CPA Firm Serving PA, NJ, NY, & DE

Legal Accountant in Horsham

Law firms have a wide range of accounting and financial needs. From tax preparation to estate planning, they need experts who can handle the complexity of their cases. Our Horsham legal accountant at SD Associates, P.C. has extensive experience in the legal field, offering you the best service available. Our services range from bookkeeping, tax preparation, IOLTA account management, and more.

Common Legal Accounting Mistakes

Mishandling trust accounts: Trust accounts are established with an intention to separate funds meant for clients. However, many law firms fail to implement appropriate processes in setting up and handling such accounts.

Failing to keep accurate records: Meticulous record-keeping is essential for legal accounting. Firms must monitor accounts receivable, accounts payable, and clients’ trust funds. Inaccurate records can lead to missed filing deadlines or other costly errors.

Not being aware of applicable laws: Different states have different laws and regulations governing legal accounting, so it’s important to understand the specific requirements of your state. Failing to abide by these rules can lead to costly penalties or litigation.

Incorrectly identifying income as revenue and vice versa: Lawyers often incorrectly classify payments as income or revenue. It’s important to understand the difference between the two and ensure that all payments are correctly classified.

Entering data incorrectly: Manual data entry mistakes can have a considerable impact on the precision of financial records. That’s why it’s essential to verify all entries and ensure the accuracy of all data entered.

Avoiding professional assistance: It is essential to collaborate with experienced professionals like SD Associates for guidance. They can provide the expertise necessary to accurately monitor your finances.

Trust Accounting

Trust accounting is a practice that attorneys, accountants, and other fiduciaries use to manage client funds. Trusts may be set up to manage a variety of assets, including cash, securities and real estate. SD Associates P.C., a legal accountant in Horsham, understands the complexities of trust accounting and provides clients with reliable trust administration services that promote accurate record keeping and financial stability.

Our experts can assist you in developing an effective strategy for managing your trusts while remaining current with the latest regulations and laws. Our professionals guarantee the responsible management, precise reporting, and accurate accounting of all client funds. With our trust accounting services, you can be confident that your clients’ funds are secure and meticulously managed.

IOLTA Account Management

An IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts) is a specialized account that attorneys utilize to manage clients’ funds separately from their own. At SD Associates, P.C., our legal accounting professionals recognize the intricate nature of IOLTA accounts and provide comprehensive management services for such accounts. We ensure that all IOLTA account transactions are correctly documented in compliance with state regulations.

Our team also provides regular reconciliation reports so that attorneys can easily monitor their IOLTA accounts and stay in compliance with trust account management rules. We strive to make sure all parties involved feel secure that the funds are being managed correctly and efficiently. Let SD Associates, P.C.’s experienced legal accounting team handle your IOLTA account transactions so you can focus on providing quality legal services to your clients.

Legal Bookkeeping Solutions

Precise records are critical for any business. At SD Associates, P.C., our skilled professionals provide dependable and thorough bookkeeping services to assist you in maintaining well-organized records of your financial transactions. Our team of CPAs and accountants possesses expertise in all aspects of legal financial management, providing you with peace of mind that your accounting requirements are being met.

We provide a wide range of bookkeeping services including creating accurate financial statements and reports, tracking receivables and payables, developing budgets, managing payrolls and more. We understand the importance of maintaining up-to-date records for your business’s financial health. That’s why our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all our bookkeeping solutions.

Legal Accounting FAQs

Does the legal structure of my law firm have an impact on my taxes?

Yes. The type of legal structure of your law firm (i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, etc.) can significantly impact the way you and your business are taxed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is important to make sure that your legal structure is set up properly to ensure compliance with all applicable IRS regulations. SD Associates, P.C. has extensive experience in helping law firms with their legal structure and navigating the complexities of tax law.

What should I do if I am being audited?

Preparation is key if you are being audited. An audit can be a stressful experience, so it is important to have the right professionals on your side. SD Associates, P.C. specializes in assisting law firms through the audit process and has a team of experienced attorneys and accountants who will help you navigate the audit with ease and confidence. We understand that the audit process can be complex and intimidating, so we will take the time to explain each step of the process to you.

Does GAAP apply to law firms?

Privately-held companies are not required to disclose their financial information. However, adhering to GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) is recommended, especially if the law firm will be seeking financing or investment. SD Associates, P.C. is experienced in helping law firms adhere to and understand GAAP standards, as well as providing them with complete financial reporting services to ensure compliance.

Contact Our Legal Accountant in Horsham Today

Should you require assistance with your law firm’s legal structure, tax matters, or auditing procedures, reach out to our Horsham legal accountant at SD Associates, P.C. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of tax regulations and offers all-encompassing accounting solutions. Dial (215) 517-5600 to begin your journey with us!