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Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in Albany, New York
Small business owners in Albany trust 1-800Accountant's expert CPAs and bookkeepers to handle their financial needs, from tax preparation to payroll, so they can focus on growth.
Our Accounting Services for Albany Small Businesses
Business Tax Preparation: Have your taxes prepared and filed by a CPA with expertise in your industry so you're always confident in your business tax situation. Our CPAs, with more than 17 years of experience on average, can save you thousands annually when you delegate complex Albany tax preparation to them!
Bookkeeping: Solidify your financial base and manage cash flow with precise, error-free bookkeeping done for you that saves time and provides crucial insights that empower you to make important data-backed business decisions. This meticulous process delivers essential tools for interpreting data with easy-to-understand reporting, enabling your accountant to develop vital financial modeling.
Tax Advisory: Business tax considerations don't end in April. Through our affordable tax advisory service, you can receive the guidance you need when you need it year-round from a dedicated small business tax advisor. Strategic planning helps minimize your business tax liability in New York throughout the year while ensuring compliance.
Payroll: Save hours each pay period with comprehensive payroll services handled for you, with regular tax submissions to the city of Albany, ensuring accuracy and freeing you to focus on other vital aspects of your business.
Business Formation: Enjoy the advantages of officially establishing your business in New York with our complimentary incorporation services. Simply cover any Albany fees, and we will manage the rest. This puts you on a path to hiring employees and creating a business bank account as you experience the benefits of an optimized business structure and maximum tax savings.
Discussing your business taxes with 1-800Accountant is quick and easy:
- Set up a time for us to give you a call.
- Tell us what’s going on with your business.
- Get matched with an accountant who knows your industry & local regulations.
| Level | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Tax Rate | 4% |
| County Tax Rate | 4% |
| Municipal Tax Rate | None |
| Combined Sales Tax Rate | 8% |
| City-Specific Taxes |
|---|
| All businesses in Albany are billed an annual Waste Collection Fee for municipal solid-waste services. The fee is $10.07 per cubic yard of waste collected, with a minimum charge of $150 per business location. This charge appears on the city property tax bill and is due by March 31 each year. |
| Licenses and Permits |
|---|
| Albany businesses must register for a New York State Sales Tax Certificate of Authority before opening. |
| Building permits are required for any business construction or renovation in Albany. Apply through the City of Albany website. |
| Professional service providers (accountants, real estate agents, etc.) must obtain appropriate professional licenses through New York State. |
| E-commerce and retail businesses operating in Albany need to properly register their business entity with the state before obtaining any city-specific permits. |
| Use the NYS Business Wizard to determine your specific licensing requirements based on your business type. |
| Grants and Funding in Albany | Grants and Funding Information |
|---|---|
| Small Business Facade Improvement Program | This matching grant program supports Albany small businesses and property owners looking to reinvest in their locations through exterior renovations. The program aims to enhance commercial districts throughout Albany, with Round 7 application funding opening April 1, 2025. |
| Amplify Albany Grant Program | Designed to provide resources for implementing activities and events that leverage Albany's unique assets. This program enhances the city's commercial districts by funding short and medium-term promotional projects, events, and programming that drive business for participating establishments. |
| Albany County Business Support Grants | These grants offer up to $25,000 per awardee to support business planning and development. Funds can be used for technical assistance, counseling, or other services needed for business growth. Recently announced on March 7, 2025. |
| Local Government Efficiency Grant Program | Administered by the New York State Department of State, this program supports local government initiatives that may benefit area businesses. Interested parties can contact the Albany office at (518) 473-3355 for more information about the 2024-2025 funding cycle. |
What to Look for in Albany, New York Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
When choosing an accountant or bookkeeper for your Albany small business, you should consider the following factors:
Expertise with Government and Public Sector Clients: Find an accountant familiar with Albany's government-dominated economy. The right professional will understand the unique financial requirements for businesses that contract with state agencies or serve the large government workforce, including specialized billing procedures and compliance with state procurement regulations.
Industry-Specific Knowledge: Seek accountants who specialize in Albany's growing sectors such as healthcare, education, and professional services. An accountant who regularly works with clients in your industry will recognize sector-specific tax deductions, understand typical cash flow patterns, and provide more relevant financial guidance than a generalist.
New York State Tax Navigation: Work with professionals who demonstrate thorough knowledge of New York's complex state tax structure and Albany's local tax requirements. Your accountant should stay current on Empire State tax incentives, such as the Excelsior Jobs Program and START-UP NY benefits that apply specifically to businesses operating near Albany's educational institutions.
Understanding of Seasonal Business Cycles: Choose a bookkeeper who comprehends Albany's unique seasonal patterns. From the legislative session's impact on hospitality businesses to the student population's influence on retail cycles, your financial professional should help you plan for Albany's distinctive economic rhythms, including preparing for the quieter summer months when the legislature isn't in session.
Talk to a business tax expert today for all your tax needs in Albany.
Additional New York Accounting Resources:
A Comprehensive Guide to Small Business Taxes in New York
6 Steps to Start an LLC in New York
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up an S Corp in New York?
*Based on a $12.2k average 2022 tax refund per client, which is 4x the cost of a full-service package. Source: first-party data.
*Includes average business tax preparation, form completion and submission, record keeping, and other misc admin time. Source.
*Historical first-party data.