Remote accounting is no longer unusual. Most of the work, from bank feeds to e-filing, already happens online. A virtual accountant simply removes the office visit and widens your choice of professionals beyond your zip code.
What a virtual accountant can do
- Bookkeeping, reconciliation, and monthly financial statements.
- Tax preparation and filing for the business and the owners, in multiple states.
- Payroll setup and filings.
- Sales tax registration and returns.
- Tax planning and entity advice.
- Help with IRS and state notices, if properly credentialed.
How the work happens
- 1A secure client portal for documents and e-signatures.
- 2Access to your cloud accounting software, with you remaining the owner of the file.
- 3Scheduled video or phone calls for reviews and planning.
- 4A shared task list or messaging for questions.
Pros and cons
- Pros: broader choice of experts, more scheduling flexibility, often a deeper focus on your industry, and no commuting or office visits.
- Cons: less spontaneous in-person contact, and you must be comfortable sharing documents digitally.
- A good virtual firm makes up for the lack of an office with clear communication and defined response times.
Check credentials before you hire
Anyone can call themselves an accountant. Ask what credentials the person holds and verify them: a CPA license through the state board of accountancy, an enrolled agent through the IRS directory, or an attorney through the state bar. Credentials determine who may represent you before the IRS. See CPA vs tax preparer.
Ask about data security
- Does the firm use an encrypted portal rather than email attachments?
- Does it use multi-factor authentication?
- Does it have a written information security plan? Tax professionals are required to have one.
- How are your files stored, backed up, and eventually deleted?
How pricing works
Virtual firms typically offer fixed-fee per return, monthly packages, or hourly rates. We do not list dollar figures because we could not verify reliable current sources and prices vary widely. Ask for a written proposal that lists the services, states, and returns included. For fee drivers, see what an LLC tax accountant costs and small business accountant pricing.
Questions to ask
- Who will do my work and who reviews it?
- How quickly do you respond to questions?
- Will I own my accounting file and records?
- Do you work with my industry and my states?
- Do you handle both bookkeeping and tax so there is no handoff gap?
We serve clients across the United States remotely. See our bookkeeping service and tax preparation service, or book a consultation to see whether a virtual setup fits you.
