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Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in Mobile, Alabama
Mobile small business owners trust 1-800Accountant's expert CPAs to handle their bookkeeping and tax needs, freeing up valuable time to grow their businesses along Alabama's Gulf Coast.
Our Accounting Services for Mobile Small Businesses
Business Tax Preparation: Have your taxes prepared and filed by a CPA with expertise in your industry so you're always confident in your business tax situation. Our CPAs, with more than 17 years of experience on average, can save you thousands annually when you delegate complex Mobile tax preparation to them!
Bookkeeping: Solidify your financial base and manage cash flow with precise, error-free bookkeeping done for you that saves time and provides crucial insights that empower you to make important data-backed business decisions. This meticulous process delivers essential tools for interpreting data with easy-to-understand reporting, enabling your accountant to develop vital financial modeling.
Tax Advisory: Business tax considerations don't end in April. Through our affordable tax advisory service, you can receive the guidance you need when you need it year-round from a dedicated small business tax advisor. Strategic planning helps minimize your business tax liability in Alabama throughout the year while ensuring compliance.
Payroll: Save hours each pay period with comprehensive payroll services handled for you, with regular tax submissions to the city of Mobile, ensuring accuracy and freeing you to focus on other vital aspects of your business.
Business Formation: Enjoy the advantages of officially establishing your business in Alabama with our complimentary incorporation services. Simply cover any Mobile fees, and we will manage the rest. This puts you on a path to hiring employees and creating a business bank account as you experience the benefits of an optimized business structure and maximum tax savings.
Discussing your business taxes with 1-800Accountant is quick and easy:
- Set up a time for us to give you a call.
- Tell us what’s going on with your business.
- Get matched with an accountant who knows your industry & local regulations.
| Level | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Tax Rate | 4% |
| County Tax Rate | 1% |
| Municipal Tax Rate | 5% |
| Combined Sales Tax Rate | 10% |
| City-Specific Taxes |
|---|
| Every business in Mobile city limits must get and renew a Privilege License Tax certificate. The fee depends on business type and gross receipts and is managed by the Mobile Revenue Department. Renewals are due each year by January 31. For details, see Privilege License Tax. |
| Licenses and Permits |
|---|
All businesses in Mobile must obtain a City of Mobile business license and a Mobile County business license. |
| Zoning clearance is required before applying for your business license to ensure your location is approved for your business type. |
| Businesses selling goods, leasing property, or offering entertainment must register for sales and use tax. |
| Food service businesses need health certification from the Mobile County Health Department. |
| Grants and Funding in Mobile | Grants and Funding Information |
|---|---|
| Alabama Innovation Fund | This grant program managed by the Alabama Department of Commerce provides funding for research projects that have strong potential to create new high-tech businesses and jobs in the state. The program offers grants to researchers at Alabama universities and to Alabama-based companies that partner with Alabama universities. |
| Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program | This state program provides supplemental funding for Alabama small businesses that have received a Phase I or Phase II federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant. The program provides 50% of the federal grant amount (up to $100,000 for Phase I awards; up to $250,000 for Phase II awards). |
| Mobile Downtown Redevelopment Authority Grants | These grants support businesses investing in downtown Mobile with funding for façade improvements, building renovations, and other capital improvements. The program aims to stimulate economic development and revitalization of Mobile's downtown district. |
| Alabama EDGE (Economic Development Growth Engine) | While not a traditional grant, this incentive program provides tax benefits for businesses creating jobs in Mobile. Qualifying projects receive income tax and/or sales and use tax credits/exemptions based on job creation and capital investment levels. |
What to Look for in Mobile, Alabama Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
When choosing an accountant or bookkeeper for your Alabama small business, you should consider the following factors:
Certifications and State Compliance: Seek professionals with proper credentials, particularly CPAs familiar with Alabama's tax regulations. Mobile's diverse business landscape requires accountants who understand both state and local compliance requirements, especially for businesses connected to the port or aerospace industries at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley.
Experience and Specialization: Find financial professionals with experience in your specific sector. Mobile's economy features strong maritime, healthcare, aerospace, and chemical manufacturing industries—each with unique financial considerations. An accountant who has worked with shipbuilding companies will better understand the financial cycles and tax implications relevant to Mobile's thriving port operations.
Understanding of Local Economic Conditions: Choose a financial partner who comprehends Mobile's economic environment. The city's renaissance since the 1980s has created unique business opportunities and challenges. A knowledgeable accountant will recognize how Mobile's position as a Gulf Coast cultural center and transportation hub affects your business finances and growth potential.
Knowledge of State Tax Incentives: Mobile businesses can benefit from Alabama's tax incentives for job creation and capital investment. The right financial professional will help you navigate these opportunities, particularly those targeting the aerospace, maritime, and manufacturing sectors that form the backbone of Mobile's economy. They should also understand how local initiatives, like those supporting the growing technology sector, might benefit your business.
Talk to a business tax expert today for all your tax needs in Mobile.
Additional Alabama Accounting Resources:
How to Calculate Quarterly Estimated Taxes in 2024
Virtual Bookkeeping: How To Find the Best Online Bookkeeper
How Much Will A CPA Cost (And Save) Your Small Business?
*Based on a $12.2k average 2022 tax refund per client, which is 4x the cost of a full-service package. Source: first-party data.
*Includes average business tax preparation, form completion and submission, record keeping, and other misc admin time. Source.
*Historical first-party data.