Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Accounting Partner in Lancaster, WI
Southwest Accounting has been serving individuals and businesses since 1986, providing tailored tax and accounting solutions. Our team of experienced professionals combines deep industry knowledge with a collaborative approach to address each client's unique financial needs. We specialize in tax preparation and planning, payroll services, business entity advisory, and cash flow management for diverse industries. With a focus on minimizing tax liabilities and maximizing financial opportunities, we leverage our expertise in evolving tax regulations to deliver actionable insights. Our commitment to accuracy and personalized service has established us as a trusted partner for clients across Wisconsin and neighboring states.We maintain transparency in all operations, ensuring clients understand their financial position and compliance requirements. Our long-standing presence in Lancaster, Wisconsin reflects our dedication to building lasting relationships through reliable, client-centric solutions. By staying current with regulatory changes, we help clients navigate complex tax scenarios with confidence. Our approach emphasizes proactive planning and clear communication to support informed decision-making. Whether assisting startups or established enterprises, we prioritize delivering value through customized financial strategies that align with each client's goals.
Services
Tax Preparation
Payroll Services
Business Entity Advisory
Cash Flow Management
Farming Assistance
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in tax and accounting services
- Our team provides personalized financial strategies for unique client needs
- We deliver comprehensive solutions including tax planning and payroll management
- Established reputation serving Wisconsin businesses since 1986
- We guarantee accurate, timely service with regulatory compliance expertise
Services
Tax Preparation
Our tax preparation services ensure accurate and timely filing for individuals and businesses. We handle federal and state tax returns while identifying deductions and credits to minimize liabilities. Our team stays current with evolving tax laws to provide strategic planning opportunities that align with your financial goals and regulatory requirements.
Payroll Services
We offer comprehensive payroll management including record-keeping, tax withholdings, and regulatory filings. Our services cover time card processing, check issuance, and year-end form preparation. This ensures businesses maintain compliance while focusing on core operations without payroll-related administrative burdens.
Business Entity Advisory
We provide expert guidance on selecting optimal business structures during company formation. Our advisory services evaluate tax implications and liability protection to determine the most advantageous entity type. We also review existing businesses for potential restructuring opportunities that enhance financial efficiency and legal protection.
Cash Flow Management
Our cash flow management services help businesses maintain liquidity through budgeting and spending analysis. We develop forecasting models and debt management strategies to optimize working capital. This enables clients to make informed financial decisions that support sustainable growth and operational stability.
Farming Assistance
We specialize in agricultural financial management, offering cash flow planning and budget optimization for farmers. Our services include expense tracking, revenue forecasting, and tax planning tailored to farming operations. This helps agricultural clients improve profitability through strategic financial management and regulatory compliance.
People
Tom Gildersleeve
Founder
Tom established Southwest Accounting in 1987 after working with a local law firm's tax practice. With over 35 years of experience, he built the firm into a trusted regional accounting service while maintaining a client-focused approach to tax and financial solutions.
Steve Schneider
Partner
Steve joined Southwest Accounting in 1993 and became a partner in 1997. He brings extensive expertise in business accounting and tax planning, working closely with clients to develop customized financial strategies that support long-term success and regulatory compliance.
Questions
When should I expect my tax refund?
E-filed returns typically receive refunds within 3 weeks, while paper returns may take up to 12 weeks. You can check refund status through official IRS or state department websites.
How do I update my address with the IRS?
Submit Form 8822 to the IRS for federal address changes. Please notify Southwest Accounting as well so we can update your records for future correspondence.
What should I do if I receive an IRS notice?
Make a copy and send it to Southwest Accounting. We'll handle the response and ensure proper documentation is maintained for your future tax filings.
Can I amend a previously filed tax return?
Yes, contact us immediately if you need changes after filing. We'll determine if an amended return is required and guide you through the correction process.
How long should I keep tax records?
We recommend retaining actual tax returns permanently. Supporting documentation can be discarded after 7 years while maintaining digital copies of important financial records.
Do I need a business bank account?
Yes, separate business accounts prevent commingling of funds and ensure proper financial tracking. We recommend establishing a dedicated business account using your EIN for all business transactions.
