you skip this deduction due to confusion around personal versus business use.
We guide our clients to:
- Determine a reasonable, justifiable business-use percentage
- Keep clear records of costs
- Consider switching to a business plan for further clarity and optimization
This isn’t pushing boundaries, it’s understanding how to claim what’s rightfully deductible.
3. Marketing, Coaching, and Branding: Strategic Spending Is Deductible
Investments in marketing and professional development are often misunderstood by more traditional CPAs. But if you’re investing in a new website, brand strategy, coaching program, or ad campaign, you’re making legitimate business decisions.
At Insogna CPA, one of the most trusted Austin CPA firms accounting for women-led businesses, we help you:
- Document coaching and consulting expenses
- Track online ad spending (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google)
- Properly classify brand design, copywriting, and other services
- Tie these deductions back to business growth, clearly and accurately
This isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about honoring the real investments you’ve made to grow your business.
4. Travel and Meals: When Business Takes You Places
Have you traveled to attend a conference, meet a client, or speak on a panel? Did you pay for a working lunch or team retreat? These are often 100% legitimate deductions—but they’re frequently under-claimed or misclassified.
As a seasoned Austin tax accountant, we ensure:
- All travel has a documented business purpose
- Receipts are retained and categorized correctly
- Meal expenses follow current IRS guidelines (usually 50% deductible)
- Expenses are aligned with your broader business strategy
We also help set up easy systems for tracking travel and meals using your existing tools so you’re not pulling it all together in a panic at year-end.
5. Retirement Contributions: Plan Smart, Save Big
Retirement savings can dramatically reduce your taxable income while helping you build future wealth.
If you’re self-employed or operate as an S-Corp or LLC, you may qualify for tax-advantaged plans such as:
- Solo 401(k)s
- SEP IRAs
- Traditional IRAs
At Insogna CPA, we work closely with you to:
- Calculate your maximum annual contribution
- Integrate retirement into your quarterly tax planning
- Align contributions with your cash flow and long-term financial goals
Retirement planning is one of the most powerful strategies available yet many CPAs overlook it unless you ask. We make it part of the conversation from day one.
6. Technology and Tools: Your Digital Business Infrastructure Matters
From Zoom to project management apps to accounting software, the tools you use to run your business are essential. And yes, they’re deductible.
Your CPA certified public accountant should be helping you:
- Deduct subscriptions and software as business expenses
- Track licenses, hosting fees, and hardware purchases
- Differentiate between depreciable assets and deductible supplies
We provide guidance on categorizing these expenses and ensuring you’re not under-claiming your business technology infrastructure.
7. 1099 NEC and Contractor Payments: Stay Compliant While Maximizing Deductions
If you’re working with contractors or freelancers, you’re required to file 1099 NEC forms for any payments over $600. But many CPAs drop the ball here or tell you it’s too complicated.
We help our clients:
- Collect W9 forms proactively
- Track payments throughout the year
- Issue and file 1099s correctly and on time
- Build contractor relationships that are both compliant and cost-effective
Handling these filings correctly also ensures you’re taking the deductions you’re entitled to without increasing your risk.
8. FBAR Filing and International Reporting: Don’t Overlook Global Income
Do you have a foreign bank account, receive payments from international clients, or invest overseas? Then you may be required to file an FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report), a critical compliance step that many CPAs miss.
At Insogna CPA, our team of enrolled agents and chartered professional accountants ensures:
- You stay compliant with international reporting rules
- You don’t miss out on deductions tied to foreign income
- Your tax filings are aligned with both U.S. and international standards
We take the guesswork out of global income and give you the peace of mind to scale internationally, without fear.
You Don’t Need to Settle for “No”, You Deserve a Better Yes
When your CPA sees you as a partner and not a risk, you begin to experience tax season differently. You lead with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that aligns with your values.
At Insogna CPA, we provide:
- Flat-fee tax preparation services near you
- Strategic, year-round planning from a responsive Austin, TX accountant
- Support with QuickBooks Self-Employed, 1099 forms, W9, and FBAR filing
- Hands-on guidance from a CPA office near you who truly listens
We’re proud to be one of the most trusted CPA firms in Austin, Texas for women-led businesses. Offering not just compliance, but concierge-level care.
Schedule your discovery call today with Insogna CPA. Let’s take back control of your taxes and put your dollars to work for the business and life you’re building...