The single greatest expenditure for most people is taxes. Federal income tax, state, city and local income tax, social security, Medicare, sales, excise, amusement (strange oxymoron), use, gift, estate, occupancy tax, and the ubiquitous intangibles tax. The small business owner has additional taxes in the form of federal and state unemployment tax, workmen's compensation insurance (a percent of payroll--sounds like a tax to me) and inventory taxes.I have dedicated my life to tax planning, reduction and resolution with the goal of allowing my clients to keep more of their money in their possession.
Services
The Harper Advisory Group moved to Columbia, Maryland in 1973, becoming one of the first local accounting and tax firms. Our founder, Liz Harper, was featured in articles published in the Columbia Flyer and Howard County Times. She was an exception to an otherwise male dominated world of business owners.
If you think you are really qualified to do your own taxes, go to the IRS website and download the study guide for tax preparers. Take the study test. How did that work for you? That is the least IRS expects a tax return preparer to know. You can misinterpret what you think the law says and wind up with interest and penalties for failure to claim something as income or because you deducted something incorrectly. Either something was missed OR an income item has caused an IRS notice of Proposed Adjustment.
Accurate and timely accounting information is a necessity for any successful business. Our business division, SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTANTS, has 42 years of experience combining education, expertise and cutting-edge technology. SBA can assist you on either a temporary or ongoing basis. We can design, implement, incorporate, set-up and maintain your company.
Chances are that you needed a "pre-lawyer" consult with an accountant who specializes in Individual and Small Business financial issues. We offer a service called "Pre-Law". Before the lawyers with their high retainers and hourly rates wouldn't it be nice to sit down with a professional and get organized and informed about your situation?
Reviews (4)
Thomas H.
Oct 22, 2021
I met Liz over 20 years ago through a mutual friend and the thing that struck me right away about her is that she cares about each and every one of her clients. She took time to get to know my situation and has always been on the lookout for ways I can save $$. She really knows her stuff and to this day, I look forward to my annual visit to her office.
And I HATE number crunching in general, so this is like you looking forward to your next visit to the dentist. Even at tax crunch time, Liz and her staff are responsive and I can tell you that, you won't get that anywhere else. Now let me talk about price. Is she "cheap"? Nope. Is she crazy expensive? Nope. You know that sweet spot where you pay a fair price, but still get great service, and you walk away wanting to go tell a few friends about them? That is Liz and Harper Advisory Group.
And I HATE number crunching in general, so this is like you looking forward to your next visit to the dentist. Even at tax crunch time, Liz and her staff are responsive and I can tell you that, you won't get that anywhere else. Now let me talk about price. Is she "cheap"? Nope. Is she crazy expensive? Nope. You know that sweet spot where you pay a fair price, but still get great service, and you walk away wanting to go tell a few friends about them? That is Liz and Harper Advisory Group.
William Von Eiff
Jan 23, 2021
A fine mind for sorting out the ins and outs of Federal and State tax laws, Liz Harper is a very skilled Enrolled Agent; someone you can trust to guide you through the smaller to largest impact of new tax laws that are constantly being revised by Maryland and the IRS. I don't know she keeps up with them all, but she has an uncanny way of always being ahead of them so she can better prepare her clients for the issues arising from each revision to the tax codes.
More than all that, she is a compassionate and caring soul who treats her clients like family. You don't encounter people like Liz very often these days. She's very smart and very, very special. You will not ever regret hiring her for tax advice and preparation.
More than all that, she is a compassionate and caring soul who treats her clients like family. You don't encounter people like Liz very often these days. She's very smart and very, very special. You will not ever regret hiring her for tax advice and preparation.
C. N.
Mar 19, 2020
I found Harper Advisory Group a couple of years ago. I was having issues with some old taxes and did a search in Howard County for someone that could help me. I looked at several websites and then finally stumbled on Liz's. I reviewed her website and read through everything and was really impressed with what I saw. What stood out to me the most is the information on her homepage.
Here is one thing. "I am not your fathers tax accountant. This is not a cold business of just numbers and law. I've spent a lifetime building relationships and working for the finest people I know, our clients." When I read that I knew that this person had a heart and compassion and would be able to help me. As I mentioned that was several years ago and I've gone to her every year since. Liz is kind, she is helpful, and she digs in and gets to know you so she can do the best job for you. But most importantly she's uber smart about tax law and she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. I highly recommend her. And have to many people!
Here is one thing. "I am not your fathers tax accountant. This is not a cold business of just numbers and law. I've spent a lifetime building relationships and working for the finest people I know, our clients." When I read that I knew that this person had a heart and compassion and would be able to help me. As I mentioned that was several years ago and I've gone to her every year since. Liz is kind, she is helpful, and she digs in and gets to know you so she can do the best job for you. But most importantly she's uber smart about tax law and she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. I highly recommend her. And have to many people!
Sandra T.
Apr 28, 2018
Very expensive. Took a return to HAG to do and was told "a few days". Took a month to get it back and hit with a HUGE "discount" fee! Had questions after payment on the work done. One message was left on my voice mail but partly inaudible. Called back - left 2 messages - no call back as of yet. Had to get answers from the state Comptroller's office on the work that was paid for! Poor customer service IMO.
