Not confident your current preparer got everything right? We review business tax returns — before filing or after — so you know exactly where you stand.
A Second Set of Eyes Before Your Business Tax Return Goes Out
What a Business Tax Return Review Actually Covers
We look at what was filed, what was missed, and what it means for you.
A business tax return review is a focused, independent look at your return — whether it's already been filed or is sitting on your desk waiting for a signature. We go through the numbers line by line, checking for missed deductions, classification errors, and positions that may not hold up under scrutiny. If something looks off, we tell you plainly and explain what it could mean.
This isn't a vague reassurance that "everything looks fine." It's a working review by a team that has been handling business tax returns in Northern Nevada for nearly five decades. We know what small business returns in this region tend to get wrong, and we know where money gets left behind.
What we examine in a typical review:
- Entity structure and whether it's producing the right tax outcome
- Deduction categories — including home office, vehicle, depreciation, and meals
- Payroll and owner compensation treatment
- Carryforwards, credits, and elections that may have been missed
- Prior-year consistency and positions that could attract IRS attention
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Three Situations Where a Tax Return Review Makes Sense
You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from a second opinion. Most business owners who come to us for a review fall into one of three situations.
- You're about to file and you're not fully confident. Your return is prepared, but something feels off — or you've simply never had anyone other than your current preparer look at your numbers. A pre-filing review catches problems before they become permanent.
- You filed last year and you're wondering if you overpaid. Prior-year business tax return reviews regularly surface missed deductions or elections that could have reduced your liability. If that's the case, an amended return may be worth filing.
- You're thinking about switching accountants. Reviewing your prior returns is one of the first things we do when a new business client comes aboard. It gives us a clear picture of where things stand, helps us spot any issues that need addressing, and makes the transition straightforward for you.
Why Business Owners in Reno and Sparks Work With Us
Hartmann & Associates has been in business since 1976 — built from a small in-home bookkeeping practice into a full-service accounting firm serving small and mid-sized businesses across Northern Nevada. Every review we perform is handled in-house by our own team, not sent to an outside contractor or offshore service.
We're also a BBB member with a long-standing reputation in the Sparks and Reno community. When you bring us a return to review, you're getting experienced local eyes — people who understand Nevada tax considerations, know this business environment, and aren't going to hand your financials off to someone you've never met.
If the review surfaces issues or you decide you want ongoing support, we offer a full range of business tax and bookkeeping services under one roof. A review is a low-commitment starting point, but it can become the foundation of a longer-term relationship if that's what you're looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you review a return that was prepared by someone else?
Yes. We review returns regardless of who prepared them. We're not here to criticize your previous preparer — we're here to give you an accurate, independent read on what the return contains and whether anything should be addressed.What happens if you find an error on a prior-year return?
We'll explain what we found and walk you through your options. Depending on the nature of the error and the dollar amount involved, filing an amended return may make sense. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether it's worth pursuing.How far back can you review a prior business tax return?
We can review any prior-year return you have on hand. In most cases, amended returns can be filed up to three years after the original due date, so prior-year reviews are most actionable within that window — though there are exceptions depending on the circumstances.Is a tax return review the same as an audit?
No. A tax return review is an internal service we perform for you as a client. It's a professional second opinion, not a government examination. An IRS audit is initiated by the IRS — a review by our firm is something you commission to get clarity before or after filing.Can a second opinion on my business tax return in Reno lead to ongoing accounting services?
It can, if that's what you want. Many clients come to us for a review and decide to make the switch to our firm for ongoing tax preparation, bookkeeping, or advisory work. Others just want the review and move on — that's fine too. There's no obligation built into the process.
