1-800Accountant, America's leading virtual accounting firm for small businesses, offers seamless end-to-end bookkeeping and accounting services handled by experts designed to give you peace of mind and the extra time you need to focus on building your business.
Business Tax Preparation: Have your taxes prepared and filed by an accountant with expertise in your industry, so you're always confident in your business tax situation. With a deep understanding of Savannah's diverse economic landscape—including tourism, manufacturing, and logistics—our CPAs, with more than 17 years of experience on average, can save you thousands annually when you delegate complex Savannah tax preparation to them!
Bookkeeping: Solidify your financial foundation and manage cash flow with precise, error-free bookkeeping tailored for businesses in Savannah. Save time and gain crucial insights that empower you to make important data-backed decisions in the local market. This meticulous process delivers essential tools for interpreting data with easy-to-understand reporting, enabling your accountant to develop vital financial modeling specific to your industry.
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 accountant. Strategic planning helps minimize your business tax liability in Georgia throughout the year while ensuring compliance with all state and local regulations, including those unique to Savannah's business environment.
Payroll: Save hours each pay period with comprehensive payroll services handled for you, including regular tax submissions to the city of Savannah and the state of Georgia, 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 Georgia with our complimentary incorporation services. Simply cover any Savannah-specific 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 in the Georgia market.
Level | Rate |
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State Tax Rate | 4% |
County Tax Rate | 3% |
Municipal Tax Rate | 0% |
Combined Sales Tax Rate | 7% |
City-Specific Taxes |
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Businesses in Savannah must pay the 7% State Use and Sales Tax , which must be remitted to the Georgia Revenue Department by the 20th day of the following month. |
Licenses and Permits |
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Businesses in Savannah must obtain a Business Tax Certificate to operate legally. This certificate serves as the city's business license and must be renewed annually. |
For online businesses and professional services, a Business Location Approval is required before applying for the Business Tax Certificate. |
Grants and Funding in Savannah | Grants and Funding Information |
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Business Loan Fund | Offers loans up to $150,000 for most business purposes, with interest rates of 4.00% in Incentive Zones and 6.5% outside these zones. |
UGA FAST Grant | Provides up to $2,450 to help Georgia-based businesses prepare competitive SBIR/STTR proposals. |
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) | Offers various credit programs to support startups and small businesses in Georgia, including venture capital and equity programs. |
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program | Funds projects that serve the needs of low- and moderate-income people, families, and communities in Savannah. |
Certifications and State Compliance: Ensure the accountant or bookkeeper holds the appropriate certifications, such as being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Georgia. They should be well-versed in Georgia's specific tax laws and compliance requirements to effectively manage your financial needs.
Experience and Specialization: Look for professionals with experience in your specific industry. Specialized knowledge is crucial for handling industry-specific financial matters and assisting with strategic long-term planning.
Understanding of Local Economic Conditions: Choose a professional who understands the local economic environment in Savannah. Familiarity with the city's key industries—such as shipping and logistics, manufacturing, and tourism—can significantly impact financial decision-making and tax planning.
Knowledge of State Tax Incentives: Georgia offers various business-friendly tax incentives, including credits for job creation, investment in certain industries, and employee retraining programs. An informed financial professional can help you navigate these incentives to minimize your tax burden.
*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.