Plain-English answers to the questions small business owners actually ask.
Articles, videos, FAQs, and downloadable guides on running the financial side of a Georgia small business.
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SDA Named “Best CPA” in My Dunwoody Best of 2026 Awards
We’re incredibly honored to share some exciting news—we’ve been named the Best CPA in the My Dunwoody Best of 2026
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Video business tips
Welcome to the SDA CPA Group, your exclusive peek into the heart of our accounting services. Take a virtual tour of our office, meet a few of our team, and get a glimpse of how we can help you.
Running a small business can be challenging. Your accounting shouldn’t be. Learn how we take on the complicated challenges of small business accounting for you.
CPA and owner Stanley Dean, outlines the focus on technology, communication, pricing structure and culture at SDA CPA and how it separates the company from other CPA firms.
CPA and owner of SDA CPA, Stanley Dean, forecasts the future of online accounting systems.
CPA Stanley Dean discusses different types of taxes for different types of situations, options for paying them as well as the types of forms you will need to use.
CPA and owner of SDA CPA, Stanley Dean, gives advice on protecting your identity and proactive steps you can take if your identity is compromised.
Owner of SDA CPA Stanley Dean, gives advice on audits and healthy, proactive ways to respond to them.
CPA Stanley Dean discusses the different types of companies from sole proprietorships to LLCs and how the IRS views them in regards to taxation.
CPA Stanley Dean discusses tax deductions when it comes to using your personal vehicle for business expenses. For more information email us at info@sdacpa.com.
Editorial standards
Every article on this site is written by, or reviewed by, a credentialed member of the SDA team. Articles include published and last-updated dates, author bios, and citations to authoritative sources where appropriate. See the Accuracy of Claims & Editorial Process page for more details.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we’re asked most often.
General / About SDA
What kind of clients does SDA CPA Group work with?
We work with growth-minded, owner-led small businesses across Georgia, mostly $500K to $5M in revenue. Our most common industries are trades and construction, home services, restaurants and hospitality, healthcare and wellness, and professional services.
Where is SDA CPA Group located?
We have offices in Dunwoody and Cumming, Georgia. We serve clients across Georgia and the country through secure portals and Zoom.
How long has SDA been in business?
SDA CPA Group has been serving Georgia businesses since 2003.
Are you a CPA firm?
Yes. SDA CPA Group, P.C. is a licensed Georgia CPA firm with credentialed CPAs, QuickBooks Online certified ProAdvisors, and payroll specialists.
Getting started
What is a Discovery Meeting?
A relaxed 30-minute conversation — in person or on Zoom — where we learn about your business and tell you honestly whether SDA is a fit. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Do I need to bring anything to a Discovery Meeting?
Not really. If you have a recent business tax return, a recent P&L, and a few questions on your mind, that’s plenty.
How quickly can SDA take over my books and payroll?
Bookkeeping typically transitions in two to three weeks. Payroll usually moves on the next clean pay cycle. Tax services can begin immediately.
Do you require a long-term contract?
No. We require an engagement letter that spells out scope and fee, but we do not require multi-year contracts.
Pricing
How much does an accountant cost in Georgia?
For full Client Accounting Services with a Georgia small business firm, monthly fees typically run from about $750 to $3,500 depending on size and complexity. Business tax returns generally start around $1,500. Individual returns generally start around $450. Payroll starts around $125 to $200 per month for a small team.
Why does SDA publish pricing ranges instead of a fixed price?
Because two businesses that look similar can have very different complexity underneath. We publish ranges so you can budget, then quote your exact monthly fee after a Discovery Meeting.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Your engagement letter spells out exactly what is and isn’t included. We tell you in advance if something falls outside scope so you can decide whether to add it.
Bookkeeping and reporting
How often will my books be closed?
Monthly. For most clients, the books are closed within 10 to 15 business days after month-end, and your reporting package is delivered shortly after.
What reports will I get?
At minimum, a profit and loss and balance sheet. We add management reports that fit your business — job profitability, location margins, AR aging, and more.
Will SDA help me migrate from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online?
Yes. Migrations are a common Install project and are quoted before work begins.
Tax
When are business taxes due in Georgia?
S corporations and partnerships: March 15 federal and Georgia. C corporations: April 15. We file extensions only when needed and plan so they’re rarely necessary.
Should my business be an S corporation?
Often, once owner take-home is consistently above roughly $40K to $60K. The S corp election can save real self-employment tax, but adds payroll and a return. We run the numbers for your specific situation.
What happens if the IRS sends me a notice?
Forward it to us. Most notices are routine. We respond on your behalf, document the resolution, and explain what happened.
How does year-round tax planning work?
We meet quarterly to project your tax liability for the year, look at planning opportunities (retirement contributions, equipment timing, entity structure, owner compensation), and give you a quarterly estimated tax number to pay.
Payroll
Which payroll platform does SDA use?
We work in modern cloud payroll platforms and recommend the right one based on your size, complexity, and integrations. Migrations from your current provider are handled by our team.
Can SDA handle multi-state payroll?
Yes. We register and run multi-state payroll regularly, including for trades businesses with crews crossing state lines and for businesses with remote employees.
Do you pay 1099 contractors through payroll?
Yes, and we generate the 1099s at year-end.
Working with SDA
How do I communicate with my SDA team?
Email, phone, scheduled calls, or a secure client portal — whichever fits you. Each client has a named lead with a small support team behind them.
How fast does SDA respond?
Within one business day, and usually much faster. If something is urgent, call 770-392-1113 and you’ll get a human.
How do you keep my data secure?
Encrypted client portals, multi-factor authentication on all firm accounts, role-based access, and annual security training. See our Website Security & Privacy page for more.
What if SDA isn’t the right fit?
We’ll tell you. We’ll explain what we think you actually need, and we’ll help you find a firm that fits better when we can.