--- title: Make More Informed Financial Decisions | The Bean Counter description: Ideas to help small businesses and individuals take advantage of better financial accounting and tax planning. --- ![icon-phone](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-469552994-png/images/icon-phone.png)508-533-5700 **Call today to book your appointment!** [![Ann M. Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-480654324-png/images/circle-logo4.png?width=630&height=168&name=circle-logo4.png "Ann M. Irons")](https://www.ironscpa.com/) Hopkinton MA, CPA [Contact](https://www.ironscpa.com/contact-us) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Ann+M.+Irons,+CPA,+17+Main+St+Suite+1,+Hopkinton,+MA+01748/@42.2283595,-71.5220826,17.25z/data=!3m1!5s0x89e470559903948b:0xba338aa31b2a0f29!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e46e7ca0d1d73b:0x531938b62807ebe1!2m2!1d-71.5200665!2d42.2284497!3e0?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDExNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) [![facebook](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-811720473-png/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AnnIronsCPA?ref=br_tf)[![LinkdIn](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817405565.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ann-m-irons-cpa-llc)[![twitter](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817410620.png)](https://twitter.com/AnnMIronsCPALLC) # The Bean Counter with Ann M Irons, CPA --- [![Tax Year 2024 Business/Individual Tax Returns](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de) --- ## [Client Story: Home Sale Not Recorded on Individual Tax Return](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/home-sale-not-recorded-on-tax-return) ## [How To Avoid Getting Scammed This Tax Season](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-to-avoid-getting-scammed-this-tax-season) ## [Investor in U.S. Holdings: Tax Liability Turned to Tax Refund](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/international-tax-liability-turned-to-refund) ## [ALTA Best Practices: Escrow Account Reconciliation](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/alta-best-practice-escrow-reconciliation) ## [What is going on in the world of Financial Literacy?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/whats-happening-in-the-world-of-financial-literacy) ## [Brian Tannebaum on Making Money as a Lawyer](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/brian-tannebaum-on-making-money-as-a-lawyer) ## [What Should You Do if Your Law Firm Accountant Goes Out of Business?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/what-should-you-do-if-your-law-firm-accountant-goes-out-of-business) ## [Things You Need to Know When You Start Your Law Firm](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/things-you-need-to-know-when-you-start-your-law-firm) ## [5 Things Everyone Should Make Sure Their Accountant is Doing](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/5-things-everyone-should-make-sure-their-cpa-is-doing) ## [Tax Tips for Small Business Owners](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/2014-tax-tips-for-small-business-owners) ## [Should You Hire a CPA to Prepare Your 2014 Taxes?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/should-you-hire-a-cpa-to-prepare-your-2014-taxes) ## [Preparing for 2014 Small Business Tax Filings](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/preparing-for-2014-small-business-tax-filings) ## [Common Mistakes When Filing Your Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/common-mistakes-when-filing-your-taxes) ## [Law Firm Accounting: Outsourcing Lightens the Load](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/outsourced-accounting-lightens-the-load) ## [Law Firm Accounting: Clients Still Haven't Paid You? ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/clients-still-havent-paid-you-read-this) ## [Law Firm Accounting: 3 Ways Law Firms Can Avoid Unplea$ant Surprises ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/3-ways-law-firms-can-avoid-unpleaant-surprises) ## [How Can I Save Money With the Foreign Tax Credit?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-can-i-save-money-with-the-foreign-tax-credit) ## [Escrow Accounting Tips for Home Buyers from a Holliston MA CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/buying-a-house-heres-what-you-should-know-about-escrow) ## [Escrow Accounting Hints for Real Estate Law Practices](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-accounting-real-estate-lawyers) ## [Mitigating Risks of Foreign Investments in US Real Estate](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/mitigating-risks-of-foreign-investments-in-us-real-estate) ## [Foreign Investor's Guide to International Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/foreign-investors-guide-to-international-taxes-part-1) ## [Tax Planning Advice for Real Estate Lawyers](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/tax-planning-advice-for-real-estate-lawyers) ## [Law Firm Accounting: Tips on Choosing an Accounting Method for Lawyers](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/tips-on-choosing-an-accounting-method-for-lawyers) ## [Accounting for Lawyers: Which Entity Is Best for Your New Law Practice?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/which-entity-is-best-for-your-new-law-practice) ## [Real Estate Law Firms Working with a CPA to Strengthen Your Case](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/strengthen-your-case-with-help-from-a-cpa) ## [Law Firm Accounting: What Every Attorney Should Know About GAAP](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/what-every-attorney-should-know-about-gaap) ## [Law Firm Billing: Real Estate Lawyers Up the Ante With Last-Minute Collections](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/real-estate-lawyers-up-the-ante-with-last-minute-collections) ## [3 Reasons to Outsource Law Firm Accounting to a CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/3-reasons-to-outsource-legal-accounting-to-a-cpa) ## [International Tax Tips: Filing as an Immigrant](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/international-tax-tips-filing-as-an-immigrant) ## [Financial Management Advice for Law Offices: Internal Controls](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/financial-management-advice-for-law-offices-internal-controls) ## [Financial Management Advice for Bellingham, MA Law Offices](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/financial-management-advice-for-bellingham-ma-law-offices) ## [Escrow Accounting Tips for Real Estate Law Practices](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-accounting-tips-for-real-estate-law-practices) ## [Taxing Investment Income for Nonresident Investors](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/taxing-investment-income-for-nonresident-investors) ## [Buying a New Home? Let's Talk Escrow Accounts](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/buying-a-new-home-lets-talk-escrow-accounts) ## [International Tax Tips: Foreign Tax Credit Compliance](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/international-tax-tips-foreign-tax-credit-compliance) ## [FAQs About Escrow Accounts and Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-payments-tax-returns) ## [A Homebuyer's Guide to Escrow Accounts](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/a-homebuyers-guide-to-escrow-accounts) ## [Talking Taxes: Foreign Income for Expats (Part 2 of 2)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/talking-taxes-foreign-income-for-expats-part-2-of-2) ## [Talking Taxes: Foreign Income for Expats (Part 1 of 2)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/talking-taxes-foreign-income-for-expats-part-1-of-2) ## [International Tax: Gift and Estate Taxes for Non-U.S. Citizens ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/gift-and-estate-taxes-for-non-citizens-belingham-ma-international-tax) ## [Should You Invest in the U.S. as an Individual or Corporation?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/should-you-invest-in-the-u.s.-as-an-individual-or-corporation) ## [Important Tax Documents for Foreign Investors in Bellingham, MA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/foreign-investor-documents) ## [How Can Technology Make My Law Practice More Efficient? | Bellingham, MA Accountant](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-can-technology-make-my-law-practice-more-efficient-bellingham-ma-accountant) ## [An Exciting Resource for Foreign Investors in the US | Bellingham, MA International Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/bellingham-ma-foreign-investor-crowdfunding) ## [3 Ways to Prevent Trust Account Violations | Bellingham, MA Accountant](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/3-ways-to-prevent-trust-account-violations-bellingham-ma-accountant) ## [Which Business Functions Should Your Law Practice Outsource?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/which-business-functions-should-your-law-practice-outsource) ## [Bellingham, MA Tax Preparer Discusses Tax Treaties](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/bellingham-ma-tax-preparer-discusses-tax-treaties) ## [How Does the “Time Is of the Essence” Clause Relate to Accounting?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-does-the-“time-is-of-the-essence”-clause-relate-to-accounting) ## [IRS Audit Rates May Be Down, But...](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/irs-audit-rates-may-be-down-but...) ## [Protect Yourself (and Your Customers) From Cybercrimes | Bellingham, MA CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/protect-yourself-and-your-customers-from-cybercrimes) ## [Tips for Choosing Business Insurance | Bellingham, MA CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-business-insurance-bellingham-ma-cpa) ## [Friends and Family as Financiers: Borrowing for Your Bellingham, MA Business](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/friends-and-family-as-financiers-borrowing-for-your-bellingham-ma-business) ## [Tuition and Tax Tips for College Students and Parents](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/tuition-and-tax-tips-for-college-students-and-parents) ## [A More Productive Real Estate Law Practice in Just One Hour a Day](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/a-more-productive-real-estate-law-practice-in-just-one-hour-a-day) ## [When "Dummies" and DIY Aren't The Solution, Hire a CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/when-dummies-and-diy-arent-the-solution-hire-a-cpa) ## [The Simplest Way to Run a Profitable Law Firm ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/the-simplest-way-to-run-a-profitable-law-firm) ## [Real Estate Lawyers' Top 3 Most Botched Business Practices ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/real-estate-lawyers-top-3-most-botched-business-practices) ## [How Do I Measure the Financial Performance of My Bellingham Real Estate Law Firm?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-do-i-measure-the-financial-performance-of-my-bellingham-real-estate-law-firm) ## [Escrow Accounting: Risks for Real Estate Law Firms](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/accounting-risks-for-real-estate-law-firms-in-bellingham-ma) ## [Cloud, Server, or Outsourced? Practice Management for Real Estate Lawyers in Bellingham, MA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/cloud-server-or-outsourced-practice-management-for-real-estate-lawyers-in-bellingham-ma) ## [Business Development for Bellingham, MA Real Estate Lawyers: More Than a Sales Pitch](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/business-development-for-bellingham-ma-real-estate-lawyers-more-than-a-sales-pitch) ## [Should Your Nonprofit Use Outsourced Accounting Services in Bellingham, MA?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/should-your-nonprofit-use-outsourced-accounting-services-in-bellingham-ma) ## [Serious About Your Startup? Talk to a Bellingham, MA CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/serious-about-your-startup-talk-to-a-bellingham-ma-cpa) ## [A Bellingham MA CPA's Insight Into Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/a-bellingham-ma-cpas-insight-into-escrow-accounting) ## [Fido, the Financial Windfall: Tax Breaks for Animal Lovers](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/fido-the-financial-windfall-tax-breaks-for-animal-lovers) ## [Questions Every Foreign Investor in US Property Needs to Ask](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/investing-in-us-property-ask-yourself-these-questions) ## [Number Crunching for Contractors: A Freelancer’s Guide to Taxes from a Boston CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/number-crunching-for-contractors-a-freelancer’s-guide-to-taxes) ## [Tax Considerations for the Modern Mom-and-Pop Business in Bellingham MA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/tax-considerations-for-the-modern-mom-and-pop-business) ## [These Payroll Errors Cost Business Owners Thousands of Dollars](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/these-payroll-errors-cost-business-owners-thousands-of-dollars) ## [Four Simple Ways to Get More From Your CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/four-simple-ways-to-get-more-from-your-cpa-in-bellingham) ## [Bankruptcy for Bellingham Business Owners: Not the Only Option](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/bankruptcy-for-bellingham-businesses) ## [Tax Planning Tips for Recent College Graduates | Boston CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/tax-planning-tips-for-recent-college-graduates) ## [Financial Reporting for Small Business Mergers and Acquisitions | Boston MA CPA ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/financial-reporting-for-small-business-mergers-and-acquisitions) ## [Must-Have Apps for Business Owners in Bellingham, MA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/must-have-apps-for-business-owners-in-bellingham-ma) ## [3 Reasons You Cannot Afford to Ignore Outsourcing Your Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/3-reasons-you-cannot-afford-to-ignore-outsourcing-your-accounting) ## [Choosing the Best Bank for Your Real Estate Law Firm](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/choosing-the-best-bank-for-your-real-estate-law-firm) ## [Real Estate Lawyers, Beware These 5 Hidden Hazards](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/real-estate-lawyers-beware-these-5-hidden-hazards) ## [Should I Hire an Accountant or a CPA? ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/should-i-hire-an-accountant-or-a-cpa-in-bellingham) ## [Don't Go It Alone: Choosing a Professional Tax Preparer](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/dont-go-it-alone-choosing-a-professional-tax-preparer-bellingham) ## [Red Alert: Warning Signs That You Need a CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/do-i-need-a-cpa-in-bellingham) ## [Number Crunching for Crafty Types: Bookkeeping Tips for Etsy Sellers](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/number-crunching-for-crafty-types-bookkeeping-tips-for-etsy-sellers) ## [Investing in US Real Property? Invest in a CPA First.](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/investing-in-us-real-property-invest-in-a-cpa-first) ## [Four Solid Reasons Why Real Estate Lawyers Need a CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-does-cpa-help-real-estate-law-firms) ## [Boston Small Business Owners' April 15th Countdown: 12 Days](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/boston-small-business-owners-april-15th-countdown-12-days) ## [The Home Office Deduction for Real Estate Professionals](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/the-home-office-deduction-for-real-estate-professionals) ## [Bookkeeper, Controller, or CFO: How Do You Choose?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/bookkeeper-controller-or-cfo-how-do-you-choose-bellingham-ma) ## [Essential Tax Tips for Non-U.S. Citizens](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/essential-tax-tips-for-non-us-citizens) ## [Hiring a Bookkeeper? Ask Yourself These Questions First](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/hiring-a-bookkeeper-ask-yourself-these-questions-first-bellingham-ma) ## [Ladies' Choice: Securing a Loan for Your Woman-Owned Business](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/ladies-choice-securing-a-loan-for-your-woman-owned-business) ## [Considering a Franchise Opportunity? Read This First](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/considering-a-franchise-opportunity-read-this-first) ## [Personal Finance for Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/personal-finance-for-today-tomorrow-and-beyond) ## [Income Greater Than $200K? Read This Before Filing Your 2014 Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/income-greater-than-200k-read-this-before-filing-your-2014-taxes) ## [Get More From Your Financial Statements from a Holliston MA CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/get-more-from-your-financial-statements) ## [Hollistong MA CPA on Income Tax Filing Tips for Newly Single Parents](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/income-tax-filing-tips-for-newly-single-parents) ## [Small Business Accounting: Internal or Third-Party?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/small-business-accounting-internal-or-third-party) ## [From Income Taxes to Investment Planning, Ann Has You Covered](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/from-income-taxes-to-investment-planning-ann-has-you-covered) ## [Three Common Mistakes Small Business Owners Make](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/bellingham-tax-prep-accounting) ## ["I Love Tax Preparation” Said No Boston Business Owner Ever ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/bellingham-boston-tax-preparation-services) ## [A Good CPA Changes Your Life, Your Family, and Your Business](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/cpa-family-business-boston-ma) [All posts](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/all) ## About **Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC** ![Ann](https://www.ironscpa.com/hubfs/images/Ann.jpg)Ann has spent over 25 years in the financial service industry, gaining knowledge and experience that allows her to provide an array of tax, and accounting and advisory services for her clients. Relying on a stringent code of ethics and a dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards, Ann works hard to ensure her clients receive the quality service they’ve come to expect. A member of AICPA and MSCPA, Ann has also had an article featured in the renowned publication, Banker and Tradesman.  ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search by Topic Search ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Small Business Accounting (24)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-accounting) - [Individual Income Taxes (18)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/individual-income-taxes) - [International Tax (17)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) - [Accounting for Lawyers (11)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/accounting-for-lawyers) - [Escrow Accounting (10)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) - [Foreign Investment Tax (8)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/foreign-investment-tax) - [Family Business (6)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/family-business) - [Bookkeeping (5)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/bookkeeping) - [Personal Finance (4)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Client Stories (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/client-stories) - [Payroll Processing (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/payroll-processing) - [Small Business Tax (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-tax) - [Starting Your Own Law Firm (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/starting-your-own-law-firm) - [Words of Wisdom (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/words-of-wisdom) [see all](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/all#) ## Inviting You to Visit Our Office! Please call us at your earliest convenience to set up a consultation. We look forward to meeting you, and determining how we can best serve you. ![Map Irons CPA Hopkinton](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png?width=305&height=167&name=Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png)   ### OUR LOCATION: 17 Main Street, Suite 1 Hopkinton, MA 01748 Phone: 508-533-5700 Fax: 888-922-2242 ## About Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC Ann Irons’ personal philosophy focuses on strong experience, integrity, and commitment to service above all else.  [Learn More](https://www.ironscpa.com/meet-ann-irons) ## Navigation ## Recent Blog Posts ## [![facebook](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-811720473-png/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AnnIronsCPA?ref=br_tf)[![G+](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-815314232.png)](https://plus.google.com/b/100124969766767305083/100124969766767305083/about)[![LinkdIn](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817405565.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ann-m-irons-cpa-llc)[![twitter](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817410620.png)](https://twitter.com/AnnMIronsCPALLC) ## Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC © 2025. All rights reserved.   ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/951439776/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0)