Kimble Accounting
Find your next stepStart here
Menu

How it works

How working together works.

A clear next step, then a clear scope. Here is how an inquiry becomes a working relationship, and how to prepare if you are still getting organized.

Find your next stepSee how to prepare

The process

A clear next step, then a clear scope.

  1. Tell Christian what you need

    A short inquiry in three steps: what you'd like help with, where things stand, and how to reach you. No documents are needed.

  2. Pick a time for an introductory call

    Right after the form, Christian's calendar opens so you can choose a time that works. It's a 15-minute call on Microsoft Teams about your business, your needs, and whether a consultation makes sense. You both get a confirmation email with the Teams link, and he has read your answers before you talk.

  3. Consultation

    When working together makes sense, you go deeper: your business, your entity, the states you file in, the condition of your books, and what you want the year to look like. This is where the work gets defined.

  4. A clear quote

    Pricing is based on complexity, states and forms. If the full picture changes the work, you'll talk it through before anything changes. No surprises.

  5. Getting set up, then through the year

    You get a clear list of what's needed and when, and documents are exchanged securely. Then planning check-ins, clear instructions when something needs your attention, and answers when you have questions.

Working well together

A good relationship runs both ways.

We work best together when information is organized and communication goes both ways. None of this requires perfection.

  • Clear instructions, timely answers

    You'll know what's needed next and when. Answering promptly keeps your work moving and deadlines comfortable.

  • A digital process

    The practice works digitally. You don't have to be paperless today to be open to that way of working.

  • Reasonably organized records

    Perfect isn't required. If your books need catching up, a bookkeeping cleanup may be the place to start.

  • Decisions made together

    Planning works when it's acted on. You make the decisions, and Christian makes sure they're informed.

Getting ready

A useful starting point for your records and questions.

You don't need to share financial documents to understand your next step. Start with this checklist for yourself.

  1. Write down the help you want. Tax planning, a return, bookkeeping, or help understanding where to begin.
  2. Note two things separately. Whether your books are current, and whether any tax years are unfiled. They're different questions with different next steps.
  3. Locate what you already have. Your bookkeeping system and your previous returns. Keep them secure; don't upload or email them through this website.
  4. List your three biggest questions about working with an accountant.
  5. Consider working digitally. Think about whether you're willing to exchange information that way. You don't need to choose or buy software first.

If your records are on paper

Identify what you have and what needs organizing. Moving to a digital process starts with understanding what's required, and Christian can explain that when you're ready.

If several years of filings need attention

The practice works with the current year and one prior year. For more than that, a CPA or enrolled agent who handles overdue filings can help establish the right next steps. You're welcome to describe your situation in an inquiry; preparing doesn't guarantee Christian can take the work on.

If you need a different service

  • Payroll: a payroll service provider.
  • Sales tax: a sales tax specialist, or a payroll provider that files sales tax.
  • Nonprofit organizations: a CPA who works with nonprofits.
  • Estates and trusts: a CPA who prepares estate and trust returns, often alongside an estate attorney.
  • Cannabis businesses: a CPA experienced with the cannabis industry.

When you're ready to discuss planning, returns or bookkeeping, tell Christian what has changed and what you'd like help with.

Find your next step

Pricing

No price list. A clear quote instead.

No two situations are the same, so there's no menu of prices.

Pricing depends on complexity, the number of states and the forms involved. After a consultation you get a quote based on what you've shared. Sometimes the full picture only comes into view once the work begins. If that changes the scope, Christian walks you through it before anything changes. No surprises.

Where I work

In person nearby. Video anywhere.

In-person meetings within about 45 minutes of Edwardsville. Everyone else works with Christian by video, with documents exchanged securely.

Questions

Everything people usually ask.

How do I get started?
Fill out the short form in three steps, then pick a time for a 15-minute introductory call on Christian's calendar. You both get a confirmation email with a Microsoft Teams link. When working together makes sense, a consultation defines the scope and the quote.
What happens on the first call?
It's a 15-minute introductory conversation on Microsoft Teams about your business, what you need, and whether a consultation makes sense. Christian has read your form answers before you talk. It isn't a tax review, so there's nothing to gather beyond your questions.
What if I'm not sure what I need?
That's a fine place to start. Choose "Not sure yet" on the form, describe what's going on, and pick a time to talk it through. The preparation guide can help you sort out your questions first.
Do my books need to be perfect?
Your books don't need to be perfect. Reasonably organized books are a good starting point. If they need significant catch-up, a bookkeeping cleanup may be the place to begin, and Christian looks at those individually. The preparation guide on the How it works page can help you sort out where things stand.
Can I start if my records are on paper?
The practice works digitally. If your records are on paper today and you're ready to move to a digital process, that can be a starting point. The preparation guide explains how to take stock of what you have.
What if I have unfiled tax years?
Keep two questions separate: whether your books are current, and whether any returns are unfiled. The practice works with the current year and one prior year. If more years need attention, include that in your inquiry and Christian will let you know whether it's something he can consider or what kind of help to look for.
What if I need a service you don't provide?
Payroll, sales tax, nonprofit, estate and trust work are outside the services Kimble Accounting provides. The preparation guide on the How it works page describes the kind of professional who handles each one.
What work doesn't the practice take on?
Payroll, sales tax, nonprofits, and estates and trusts are handled by other professionals. The practice also doesn't work with cannabis businesses.
How much does it cost?
There's no price list, because pricing depends on complexity, the number of states and the forms involved. After a consultation you get a quote based on what you've shared. Sometimes the full picture only comes into view once the work begins. If that changes the scope, Christian walks you through it before anything changes. No surprises.
How does communication work?
Clear communication is central to how Christian works. You get clear instructions on what's needed and when, straight answers to your questions, and updates along the way.
Can we meet in person?
Yes, within about 45 minutes of Edwardsville. The practice is paperless, so a Microsoft Teams call works just as well if that's easier for you. Clients outside that area work with Christian on Teams.
How hard is it to switch accountants?
Usually simpler than people expect. It starts with your most recent returns and your books, and you get a clear list of anything else that's needed.
Can you handle Illinois and Missouri?
Yes. Christian is a CPA licensed in Missouri and works with clients on both sides of the river. If you have income or business activity in both states, the second state is part of the quote.
How are documents exchanged?
Securely, once you're working together, and never through this website. The forms and the assistant here never ask for tax documents, Social Security numbers, account numbers or financial figures.
What are your hours?
Hours are weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meetings are by appointment, in person nearby or by video.

The best time to plan is before December 31.

Much of what shapes a tax bill is decided during the year. A short conversation now leaves time to act on it.

Find your next step
Email Next step