--- title: Make More Informed Financial Decisions | The Bean Counter | Escrow Accounting description: Escrow Accounting | 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) --- ## [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) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Dec 4, 2014 10:09:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-2240418151.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/buying-a-house-heres-what-you-should-know-about-escrow) Buying a home is one of the most exciting, albeit stressful experiences in your life. If you plan on taking out a loan to pay for your home, you will most likely be required to establish an escrow account. What is an escrow account, and how will it affect your tax return? [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/buying-a-house-heres-what-you-should-know-about-escrow) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) ## [Escrow Accounting Hints for Real Estate Law Practices](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-accounting-real-estate-lawyers) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Dec 2, 2014 11:27:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-2215562010.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-accounting-real-estate-lawyers) One of the most challenging aspects of accounting for real estate lawyers involves managing escrow accounts. Neglecting to check and re-check escrow transactions can bring on time-consuming, expensive problems that affect your clients as well as your reputation. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-accounting-real-estate-lawyers) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) ## [Financial Management Advice for Law Offices: Internal Controls](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/financial-management-advice-for-law-offices-internal-controls) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Oct 16, 2014 10:21:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1824782396.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/financial-management-advice-for-law-offices-internal-controls) In an earlier post, [Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/accounting-services-for-real-estate-attorneys) explained how real estate lawyers can improve financial management through use of budgets, accounts receivables policy, and cash flow analysis. Irons, a **CPA in Bellingham, MA**, goes on to outline the benefits of internal controls and how they impact the financial health of your practice. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/financial-management-advice-for-law-offices-internal-controls) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) ## [Escrow Accounting Tips for Real Estate Law Practices](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-accounting-tips-for-real-estate-law-practices) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Oct 9, 2014 10:19:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1820991083.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-accounting-tips-for-real-estate-law-practices) In our years of experience working closely with law firms, we’ve heard all kinds of horror stories about attorneys whose shoddy accounting practices cost them a great deal of stress and added expenses. [Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/accounting-services-for-real-estate-attorneys), a CPA who provides **escrow accounting in Bellingham, MA**, shares basic guidelines for avoiding costly mistakes. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-accounting-tips-for-real-estate-law-practices) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) ## [Buying a New Home? Let's Talk Escrow Accounts](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/buying-a-new-home-lets-talk-escrow-accounts) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Oct 2, 2014 3:57:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1769866517.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/buying-a-new-home-lets-talk-escrow-accounts) If you plan to finance your new home purchase, your lender may require you to establish an escrow account, or it may set one up for you. If you are paying cash for your home, or if your lender does not have a similar requirement in place, it may still be in your best interest to set up an account. [Ann Irons, a CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/cpa-in-bellingham) who provides **escrow accounting in Bellingham, MA**, helps you decide whether to open an escrow account. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/buying-a-new-home-lets-talk-escrow-accounts) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) ## [FAQs About Escrow Accounts and Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-payments-tax-returns) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Sep 25, 2014 6:19:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1756436604.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-payments-tax-returns) As a **Bellingham, MA CPA** who specializes in taxes and accounting for real estate law firms, [Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/accounting-services-for-real-estate-attorneys) has experience with both sides of real estate sales transactions. A CPA is an invaluable resource for anyone considering the purchase of a new home, offering guidance on managing finances, tax planning, and reporting requirements involved with home ownership. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/escrow-payments-tax-returns) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) ## [A Homebuyer's Guide to Escrow Accounts](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/a-homebuyers-guide-to-escrow-accounts) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Sep 23, 2014 12:51:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1756140534.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/a-homebuyers-guide-to-escrow-accounts) Purchasing a new home is a major milestone for you, your family, and especially your bank account. Like most homebuyers, you probably financed a large chunk of your purchase and must now pay a mortgage payment each month. [Ann Irons, a CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/bookkeeping) who offers **escrow accounting in Bellingham, MA**, explains relationships between your mortgage and escrow accounts. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/a-homebuyers-guide-to-escrow-accounts) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) ## [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) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Aug 26, 2014 12:17:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1499142626.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/3-ways-to-prevent-trust-account-violations-bellingham-ma-accountant) Client trust funds are a potential source of contention in any legal specialty, and real estate law is no exception. [Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/accounting-services-for-real-estate-attorneys), an experienced CPA who offers **escrow accounting in Bellingham, MA**, shares tips for avoiding costly trust account violations. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/3-ways-to-prevent-trust-account-violations-bellingham-ma-accountant) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) ## [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) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Aug 19, 2014 12:08:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1456238752.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-does-the-“time-is-of-the-essence”-clause-relate-to-accounting) Practicing law and managing a practice are two separate functions, neither of which leaves room for error. The more precautions you take to perform well in the latter, the more freedom you are given to focus on the former. [Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/accounting-services-for-real-estate-attorneys), who offers **accounting for Bellingham real estate lawyers**, discusses the importance of timeliness and efficiency in managing your practice’s accounting functions. ## Time Is of the Essence: What It Means in a Court of Law You may recall the 2002 case *Owen v. Kessler* in which the “time is of the essence” clause was put to the test when a real estate broker failed to deliver a would-be buyer’s signed purchase and sale agreement within the allotted time frame. A second interested party filed a backup offer contingent on the failure of the first buyer to complete the purchase. Both prospective buyers filed suit against the seller, at which point the Superior Court sided with the first buyer. The ruling was ultimately reversed in Appeals Court in favor of the second buyer. The delay that set it all in motion? 15 minutes. The reason for the delay? The broker responsible for delivering the agreement reasoned that because the document’s destination was only four minutes from his office, there would be no problem delivering it on the very last day of the agreed-upon two-week period. Fifteen minutes doesn’t sound like too much of a delay. It’s not uncommon to be late to work by 15 minutes every now and then, or for the bus to arrive 15 minutes late. But when you’re talking about a legal obligation, 15 minutes can do a great deal of damage. By the time the Appeals Court’s decision was handed down, all parties had incurred thousands of dollars in expenses and countless lost hours. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-does-the-“time-is-of-the-essence”-clause-relate-to-accounting) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) ## [A Bellingham MA CPA's Insight Into Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/a-bellingham-ma-cpas-insight-into-escrow-accounting) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Jun 18, 2014 12:02:51 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1037124354.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/a-bellingham-ma-cpas-insight-into-escrow-accounting) If you’ve ever agreed to an informal bet with a friend, and asked a third party to hold the tangibles until the bet has run its course, you’ve already completed something similar to opening an escrow account. When you decide to take out a mortgage to purchase a home, you may consider opening an escrow account, which serves as a “middle man” for your property tax, fire and hazard insurance premiums, mortgage insurance premiums and other item payments. The office of Ann Irons, CPA explains the basics to understanding an escrow account in the following article.  ### What Is An Escrow Account? Escrow accounts provide a guarantee that your property taxes, associated premiums, and associated insurances are paid on time. The account also guarantees that there is always enough money to pay for these obligations, avoiding the risk of lapsed insurance coverage, or errant taxes. Also, an escrow account allows for the homeowner to live in comfort, not having to worry about producing several lump sum payments with inconsistent due dates throughout the year. Your obligatory payments are punctual and recurrent.  [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/a-bellingham-ma-cpas-insight-into-escrow-accounting) Topics: [Escrow Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) [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/topic/escrow-accounting#) ## 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. 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