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Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham business owners trust 1-800Accountant's expert CPAs to handle their bookkeeping and tax needs, saving valuable time while maximizing deductions and maintaining compliance year-round.
Our Accounting Services for Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Alabama 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 Birmingham, 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 Alabama with our complimentary incorporation services. Simply cover any Birmingham 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 | 2% |
| Municipal Tax Rate | 4% |
| Combined Sales Tax Rate | 10% |
| City-Specific Taxes |
|---|
| Birmingham enforces an Occupational Tax that applies to all businesses employing individuals within city limits. The rate is 5 mills (0.5%) on employees’ gross wages, which must be withheld and remitted monthly by the 25th of the following month. |
| Licenses and Permits |
|---|
| All businesses operating in Birmingham must obtain a business license from the Tax and License Division. |
| New business applications are accepted daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Room TL-100 in City Hall. |
| Business owners can renew their licenses through Birmingham's online business license portal for 24-hour access. |
| Some businesses require additional regulatory permits beyond the standard business license, with fees varying based on business type. |
| The Tax and License Division is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT for assistance with licensing requirements. |
| Grants and Funding in Birmingham | Grants and Funding Information |
|---|---|
| Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program | Provides non-dilutive supplemental funding to Alabama-based small businesses that have active Phase I or Phase II Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. Eligible businesses can receive up to $250,000 to support commercializing proven, scalable technologies. The next application period opens January 23, 2025, and closes February 28, 2025. |
| Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) Grant | A City of Birmingham grant program focused on empowering and supporting local businesses for sustainable growth and long-term development. The next application window opens August 5, 2024, with a deadline of September 5, 2024, for funding during 2025. The program is specifically tailored to Birmingham's diverse business landscape. |
| Alabama Small Business Development Center Funding Programs | The ASBDC provides access to various state-level grants and funding opportunities for small businesses in Alabama. They offer resources for entrepreneurs seeking financial assistance and guidance on available grants through state government agencies and economic development organizations. |
| Alabama Small Business Commission Grants | The state government in Alabama provides periodic grant opportunities for small businesses and organizations throughout the state. These specialized initiatives support local entrepreneurship and economic development, with varying eligibility requirements and funding amounts based on specific programs. |
What to Look for in Birmingham, Alabama Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
When choosing an accountant or bookkeeper for your Alabama small business, you should consider the following factors:
Certifications and State Compliance: Look for professionals with proper credentials like CPA certification. Your accountant should thoroughly understand Birmingham's local tax codes and Alabama's state-specific regulations, particularly for industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and steel production that drive the local economy.
Industry-Specific Experience: Find a financial professional familiar with Birmingham's unique business landscape. An accountant with experience serving clients in healthcare can navigate UAB-related contracts, while those versed in manufacturing understand the financial complexities of Birmingham's steel and materials companies like ACIPCO and McWane.
Understanding of Local Economic Conditions: Select an accountant who comprehends Birmingham's evolving economic environment. The city's transition from purely industrial to a mixed economy with growing biotechnology, healthcare, and service sectors creates distinct financial planning opportunities that knowledgeable local accountants can identify.
Knowledge of Regional Tax Incentives: Birmingham offers specific incentives for businesses in targeted growth areas like the Innovation District and revitalized downtown corridors. A Birmingham-based accountant can help you access local tax abatements, historic rehabilitation credits relevant to the city's industrial buildings, and state-level incentives designed for Alabama's key industries.
Talk to a business tax expert today for all your tax needs in Birmingham.
Additional Alabama Accounting Resources:
How to Calculate Quarterly Estimated Taxes in 2024
Virtual Bookkeeping: How To Find the Best Online Bookkeeper
How Much Will A CPA Cost (And Save) Your Small Business?
*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.