


Ask the community...
Our tech startup (Series B) uses a combination of NetSuite for core accounting + Expensify for expenses + Stripe for billing. The key is getting these systems to talk to each other properly - that's where most companies mess up. We also have a part-time controller who comes in 2 days a week rather than having a full accounting department. This hybrid approach of good systems + fractional expertise has worked well for us.
How much did the NetSuite implementation cost you? I've heard horror stories about six-figure implementation projects that take forever.
Our NetSuite implementation was about $75K all-in, which included customization for our specific SaaS business model and integrations with other systems. It took approximately 3 months from start to finish. The key to keeping costs under control was having very clear requirements upfront and limiting customizations to only what was absolutely necessary. We also used a specialized implementation partner who had experience with tech startups rather than going with a generalist.
Has anyone tried Pilot.com? We're considering them for our fintech startup but wondering if they're worth the cost compared to hiring a dedicated bookkeeper.
We used Pilot for about a year. They're good for basic bookkeeping but we outgrew them when we hit about $5M ARR. Their tech stack integration is decent but struggles with complex revenue recognition scenarios.
Check your transcript!!! I waited for 4 months and finally checked my transcript online and saw code 570 (additional account action pending) followed by 971 (notice issued). A week later I got a letter saying they adjusted my refund amount by $320 because I had calculated a credit wrong. 2 weeks after that I finally got my refund. The "Where's My Refund" tool was useless the entire time.
I'm having the exact same issue! Filed in February and STILL waiting for my $3,450 refund. Called the IRS twice and both times they just said "it's still processing, be patient." Like HOW much more patient can I be?! This money was supposed to help pay for my daughter's braces months ago.
Same boat! It's absolutely wild that they can just hold onto our money indefinitely with zero explanation. Have you received any letters in the mail at all? I haven't gotten anything which makes me think they aren't actually reviewing anything specific. Just a giant backlog they're slowly working through.
Another option is to check if your W2 is available electronically! A lot of employers use services like ADP, Paychex, or Workday where you can log in and download your tax forms, even if you don't work there anymore. Do you remember if you ever set up an online account for viewing paystubs? Try logging in there or call and specifically ask if they use an online system for tax documents. Sometimes the managers don't even think to mention this option.
I don't think they had anything like that. It was a pretty small franchise operation and they handed out physical paychecks every two weeks. I never got any login information for viewing stuff online. But that's definitely good to know for future jobs!
Something similar happened to my son last year. We found that reporting them to the state labor department was actually faster than going through the IRS! Different states have different rules, but many have penalties for employers who don't provide wage statements. It might be worth checking your state's department of labor website to see if you can file a complaint there too. In our case, they contacted the employer within 3 days and we had the W2 by the end of the week.
This is great advice! I did the same thing in California and the labor board was super helpful. The business got fined and suddenly they were very responsive about getting me my documents.
To answer your original question - yes, it's completely normal for tax preparers to have disclaimers about not being responsible for errors. I've used three different CPAs over the years and they all had similar language in their agreements. The reality is that tax preparers rely on the information YOU provide to them. They can't verify whether the numbers you give them are accurate. The paperwork is actually them covering their own behinds because ultimately, you sign the return and you're responsible for what's on it. That said, a good CPA should be doing more than just data entry. Mine reviews everything for consistency with prior years, asks questions when something looks unusual, and provides actual tax planning advice throughout the year.
Do you think there's a major difference between CPAs and non-CPA tax preparers in terms of quality and services? I've been using an Enrolled Agent and wondering if I should switch to a CPA.
There can be significant differences between CPAs and other tax preparers, but credentials alone don't tell the whole story. CPAs have broader accounting knowledge and must meet strict education and continuing education requirements, which can be helpful for complex situations or if you need accounting services beyond tax preparation. Enrolled Agents specialize specifically in taxation and are licensed by the IRS, so many EAs are actually more knowledgeable about tax matters than some CPAs. What matters most is finding someone with experience in your specific tax situation - whether that's small business issues, investment properties, foreign income, etc. Ask about their typical clients and whether they have specialized knowledge relevant to your circumstances.
Has anyone here tried going back to tax software after using a CPA? I'm considering it after paying $825 last year for what felt like them just plugging my info into their own version of TurboTax.
I did! Went back to TurboTax after 3 years with a CPA. For my relatively simple situation (W-2 income, mortgage, some investments), it worked fine and saved me about $650. The software has gotten better over the years. Just make sure you don't have anything super complicated.
Rita Jacobs
Just to add to what others have said - there's another important detail about the BE-12 survey that might apply to your brother's situation. If the foreign person acquired their ownership interest AFTER the benchmark survey year ended, they might not need to file for that particular survey. For example, if your brother acquired his 15% stake in 2023, after the 2022 benchmark year ended, he wouldn't be subject to the 2022 BE-12 survey requirements. He would, however, need to be included in the next benchmark survey (2027 for fiscal year 2027) or potentially in other BEA surveys in between.
0 coins
Harold Oh
ā¢Thanks for pointing this out! My brother actually bought his shares in mid-2021, so it sounds like the 2022 survey period would definitely apply to his investment. Do you know if there's any grace period or process for late filing if he missed the deadline?
0 coins
Rita Jacobs
ā¢If your brother bought his shares in mid-2021, then yes, his ownership would need to be reported in the 2022 benchmark survey. Regarding late filing, the BEA does have a process for this. They generally encourage companies to file even if they've missed the deadline. While there are potential civil penalties for failing to file (up to $48,000), the BEA typically works with businesses to get the information rather than immediately imposing fines. Your brother should contact the company and encourage them to file as soon as possible, explaining it's better to file late than not at all. The company can also reach out to the BEA directly to explain the situation and their intention to file.
0 coins
Khalid Howes
Quick question - does anyone know if this BE-12 requirement applies if the foreign investment was made through an LLC rather than directly as an individual? My cousin from Canada set up an LLC in Delaware and then that LLC invested in a US C-Corp. Not sure if that changes anything with these filing requirements.
0 coins
Ben Cooper
ā¢From my understanding, the structure you're describing doesn't exempt your cousin from these requirements. The BEA looks at the ultimate beneficial owner when determining foreign investment. If a foreign person owns an LLC that then invests in a C-Corp, the foreign ownership "passes through" the LLC for purposes of the BE-12 survey.
0 coins