Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Ratliff Accounting & Tax different from other firms?
I’m not just here to do your books or file your taxes—I’m here to dig in. Whether it’s a tiny mistake or a big mess, I ask the right questions so we can find the real solution. You’ll never feel judged, rushed, or left in the dark. I bring clarity, calm, and a little bit of sass to the table.
Do you work with clients outside of Illinois?
Yes! As an Enrolled Agent, I’m federally licensed by the IRS, which means I can work with clients in all 50 states. I support business owners and individuals virtually across the country.
I do my own bookkeeping, can you still help?
Absolutely. My Check-In service is perfect for business owners who handle their own books but want a pro to review their work quarterly, catch any small mistakes, and make sure things stay clean and accurate.
I think my books are a mess. Can you help me clean them up?
Yes, and no judgment here. Whether you haven’t reconciled in months or aren’t sure what a Chart of Accounts is, we’ll get everything organized. We’ll start with a discovery call to see how big the cleanup is, and I’ll create a plan to fix it.
What’s included in tax planning?
In The Deep Dive, we take a close look at your income, expenses, and goals to create a strategy that helps you keep more of what you earn. Every plan is custom, but most include legal tax-saving strategies, entity reviews, income shifting ideas, and retirement planning options. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap and action steps you can actually use.
What is “Fresh Start”?
Fresh Start is for businesses switching to new accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero). We’ll set up your Chart of Accounts, enter your starting balances, and prepare accurate financials so you’re not dragging old problems into a new system. We also offer app integrations and custom SOPs if you want to make your workflow smoother.
Do you offer month bookkeeping packages?
Yes! I offer three levels of ongoing support: Glimpse, Checkpoint, and Power-Up, depending on how involved you want me to be. We’ll start with a call to determine the right fit for your business.
Do you handle payroll?
Nope—I don’t offer payroll processing. But I can refer you to trusted providers who do, and I’ll make sure your books are set up to track payroll correctly so everything flows smoothly come tax time.
Do you help with crypto taxes?
While I can report basic crypto activity, I’m not a crypto specialist. If your transactions are minimal or straightforward, I’ve got you. If you’re deep into DeFi, staking, or high-volume trading, I’ll connect you with a crypto-savvy pro so you get it done right.
How do I get started?
Easy—just schedule a consultation or reach out through the contact form. I’ll ask a few nosey questions (it’s kind of my thing), and we’ll figure out what you need and how I can help.