Business foundation services that set you up for lasting success
Starting a business or restructuring an existing one can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Our foundational CPA services provide the expert guidance you need to make smart decisions about entity type selection, accounting system consulting, and tax-advantaged retirement options.
For 35+ years, we’ve helped Northwest Arkansas businesses build strong foundations that support growth, minimize taxes, and create lasting value. We’re not just your CPA for new businesses—we’re your strategic partners in building something that lasts.
Entity Type Analysis
LLC vs. S Corp tax guidance that saves you money.
The business structure consulting you receive early on determines your tax liability, legal protection, and growth potential for years to come. Many business owners choose entities based on outdated information or generic advice—costing them thousands in unnecessary taxes.
Our entity type selection process goes deeper than surface-level recommendations. We analyze your specific situation, growth plans, and tax strategy to identify the best business structure for tax savings in your unique circumstances.
What we analyze:
- Current and projected income levels
- Number of owners and profit-sharing goals
- Industry-specific liability concerns
- Long-term exit strategy planning
- State and federal tax implications
- Administrative complexity vs. benefits
Schedule your entity consultation
Accounting System Setup
Bookkeeping software setup that actually makes sense.
Your accounting system should clarify your financial position, not create more confusion. Too many businesses struggle with poorly configured software that generates unreliable reports and creates inefficient workflows.
Our accounting system consulting for startups and established businesses ensures your books work as hard as you do. Whether you need QuickBooks® setup help or want to optimize your existing system, we create streamlined processes that deliver accurate, real-time insights.
Our setup process includes:
- Software selection based on your industry and needs
- Custom chart of accounts designed for clear reporting
- Automated workflows that reduce manual data entry
- Integration with banking, payroll, and other business tools
- Team training to ensure proper ongoing use
- Regular system optimization and updates
Schedule your system consultation
Retirement Plan Analysis
Business retirement strategy that works for owners and employees.
Nearly 40% of small businesses don’t offer retirement plans—missing huge opportunities for tax savings and employee retention. The right retirement planning for small businesses creates win-win scenarios: reduce current taxes while building long-term wealth.
Our business retirement strategy CPA services help you navigate complex options like SEP IRAs vs. Solo 401(k)s, profit-sharing plans, and defined benefit arrangements. We design tax-advantaged retirement options that fit your budget and growth plans.
Retirement plans we specialize in:
- SEP IRA for simple, flexible contributions
- Solo 401(k) for maximum owner benefits
- SIMPLE IRA for small teams
- Traditional 401(k) with employer matching
- Profit-sharing plans for performance-based rewards
- Defined benefit plans for high earners
Schedule your retirement plan analysis
FAQs about business foundation services
What’s the difference between an LLC and S Corp for tax purposes?
The main difference lies in how profits are taxed and how owners pay self-employment taxes. LLC owners typically pay self-employment taxes on all profits, while S Corp owners can save on self-employment taxes by taking a reasonable salary and receiving additional profits as distributions. However, S Corps have more administrative requirements.
Our LLC vs. S Corp tax guidance helps you weigh these trade-offs based on your specific income levels and business goals.
Do I need a CPA to set up my accounting software?
While you can technically set up accounting software yourself, improper configuration often creates more problems than it solves.
Our CPA bookkeeping software setup ensures your chart of accounts, workflows, and reporting align with your business needs and tax requirements. This foundation prevents costly corrections later and gives you confidence in your financial data from day one.
What's the best retirement plan for a small business owner?
The “best” plan depends on your income, number of employees, and tax strategy. A comparison between SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s for business owners is a common consideration: SEP IRAs offer simplicity and flexibility, while Solo 401(k)s allow higher contribution limits for owner-only businesses.
Our retirement planning analysis for small businesses considers all factors to recommend the optimal solution for your specific situation.
When should I consider changing my business structure?
Common triggers include significant income growth, adding partners or employees, expanding to new states, or preparing for sale.
Our business structure consulting reviews these situations and helps you understand the tax and legal implications of any changes. Sometimes the benefits of restructuring outweigh the costs and complexity—but not always.
How much do business foundation services typically cost?
Investment varies based on complexity and services needed. Our levelized billing approach spreads costs over 12 months, making foundational CPA services affordable for growing businesses.
We provide transparent pricing upfront and include ongoing support to ensure your foundation remains strong as you grow.
What our clients have to say
Farmers Insurance, Springdale
My experience with Keen and Company has been nothing short of exceptional. With their help, I now have my business structured correctly and have my personal and business affairs separate. I like the fact that we meet quarterly or semi-annually to make sure there are no surprises. When I call and need something, I know it will be handled swiftly and accurately.
I absolutely recommend Keen and Company! There are so many things they help me do, so I can spend more time on my business; from monthly payroll taxes to quarterly taxes, bill pay with BOSS, and end-of-year taxes. It’s a HUGE time savings for me.
Build your business foundation the right way
Don’t leave your business structure, accounting systems, and retirement planning to chance. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to optimize your existing foundation, we’re here to help you.