Business Details
20 Years
experience
Trusted Charleston CPA Services for Tax and Accounting Solutions
Benjamin Scott CPA is a Charleston-based accounting and tax services firm with decades of combined experience in serving businesses and individuals. Founded by Benjamin L. Scott, a Certified Public Accountant with a career spanning since 1978, the firm specializes in tailored tax planning, preparation, and resolution of complex IRS issues. Our expertise extends to real estate accounting, business advisory services, and industry-specific financial solutions for clients in Charleston and surrounding areas.We prioritize personalized service, leveraging deep local knowledge and technical proficiency to minimize tax liabilities, ensure compliance, and support long-term financial growth. With a focus on integrity and client education, we provide free consultations to help clients navigate tax challenges and achieve financial security.
Services
Tax Preparation
IRS Problem Resolution
Real Estate Accounting
Tax Planning
Back Taxes
Penalty Abatement
Installment Agreements
Innocent Spouse Relief
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of CPA experience in Charleston's unique tax landscape
- Our team provides industry-specific accounting solutions for real estate and small businesses
- Free initial consultations to clarify your tax planning or resolution needs
- Proven success in complex IRS negotiations including offers in compromise
- Locally-owned firm with deep understanding of South Carolina tax regulations
Associations and certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Services
Tax Preparation
Our Charleston CPA firm provides accurate tax preparation for individuals and businesses. We identify all eligible deductions to maximize refunds while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Our services include multi-state returns, expatriate tax filing, and nonprofit Form 990 preparation. With proactive planning, we help clients optimize their tax positions and receive faster refunds through electronic filing.
IRS Problem Resolution
We specialize in resolving complex IRS issues including audits, liens, and wage garnishments. Our strategies include offers in compromise, installment agreements, and penalty abatement solutions. With expertise in innocent spouse relief and currently not collectible status, we negotiate with the IRS to reduce tax liabilities while protecting client assets and financial futures.
Real Estate Accounting
Tailored accounting services for real estate professionals including cost segregation analysis and 1031 exchange planning. We provide acquisition due diligence, entity selection guidance, and year-round tax strategies to optimize cash flow. Our industry-specific reporting helps property managers and investors maintain compliance while maximizing tax benefits through passive activity deductions.
Tax Planning
Proactive tax planning services for businesses and individuals help minimize future liabilities. We develop customized strategies for business succession, multi-state compliance, and trust/estate planning. Our firm advises on alternative minimum tax mitigation and implements structural changes to improve profitability while maintaining full regulatory compliance with evolving tax codes.
Back Taxes
We assist clients in resolving unfiled tax returns and back tax obligations. Our process includes locating missing documentation, negotiating payment plans, and addressing accrued penalties. We specialize in voluntary disclosure programs and streamlined filing procedures to bring clients into compliance while exploring installment agreements or offer in compromise options.
People
Benjamin L. Scott
Managing Member
Benjamin L. Scott, CPA, established his firm in 2006 after 25+ years in accounting leadership roles. A Clemson University graduate, he previously served as equity owner in a maritime contracting business and director at Thiem McCutcheon Winkler CPAs. His expertise spans tax resolution, real estate accounting, and business advisory services.
Questions
What tax services do you offer for Charleston real estate professionals?
We provide specialized real estate accounting including 1031 exchanges, cost segregation analysis, acquisition due diligence, and entity selection. Our services help property investors and brokers optimize tax benefits while maintaining compliance.
Can you help with IRS tax liens and levies?
Yes, we negotiate with the IRS to release tax liens and stop levies through installment agreements, offers in compromise, and currently not collectible status while protecting client assets.
Do you handle complex tax situations like back taxes?
We specialize in resolving delinquent tax returns, unfiled returns, and back tax obligations with strategies including penalty abatement and structured payment plans tailored to client financial situations.
What makes your Charleston CPA firm different?
Our firm combines 40+ years of local experience with personalized service, offering free initial consultations and industry-specific expertise in real estate, healthcare, and professional services accounting.
How do you assist with tax planning for new businesses?
We create customized tax strategies for startups focusing on entity selection, deductible expenses, and compliance frameworks to establish profitable, sustainable business operations.
Can you help with innocent spouse tax relief?
We guide clients through IRS innocent spouse relief applications, preparing documentation to separate tax liabilities when one spouse misreported income on joint tax returns.
