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Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Small business owners in Ann Arbor trust 1-800Accountant's experienced CPAs to handle their bookkeeping and tax needs, giving them more time to focus on what matters most—growing their business.
Our Accounting Services for Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor 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 Michigan 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 Ann Arbor, 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 Michigan with our complimentary incorporation services. Simply cover any Ann Arbor 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 | 6% |
| County Tax Rate | None |
| Municipal Tax Rate | None |
| Combined Sales Tax Rate | 6% |
| City-Specific Taxes |
|---|
| Most businesses in Ann Arbor are subject to Michigan’s Corporate Income Tax, which is assessed at 6.0% of taxable income. Returns (Form 4891) and payments are due the last day of the fourth month after the end of the fiscal year (April 30 for calendar-year filers). |
| Licenses and Permits |
|---|
Ann Arbor does not require a general business license, but certain activities require specific permits. |
| Construction businesses need building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. |
| Businesses using portable sandwich board signs require a permit. |
| Businesses placing objects in public right-of-way (like PODS or dumpsters) need barricade permits. |
| Event-based businesses must obtain block party permits, tent permits, or banner permits when applicable. |
| Most other business licenses in Ann Arbor are regulated at the state level through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. |
| Grants and Funding in Ann Arbor | Grants and Funding Information |
|---|---|
| Michigan Business Development Program - One-Time Mobility Fund | Offers grants for businesses in two categories: test site grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per grant and real-world deployment grants with varying amounts. This 2025 initiative supports innovation and mobility-related business development throughout Michigan. |
| State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI 2.0) | Recently announced second round making $79,383,856 available for Michigan's small businesses. This initiative aims to decrease the gap in access to capital, with a demonstrated commitment to underrepresented small businesses in urban and rural communities across the state. |
| Ann Arbor SPARK Small Business Support | Provides no-cost resources and support for small businesses in Washtenaw County (which includes Ann Arbor) along with Livingston and Monroe Counties. This program helps local businesses access available funding opportunities and navigate the regional business ecosystem. |
| Ann Arbor Small Business Grants | Available for for-profit businesses, not-for-profit organizations, public-sector entities, and sole proprietors operating from their primary residence in Ann Arbor. Contact Michigan financial aid agencies or review application guides through the city's official channels for eligibility requirements. |
What to Look for in Ann Arbor, Michigan Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
When choosing an accountant or bookkeeper for your Ann Arbor small business, you should consider the following factors:
Certifications and State Compliance: Seek professionals with appropriate credentials like CPA certification who demonstrate thorough knowledge of Michigan tax regulations. Ann Arbor's diverse economy requires accountants who stay current with both state and local tax codes affecting businesses in this university-influenced market.
Industry Specialization: Find accountants experienced in Ann Arbor's growing sectors like pharmaceutical manufacturing, information security, and technology. A professional who understands the financial challenges of your specific industry—whether you're part of the thriving life sciences community or the expanding winery and agribusiness sector—will provide more valuable guidance than a generalist.
University and Research Connection: Ann Arbor's economy is deeply connected to the University of Michigan's research initiatives. Select an accountant familiar with grant accounting, research funding structures, and the financial relationships between academic institutions and commercial ventures that define much of the local business ecosystem.
Knowledge of Local Economic Incentives: Ann Arbor offers various economic development programs through organizations like Ann Arbor SPARK and Michigan Business Development Program. Your financial professional should help you navigate available tax incentives, particularly those supporting the technology and life sciences sectors that dominate the local economy.
Talk to a business tax expert today for all your tax needs in Ann Arbor.
Additional Michigan Accounting Resources:
Michigan Small Business Tax Guide: Filing for Compliance
Virtual Bookkeeping: How To Find the Best Online Bookkeeper
10 Common Small Business Tax Questions Owners Are Asking
*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.