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Legal Accountant in Norristown

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 Norristown 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: Legal accounting necessitates meticulous record-keeping to track accounts receivable, accounts payable, and clients’ trust funds. In the absence of precise records, it is easy to miss filing deadlines or make other expensive errors.

Not being aware of applicable laws: Each state has distinct laws and regulations regarding legal accounting, underscoring the importance of knowing the specific requirements of your state. Non-compliance with these regulations may result in expensive fines or legal action.

Incorrectly identifying income as revenue and vice versa: Attorneys often misidentify payments as income or revenue. It is crucial to distinguish between the two and guarantee the correct classification of all payments to avoid costly errors.

Entering data incorrectly: Manual data entry errors can significantly compromise the precision of financial records. This only underscores the importance of reviewing all entries and verifying the accuracy of all data.

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 Norristown, 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) account is designed to keep client funds separate from the attorney’s personal funds. Our legal accounting experts at SD Associates, P.C. recognize the intricacy of IOLTA accounts and provide thorough management services for such accounts. We guarantee 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

Accurate record-keeping is crucial for any business. At SD Associates, P.C., our seasoned professionals furnish dependable and comprehensive bookkeeping services to assist you in maintaining well-organized records of your financial transactions. Our team of CPAs and accountants possess extensive proficiency in all facets of legal financial management, ensuring that your accounting requirements are adequately addressed.

We offer an extensive range of bookkeeping services, including the creation of precise financial statements and reports, the tracking of receivables and payables, budget development, payroll management, and more. We recognize the significance of maintaining current records for your business’s financial well-being. As a result, our competent staff is committed to ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all of 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 Norristown Today

In case you need assistance with your law firm’s legal structure, tax matters, or audit procedures, reach out to our Norristown legal accountant at SD Associates, P.C. We are well-versed in the intricacies of tax regulations and offer a wide range of accounting services. To begin, simply dial (215) 517-5600!