Bookkeeping

You’re growing your eCommerce, CPG, or alcohol business, moving product, and watching sales roll in. But when you check your books, something feels off.

Your margins look great… but your bank account says otherwise.
You’re overpaying in taxes, but you’re not sure why.
Your CPA swears your books are in order… yet your inventory numbers never add up.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Most small business CPAs in Austin are great at handling tax returns—but inventory accounting is a whole different game. If your CPA treats inventory like just another expense, you’re losing money and don’t even know it.

Let’s talk about why most CPAs mess this up and how to fix it before it costs you more.

The Problem: Your CPA Doesn’t Actually Understand Inventory Accounting

Not all CPAs are created equal. Most are used to working with service-based businesses—where tracking inventory isn’t even a thing. But in product-based businesses like eCommerce, wholesale, and retail, inventory isn’t just another line item—it’s your biggest asset.

Here’s where many CPAs get it wrong:

• They expense inventory immediately instead of tracking it as an asset.
• They don’t properly calculate Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), so your profits are either inflated or totally off.
• They ignore landed costs like shipping, customs, and storage, making it impossible to know what you’re actually paying per unit.
• They don’t adjust for shrinkage or deadstock, which means you might be paying taxes on inventory you can’t even sell.

The result? Your numbers are wrong, your profits are distorted, and you could be overpaying in taxes.

This is why so many eCommerce and product-based business owners run into cash flow issues. They’re making decisions based on bad accounting.

The Solution: Work with an Inventory-Savvy CPA

At Insogna CPA, one of the top CPA firms in Austin, Texas, we specialize in inventory accounting for businesses that sell physical products.

We don’t just “do your taxes.” We make sure your inventory numbers are accurate, optimized, and tax-efficient.

Here’s how we help:

1. We Track Inventory the Right Way

• Inventory is an asset, not an expense. We make sure your books reflect reality.
• We calculate COGS properly so you’re not overpaying in taxes or underestimating costs.

2. We Factor in Landed Costs & Shrinkage

• Shipping, warehousing, customs, and packaging all impact your actual cost per unit. We track it correctly.
• We adjust for lost, damaged, or expired inventory so you’re not paying taxes on inventory you can’t sell.

3. We Optimize Your Tax Strategy

• Choosing the right inventory valuation method (FIFO, LIFO, weighted average) can dramatically impact your tax bill. We help you pick the best one.
• We ensure IRS compliance so you stay audit-proof.

4. We Give You Real-Time Inventory Insights

• Need to know when to restock or slow down purchasing?
• Want to see how much cash is tied up in inventory?

We give you real-time financial visibility so you can plan ahead without playing guessing games.

Why This Matters: Better Accounting = More Profits & Less Stress

When your inventory accounting is done right, your business runs smoother.

• You’ll know your REAL profit margins—no more surprises.
• You’ll reduce your tax bill by properly tracking every deductible cost.
• You’ll manage cash flow better because you’ll know exactly how much inventory to keep on hand.

At Insogna CPA, a trusted CPA firm in Austin, Texas, we help product-based businesses clean up their inventory accounting, reduce tax liability, and improve cash flow.

Book a Consultation with an Inventory-Savvy CPA Today!

If your CPA doesn’t understand inventory accounting, isn’t tracking your COGS correctly, or leaves you guessing about your margins, it’s time for a change...

Let’s get your inventory accounting right—book a consultation with Insogna CPA today!

 

Running a business is hard. Paying more in taxes than you should? That’s optional.

If you’re not taking advantage of key tax deductions, you’re leaving money on the table—money that could be reinvested into growing your business. The IRS won’t remind you to claim these, but we will.

At Insogna CPA, a top-rated CPA firm in Austin, Texas, we help small business owners like you keep more of what you earn by making sure every deductible expense is properly tracked and maximized.

Here’s your cheat sheet for tax savings.

1. Home Office Deduction: Your Couch Might Be Making You Money

If you’re working from home (and let’s be honest, most of us are), you can deduct a portion of your rent, mortgage, utilities, and internet as long as it’s used exclusively for business.

 ✔ Option 1: Simplified Method – $5 per square foot (up to 300 sq. ft.).
 ✔ Option 2: Actual Expenses – Deduct a percentage of total home expenses.

Not sure how much you can deduct? Our team at Insogna CPA, a trusted Austin small business accountant, makes sure you get every dollar you’re owed.

2. Business Travel & Meals: Yes, That Coffee Meeting Counts

If you’re hitting the road for work, flights, hotels, rental cars, and even 50% of business meals are deductible… just don’t try writing off that “work dinner” with friends.

 ✔ Client meetings? Deductible.
 ✔ Conferences? Deductible.
 ✔ Last-minute trip to Cabo? Not deductible—nice try.

Pro Tip: Keep those receipts! The IRS loves to audit travel expenses. A tax advisor in Austin can help keep your records squeaky clean.

3. Marketing & Advertising: Invest in Growth, Deduct the Cost

Spending money on ads? Running a website? Every dollar you put toward marketing and brand awareness is tax-deductible, including:

 ✔ Social media ads (Facebook, Instagram, Google)
 ✔ Website costs (hosting, design, SEO)
 ✔ Business cards, branding, and promo materials

Marketing is an investment, not just an expense. A CPA in Austin, Texas, can help track these expenses and boost your deductions.

4. Health Insurance: Yes, You Can Deduct It

If you’re self-employed and pay for your own health insurance, you can deduct 100% of your premiums for yourself, your spouse, and dependents.

Heads up: This deduction only applies if your business shows a net profit. Talk to an Austin tax accountant to ensure you qualify.

5. Startup Costs: What You Can Deduct & What Gets Amortized

Launching a business isn’t cheap. But the IRS lets you deduct up to $5,000 in startup expenses (like legal fees, branding, and business plans). Anything beyond that? It gets amortized over 15 years.

Not sure what counts? Our team at Insogna CPA, an Austin accounting firm, makes sure every startup expense is categorized correctly for maximum savings.

6. Software & Business Tools: Because Running a Business Isn’t Free

If you’re paying for software, it’s probably deductible. Common tools include:

 ✔ Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero)
 ✔ CRM systems (HubSpot, Salesforce)
 ✔ Project management tools (Asana, Trello)

Even small monthly subscriptions add up! Our Austin accounting service ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

7. Continuing Education: Grow Your Skills, Shrink Your Taxes

Any expenses related to improving your business skills are tax-deductible. This includes:

 ✔ Online courses (Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning)
 ✔ Conferences & seminars
 ✔ Books & subscriptions for professional development

Education makes you a smarter business owner AND lowers your tax bill. An Austin, TX accountant can help you track these deductions properly.

8. Legal & Professional Fees: Yes, Even Your CPA Fees Are Deductible

If you pay for legal or professional services, you can write off 100% of the cost. This includes:

 ✔ Business formation & contract reviews
 ✔ CPA fees for bookkeeping & tax filing
 ✔ Consulting fees for business strategy

Even our services are deductible! Work with an Austin CPA firm accounting firm and let the IRS cover part of the cost.

9. Self-Employed Retirement Contributions: Save Now, Pay Less in Taxes

Contributing to a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA helps you save for retirement while reducing taxable income.

 ✔ Solo 401(k) contributions up to $66,000 (2023 limit)
 ✔ SEP IRA contributions up to 25% of net earnings

Retirement planning is a tax-smart move. A small business CPA in Austin can help set up the right plan for you.

10. Vehicle Expenses & Mileage: Keep Track, Get Paid Back

If you use your car for business, you can deduct either:

 ✔ Standard mileage rate (65.5 cents per mile for 2023)
 ✔ Actual expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance)

Tracking your miles? Apps like MileIQ or QuickBooks make it easy. A CPA firm in Austin, Texas, can help you decide which method saves you more.

Maximize Your Tax Deductions with Insogna CPA

Taxes are complicated but paying more than you have to? That’s optional.

At Insogna CPA, one of the most trusted CPA firms in Austin, Texas, we help small business owners maximize deductions, automate bookkeeping, and stay IRS-compliant...

Want to make sure you’re claiming every deduction possible? Let’s review your tax savings together—schedule a free consultation today!

Summary of What This Blog Covers:

• Tax-Saving Fundamentals for Startup Founders
  Learn how to track every deductible business expense from SaaS tools to business travel and why clean bookkeeping is critical for reducing your taxable income and avoiding IRS headaches.
• Hidden Tax Credits and Strategic Deductions
  Unlock valuable tax credits like the R&D Credit, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and Disabled Access Credit. Plus, discover how to legally deduct home office costs, startup expenses, and founder retirement contributions.
• Entity Structure, Payroll, and Sales Tax Compliance
  Understand how your business entity (LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp) impacts your taxes, avoid costly payroll errors with 1099s and W-9s, and stay compliant with multi-state sales tax requirements.
• Proactive Planning with a Startup-Savvy CPA
  Explore how working with a CPA firm that understands startups like Insogna CPA can help you reduce self-employment tax, plan year-end strategies, and keep your books investor-ready from day one.

You’ve got product-market fit. You’ve got traction. You’ve got vision.

But… you might also have a shoebox of receipts, a vague idea of what “S-Corp” means, and a tendency to yell “I’ll deal with that later” when someone mentions the IRS.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

At Insogna CPA, one of the leading Austin CPA firms working with founders coast to coast, we know startups. We know the chaos, the hustle, and yes, the blind spots that cost real money come tax time.

Smart tax planning isn’t just about April 15. It’s about protecting your cash, optimizing your growth, and setting your business up for scalable success.

Here’s what we tell every startup founder we work with: if you want to scale profitably, your tax strategy needs to be part of the business plan, not an afterthought.

Let’s dig into 10 high-impact tax-saving strategies your startup should be using right now.

1. Track Every Business Expense Like It’s Your Job

Before you even think about deductions, you need clean, accurate records. Period.

We’re talking about everything from that Canva subscription to the client dinner in Denver to the second monitor you bought for your standing desk.

Deductible startup expenses include:

• Software subscriptions: Slack, Zoom, Notion, etc.
• Paid marketing: Google Ads, influencer campaigns, landing page platforms
• Web hosting and design
• Business-related travel and meals
• Home office costs (we’ll get to that)
• Office supplies and shipping
• Training, courses, or certifications

Why this matters: Untracked = unclaimed = money lost.

Use QuickBooks Self-Employed, Xero, or whatever keeps you consistent. Or let a small business CPA in Austin (ahem, that’s us) automate this for you.

2. Unlock Startup Tax Credits (That You May Not Know Exist)

Let’s talk IRS-approved incentives.

Startup-friendly tax credits are out there and they’re designed to help early-stage companies stay afloat while building.

1. R&D Tax Credit

Even pre-revenue companies can claim this. If you’re developing new software, tools, tech, or platforms, you can qualify. These credits can offset payroll taxes up to $250,000.

2. Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

If you’re hiring from certain target groups (veterans, people on long-term unemployment, etc.), you can qualify for credits worth up to $9,600 per hire.

3. Disabled Access Credit

Improving physical or digital accessibility? You might qualify here too.

The key: document your expenses and work with a CPA who knows the ins and outs. That’s where we step in with proven tax strategy for founders.

3. Choose the Right Business Structure Early

Sole prop, LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp? Your entity choice is tax strategy, not just paperwork.

LLC

Easy to form and flexible but all profits are subject to self-employment tax. Still great early on, but needs evaluation as you grow.

S-Corp

If you’re profitable and taking regular income, electing S-Corp status lets you pay yourself a reasonable salary and take additional distributions. Lowering your overall tax burden.

C-Corp

If you’re raising institutional capital or issuing stock options, this is your structure. It has a flat 21% corporate tax rate, but beware of potential double taxation.

At Insogna CPA, our Austin, Texas CPA team helps founders map the right entity to their financials, funding model, and future goals.

4. Payroll: Do It Right or Risk IRS Trouble

Paying yourself? Contractors? Team members? Get payroll wrong, and it can cost you big.

• S-Corp owners must take a reasonable salary. You can’t skip this step to avoid taxes.
• Freelancers and vendors? If you pay them over $600/year, collect a W-9 form and issue a 1099-NEC.
• Incorrect classification (contractor vs. employee) is one of the most common IRS audit triggers.

We help startups set up clean payroll systems that sync with accounting, automate tax filings, and keep the IRS off your back.

5. Don’t Ignore the Home Office Deduction

Yes, it’s legit. Yes, you can take it. No, the IRS won’t knock down your door if it’s done right.

You can deduct a portion of:

• Rent or mortgage interest
• Utilities
• Internet
• Home insurance
• Repairs tied to your workspace

Rules: The space must be used exclusively and regularly for business. A desk in your bedroom probably qualifies. The kitchen table doesn’t.

Let a tax accountant near you (preferably one who knows startup life) calculate your safe, strategic deduction.

6. Start a Retirement Plan (Even on a Startup Budget)

Think you can’t afford retirement planning yet? You can’t afford not to.

Options like Solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs allow self-employed founders to contribute pre-tax income, lowering your tax bill today while investing in tomorrow.

• Contribute up to $66,000 per year (Solo 401k with employer + employee contributions)
• Funds grow tax-deferred or tax-free (Roth option)
• Contributions are deductible in the year made

We work with startups to set up flexible, founder-friendly retirement plans even for solo founders or small teams.

7. Handle Sales Tax Like a Pro (Before It Becomes a Nightmare)

Selling digital products, SaaS, or goods across state lines? You may owe sales tax in states you’ve never set foot in.

Thanks to economic nexus laws, many states tax businesses based on transactions or revenue thresholds, not physical presence.

We help you:

• Identify states where you’re liable
• Register properly
• Automate filings with tools like TaxJar or Avalara 

Sales tax compliance is a moving target but we’ll make sure you stay ahead of it.

8. Write Off Business Travel (The Right Way)

Heading to that startup expo in NYC? Fundraising in San Francisco? You might be able to deduct:

• Flights
• Hotels
• Ground transportation
• Business meals
• Event registrations

But the primary purpose of the trip must be business. Keep documentation like itineraries, receipts, and agendas. Personal vacations with a Zoom call don’t count.

At Insogna CPA, we help you maximize travel deductions without triggering audit risk.

9. Leverage Year-End Tax Strategy to Reduce Tax Bill

This is the time of year when strategic decisions can significantly lower your tax liability before December 31 hits:

• Defer income into 2026 if you expect lower revenue next year, helping smooth your tax bracket across both years.
• Accelerate deductible expenses like rent, marketing, software subscriptions, or professional services to reduce 2025’s taxable income.
• Invest in equipment or technology before year-end and take advantage of Section 179 or bonus depreciation rules for an immediate deduction.

We run proactive tax projections in Q4 with our clients. Helping you end the year with more money in the bank, not with surprises.

10. Partner with a Startup-Focused CPA

Let’s be honest. You didn’t start your company to learn tax code or manage 1099s, W-9s, and FBAR filings. That’s our job.

Partnering with a startup-savvy CPA firm gives you:

• Strategic tax planning (not just compliance)
• Clean books and investor-ready reports
• Proactive guidance (not reactive scrambling)
• Confidence in your numbers

We’re not just number crunchers, we’re your growth partner. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or preparing for your first raise, we’re in your corner.

Let’s Build Your Tax Strategy the Smart Way

You’ve got momentum. Now let’s protect your profits and build a rock-solid foundation for the next stage of your growth.

At Insogna CPA, we help startups across Austin and the U.S. reduce taxes, stay compliant, and make confident financial decisions.

Here’s what you get when you work with us:
✅ Startup-specific tax guidance
✅ Year-round strategy, not just tax prep
✅ Sales tax and payroll compliance
✅ Entity optimization
✅ Peace of mind that your books are investor-ready

Schedule a free discovery call today and let’s build a tax strategy that grows with your startup.
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Summary of What This Blog Covers:

• Discover the Top 10 Tax-Deductible Expenses for Short-Term Rentals
  Learn which operating costs from depreciation and mortgage interest to cleaning services, marketing fees, and capital improvements, can lower your tax bill and maximize your rental income.
• Understand the Tax Rules That Apply to Real Estate Investors
  Explore how to properly classify expenses, track depreciation, comply with 1099 and W-9 requirements, and stay ahead of IRS regulations like FBAR filing and self-employment tax reporting.
• Avoid Costly Tax Mistakes and Missed Deductions
  Get expert insight into the difference between repairs vs. improvements, how to allocate mixed-use expenses, and how to optimize deductions through proactive planning and accurate recordkeeping.
• Get Professional Support from Austin’s Trusted CPA Firm
  Insogna CPA helps short-term rental owners simplify their accounting, stay compliant, and build profitable, tax-efficient rental businesses with concierge-level service and strategic guidance.

You’re not just hosting travelers. You’re running a business. A real one. One with income, overhead, customer service issues, platform fees, and yes, a whole stack of tax responsibilities.

But if you’re not tracking your deductible expenses with precision, you’re doing your rental business a disservice. And you’re likely handing the IRS more of your hard-earned income than necessary.

At Insogna CPA, one of the top Austin CPA firms, we specialize in helping short-term rental owners like you run their properties like true businesses with accurate books, tax-efficient strategies, and real-time insights that make growth not only possible, but predictable.

This guide is built to help you do just that. Whether you’ve got one property or several, whether you manage them yourself or outsource it all, we’ll show you exactly which deductible expenses you should be tracking to reduce your tax burden, stay compliant, and increase your profits year after year.

Why Tracking Your Deductions Matters

First, a quick gut check: Do you treat your short-term rental like a business or like a side hustle?

Because the IRS definitely sees it as a business. That means you need a system that captures income and expenses, separates personal and business activity, issues the right tax forms (think 1099-NEC and W-9 forms), and follows rules on depreciation, asset tracking, and potential FBAR filing if you’re earning income internationally.

That’s a lot. But every piece matters.

If you’re audited and your deductions aren’t well-documented, you risk losing them. And if you’re not claiming them at all? You’re simply overpaying in self-employment tax and federal income tax.

1. Property Depreciation

Why it matters: This is one of the largest tax deductions available to real estate investors.

The IRS lets you depreciate the value of your rental property (excluding the land) over 27.5 years. So if your rental property is worth $300,000 (excluding land), you can deduct roughly $10,909 in depreciation per year.

But it gets more nuanced:

• If the property was previously used personally, depreciation starts when you convert it to rental use.
• You can also depreciate certain capital improvements (more on that later).
• And if you’re doing a 1031 exchange, depreciation recapture becomes a big consideration.

Need help getting the math right? We’ll handle your depreciation schedules and ensure every number lines up.

2. Mortgage Interest

Why it matters: One of the most straightforward and impactful deductions, especially in high-interest-rate environments.

If you’re financing your property, the interest portion of your mortgage is deductible. This is considered a necessary expense for generating rental income and is separate from the property’s depreciation.

Be careful: If you live in the property part of the year, the deduction needs to be prorated between personal and rental use.

What we do for clients: We make sure this interest is reported properly on Schedule E and reflects accurate rental activity across platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.

3. Utilities

Why it matters: Utilities are often overlooked or lumped in incorrectly.

Electric, gas, water, Wi-Fi, trash collection, every one of these qualifies as a deductible operating expense when they’re tied to your short-term rental activity. If you rent a portion of your primary residence (like an attached unit), you’ll need to allocate the expenses accordingly based on square footage or usage.

Also deductible:

• Smart home subscriptions (e.g., Ring, Nest)
• Cable TV or streaming services offered to guests
• Internet and router hardware

We track and allocate these automatically through QuickBooks Self-Employed or QuickBooks Online, so your deductions don’t depend on guesswork.

4. Repairs and Maintenance

Why it matters: Repairs are deductible immediately; improvements are not.

A broken sink? Deduct it. HVAC service? Deduct it. Repainting the walls? You guessed it.

The catch: The IRS draws a clear line between “repairs” (restoring an item to working condition) and “improvements” (enhancing or upgrading something). Improvements must be depreciated over time.

We help clients distinguish between the two, so you don’t make costly classification errors that could trigger penalties.

5. Furniture and Appliances

Why it matters: These assets can be deducted in full or depreciated based on their cost.

Beds, mattresses, kitchenware, coffee makers, couches, TVs, and even light fixtures, these are all deductible expenses when they’re used in your rental property.

Under Section 179, you can often deduct 100% of the cost in the year you purchase it (if eligible). Otherwise, they may be depreciated over 5–7 years.

We advise clients on when to expense vs. depreciate, depending on their income level and tax strategy.

6. Cleaning, Landscaping, and Guest Prep

Why it matters: Essential for your guest experience and fully deductible.

Whether you’re paying a professional service or doing it yourself, these costs count. You can also deduct:

• Supplies like paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning sprays
• Lawn mowing or snow removal services
• Pool and spa maintenance

Mileage and gas for your own trips to the property are deductible, too. Just make sure you’re tracking it all with logs or receipts.

7. Insurance

Why it matters: Your personal homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cut it.

Short-term rental insurance often includes:

• Business interruption coverage
• Liability protection
• Coverage for guest damage

These premiums are fully deductible, as are supplemental liability policies, umbrella coverage, or landlord insurance.

8. Marketing and Platform Fees

Why it matters: The platforms take their cut. Make sure you’re claiming it.

Airbnb and Vrbo both charge hosting fees. If you’re running ads on Facebook, Google, or Instagram or paying a photographer for those drool-worthy listing shotsall,  of that is deductible.

Other deductions here:

• Booking platforms like Lodgify, Hostaway
• Virtual assistants or listing managers
• Channel manager software

We track these as marketing expenses in your books and make sure your 1099-K (from platforms) aligns with deductions.

9. Business Travel

Why it matters: If you’re visiting your property for management, maintenance, or improvements, it’s deductible.

Airfare, hotel, rideshare, rental cars, meals, if it’s for business purposes, it can be deducted. But there’s a caveat: you must prove that the trip’s primary purpose was business.

We help you document the purpose and duration properly, especially when you blend personal and business travel in one trip.

10. Capital Improvements

Why it matters: You can’t deduct them immediately, but they save you thousands over time.

This includes:

• Roof replacements
• Kitchen or bathroom remodels
• Structural additions
• New flooring or fencing

These are depreciated over multiple years but offer substantial long-term value. Tracking them accurately (with dates, costs, and photos) is critical especially if you plan to pursue a 1031 exchange or sell the property.

Bonus: Contractor Payments, 1099s, and Compliance

If you pay contractors more than $600 a year, you’re required to file a 1099-NEC and collect a W-9 form from them first.

Mess this up, and you could face penalties.

At Insogna CPA, we handle 1099 tracking and filing for our clients automatically. No more scrambling at year-end or wondering who you paid and when.

Let’s Build Your Tax Strategy Together

If you’ve been searching for “CPA near me” or “tax services near me” and still feel overwhelmed, we’ve got you.

Let’s simplify your financials, automate the admin, and maximize your profit. Because you weren’t meant to do this alone.

Contact Insogna CPA today to schedule a discovery call and let’s make your short-term rental business more profitable, less stressful, and way more fun to run.

Summary of What This Blog Covers:

• Streamline Your Financial Operations: Discover how consolidating your bookkeeping and tax preparation with Insogna CPA eliminates duplication, improves communication, and gives you real-time financial visibility to make faster, smarter decisions.
• Avoid Errors and Save More on Taxes: Learn how one integrated team can close compliance gaps, reduce costly mistakes, and unlock year-round tax savings with proactive planning and expert oversight.
• Reclaim Time and Reduce Stress: By unifying your accounting services, you eliminate the need to juggle multiple vendors. Freeing up your time, energy, and focus for growing your business.
• Get Personalized, Strategic Support: Benefit from tailored advice, high-touch service, and a CPA partner who understands your unique goals. Offering more than numbers, but real strategy for long-term success.

You didn’t start your business to become a part-time accountant. And yet here you are, juggling a bookkeeper, tax preparer, payroll service, and maybe a part-time financial advisor just to keep your finances in check.

Sound familiar?

We see this all the time. You’re chasing receipts, re-explaining your business every quarter, and still dealing with avoidable errors when tax season hits. You’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re just stuck with a system that wasn’t built to support your growth.

Here’s the fix: consolidate your bookkeeping and tax services with Insogna CPA, a top-rated Austin, Texas CPA firm known for clear communication, proactive planning, and concierge-level service. We partner with entrepreneurs who are ready to simplify their financial systems and scale with confidence.

Let’s walk through how this works and why it’s an absolute game-changer for small business owners, especially those searching for reliable tax preparation services near them, or a CPA in Austin, Texas.

1. Real-Time Financial Visibility That Actually Guides Your Growth

Outdated books, disconnected data, and mystery spreadsheets? They don’t help you make strategic business decisions. At best, they slow you down. At worst, they cost you money.

When you consolidate with Insogna CPA, your bookkeeping services and tax planning live in one streamlined system. You get weekly transaction reviews, monthly reports you can actually understand, and ongoing check-ins from a team that knows your goals.

And if you’re using QuickBooks Online, great. We’re experts in that system. If not, we’ll help you get set up with the right tech stack to simplify your financial life.

With real-time access to your accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash flow, you’ll stop reacting to numbers and start leveraging them.

Strategic edge: Know exactly where you stand financially every single day. No more waiting for reports. No more guessing.

2. Eliminate Costly Mistakes by Closing the Gaps

Having one person do your books and another handle your taxes creates an invisible wall. Information gets lost. Assumptions get made. And suddenly, a missed deduction or incorrect categorization turns into a big (and expensive) surprise.

When you work with a single team, we’re responsible for the full picture. From everyday transactions to year-end filings. We know where to look for red flags, and we don’t wait until April to clean up the mess.

This is more than just tax preparation services. It’s strategic tax compliance paired with year-round monitoring and CPA oversight.

Whether it’s identifying qualified business expenses, tracking capital purchases, or preparing for FBAR filing, we don’t let things slip.

Strategic edge: Tax accuracy, stronger compliance, and peace of mind all year.

3. One Point of Contact = Fewer Headaches, Faster Answers

When your bookkeeper has one version of the story and your tax preparer has another, who do you trust?

You shouldn’t have to play middleman between financial vendors. It’s exhausting and inefficient and worst of all, it’s completely unnecessary.

At Insogna CPA, we’re your single source of financial truth. You don’t have to coordinate conversations. You don’t have to forward files. And you definitely don’t have to explain your business over and over again.

We build long-term relationships with our clients because we believe great financial advice starts with understanding the full picture.

Strategic edge: Streamlined communication, faster turnaround times, and one trusted financial partner who’s in your corner.

4. Year-Round Tax Strategy That Saves You More Than Just Time

Most entrepreneurs don’t realize they can save on taxes all year, not just when they file.

But most tax preparers near you only show up when the deadline does. That’s not how we do it.

Our clients meet with us quarterly (at least) to review financials, adjust strategy, and plan ahead. We track changes in tax law, forecast your liability, and help you make proactive moves like equipment purchases or charitable contributions before the year closes.

We’ll even help you prepare for complex compliance tasks like FBAR filing or work with an enrolled agent if your tax situation demands it.

This is tax planning, not just tax prep. And it works.

Strategic edge: Real-time tax strategy, optimized deductions, and no end-of-year surprises.

5. Take Back Your Time Seriously

Every minute you spend managing your finances is a minute you’re not growing your business, serving your customers, or enjoying your life.

You started your business to solve a problem or share your passion, not to become an expert in account payable, tax code, or QuickBooks help for small business.

That’s where we come in.

By consolidating your accounting and tax functions with us, you stop juggling. We take over the busywork and deliver clean, timely reports you can trust.

You get back the time and mental bandwidth you need to be a visionary leader, not a spreadsheet editor.

Strategic edge: Less admin, more impact. More brain space, less burnout.

6. Financial Strategy That’s Built Around You

You’re not just another business owner with a P&L. You have goals, pressures, and opportunities that are unique to you and you need a team that sees that.

At Insogna CPA, we don’t offer cookie-cutter advice. We get to know your business model, your risk tolerance, your long-term vision and we design our approach around that.

We’ve helped eCommerce brands track margins with clarity. We’ve supported consultants launching LLCs. We’ve advised restaurant owners on depreciation strategies. And yes, we’ve untangled messy books from years of “band-aid accounting.”

No matter your starting point, we meet you where you are.

Strategic edge: Personalized advice from experienced CPAs who actually listen.

Bonus Benefit: A More Elevated Client Experience

Let’s talk about the real difference: how we treat you.

You’re not a number on a spreadsheet here. You’re a long-term partner. That means we communicate proactively. We send you reports you can understand. We’re available when you need us. And we coach you through decisions with full transparency.

At Insogna CPA, we blend the best of modern technology with high-touch, human-first service. We use tools like QuickBooks Online, secure client portals, and real-time dashboards but we never let tech replace our relationships.

That’s why clients stay with us year after year, and why we’re one of the most trusted CPA firms in Austin, Texas.

Why Now Is the Time to Consolidate Your Accounting and Tax Services

If you’re still juggling multiple financial service providers, here’s the truth: you’re doing more work and getting less insight.

You deserve better.

When you consolidate with Insogna CPA, you don’t just save time or money. You get clarity, control, and a financial partner who’s invested in your growth.

We’re not just a CPA firm. We’re your business thought partner.

Our team includes:
 ✅ Certified public accountants (CPAs)
 ✅ Enrolled agents for tax resolution
 ✅ Bookkeeping and payroll specialists
 ✅ QuickBooks Online experts
 ✅ Real humans who pick up the phone and answer your questions in plain English

We serve clients across the U.S., but our home is in Austin, Texas and we’re proud to support the city’s thriving community of entrepreneurs, creatives, and go-getters.

Absolutely. Here’s an expanded, compelling version of that closing section—still direct and powerful, but with more depth, clarity, and strategic motivation:

Let’s Simplify, Streamline, and Scale—Together

If you’ve been searching for “tax services near me,” “CPA firms near me,” or just a financial partner who truly understands the challenges of growing a business, your search ends here.

At Insogna CPA, we don’t just manage numbers. We help business owners take back control of their time, reduce tax burdens, and make confident, informed decisions that lead to real growth. Our team of expert CPAs, enrolled agents, and bookkeeping professionals offers a fully integrated solution designed to reduce friction, eliminate errors, and unlock financial clarity fast.

Whether you’re a first-time founder scaling up, a seasoned entrepreneur optimizing operations, or a growing brand ready to level up your backend systems, we’re built to support your next move with clarity, accountability, and concierge-level service every step of the way.

So let’s take the next step together.

 ✅ Schedule a call
 ✅ Ask us your biggest finance pain point
 ✅ See how simple the right CPA relationship can be

Contact Insogna CPA today and experience the difference of working with a top-rated Austin CPA firm that’s redefining what a true financial partnership looks like.

Let’s simplify your systems, streamline your reporting, and scale your business without the overwhelm.

Being a 1099 contractor gives you freedom—freedom to manage your schedule, choose your clients, and grow your business on your terms. But that freedom also means you’re responsible for your own taxes, and missing valuable deductions could mean overpaying the IRS.

The good news? You might be sitting on tax savings without even realizing it. At Insogna CPA, a trusted Austin, Texas CPA, we help contractors like you maximize deductions, stay compliant, and keep more of your hard-earned income. Let’s break down the top seven deductions many contractors overlook—and how you can start capturing them today.

1. Mileage and Vehicle Expenses

If you’re driving to client meetings, job sites, or running business errands, you’re probably entitled to a mileage deduction—but only if you track it properly.

You Can Deduct:

• Mileage driven for business-related trips (65.5 cents per mile in 2023).
• Parking fees and tolls.
• Vehicle maintenance related to business use.

Quick Tip: Use apps like MileIQ to track mileage automatically. Need help applying this correctly? Our small business CPA in Austin can guide you through the process.

2. Home Office Deduction

Do you work from home? If you have a dedicated workspace used exclusively for business, you can claim the home office deduction.

You Can Deduct:

• A portion of your rent or mortgage.
• Utilities like electricity, water, and the internet.
• Office furniture, repairs, and maintenance.

Quick Tip: The simplified method allows a flat $5 per square foot, up to $1,500. Need help figuring out the best method for your business? Our Austin accounting services can help you maximize this deduction.

3. Continuing Education and Certifications

Investing in your skills isn’t just good for business—it’s tax-deductible too.

You Can Deduct:

• Online courses and professional certifications.
• Industry conferences and seminars.
• Books and educational materials related to your work.

Quick Tip: Save receipts and document how the course relates to your business. Our CPA firm in Austin, TX can help ensure you stay compliant while claiming these expenses.

4. Professional Tools and Equipment

Buying tools and equipment for your work? You can deduct them—but many contractors forget to.

You Can Deduct:

• Laptops, software, and office equipment.
• Job-specific tools and machinery.
• Repairs and maintenance for business-use items.

Quick Tip: For large equipment purchases over $2,500, you may need to spread the deduction over multiple years. Let our CPA in Round Rock, TX help you determine the best tax strategy.

5. Business Meals and Networking Events

Grabbing lunch with a client or attending a business event? Some meal expenses are deductible—but the IRS has rules.

You Can Deduct:

• Meals with clients, partners, or prospects for business discussions.
• Meals during business-related travel.
• Networking event expenses where business was discussed.

Quick Tip: Keep itemized receipts and note the business purpose to stay IRS-compliant. Our Austin CPA firm can help you understand what qualifies for a deduction.

6. Software Subscriptions and Business Tools

Do you use software to manage your business? It’s a deductible expense that often gets overlooked.

You Can Deduct:

• Accounting software like QuickBooks.
• Project management tools like Trello and Asana.
• Creative software like Adobe Creative Cloud.

Quick Tip: Track your monthly subscription fees carefully. Our Austin, TX CPA firms help contractors manage digital expenses for maximum tax benefits.

7. Retirement Contributions

Saving for your future can also help reduce your taxable income.

You Can Deduct:

• Contributions to a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k).
• Traditional IRA contributions (if eligible).

Quick Tip: Contributions can lower your taxable income while building long-term wealth. Our CPA South Austin experts can help you set up the right retirement plan for your goals.

Why Work with Insogna CPA?

Navigating self-employment taxes can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Insogna CPA, one of the best CPA firms in Austin, we specialize in helping 1099 contractors:

✅ Maximize Deductions: Stop leaving money on the table.
✅ Stay IRS Compliant: Avoid penalties with proper record-keeping.
✅ Proactive Tax Planning: Plan ahead, not just during tax season.

Stop Missing Deductions—Start Saving Money Today

You work hard—don’t let the IRS take more than its fair share. Partner with Insogna CPA, your trusted Austin accounting firm, and let us help you keep more of what you earn.

👉 Contact Insogna CPA today and let us ensure you’re capturing every deduction you deserve.