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about division 26 cpa

The CPA Firm Built for Electrical Contractors

Division 26 is the CSI spec code for electrical work. We put it on the door because electrical contractors are all we serve. Books, job costs, tax, and CFO help for shops across NC & SC.

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credentials

Licensed. Certified. In your tools.

You get a licensed CPA who knows the tools your shop runs on.

Licensed CPA

Licensed in North Carolina. Our name goes on your return.

Ruben Garratt, CPA — NC License #42813, NC Board of CPA Examiners.

Intuit ProAdvisor

Certified in QuickBooks Levels 1 and 2. Also Intuit Enterprise Suite.

Graduate of Client Advisory Services Foundations.

Knowify Certified Advisor

The job-costing tool built for trades. We work in it daily.

Procore Certified

Certified in Procore job costs. Your job data ties back to your books.

Build a shop that makes money — and a life that keeps it.

From your first crew to a multi-crew shop, we grow with you.

Hand testing circuit breakers in an electrical panel with a red probe

Our Mission: Give every electrical contractor a clear read on their money — and a smaller tax bill.

our vision

To be the firm every electrical contractor in the Carolinas calls before they bid, hire, or buy.

our values

Guiding Principles

The rules we work by, on every shop we serve.

Integrity First

We tell you the truth about your numbers, even when it stings. Your name is on the license. Ours is on the return.

Straight Answers, Fast

Call, text, or email. You get an answer that fits your shop, not a form letter.

Your Shop Comes First

We learn how you bid, bill, and build. Then we shape the work around it.

Division 26 CPA Client Success Stories

What shop owners say.

Real electrical contractors. Real numbers. In their own words.

Excellent! Fast and efficient. Hire Division 26.

Peter M.

Excellent work ethic, communication, and recommendations. Will hire again for continued work.

Shaun S.

Division 26 is great to work with.

Ben T.

Ruben is very professional and deliver his work on time. Great communication.

Marcelo C.

I have recently satarted a property management business with my cousin. I got QuickBooks set up but didn't really feel confident about what I was doing. I kind of waited until the last minute, but Division 26 CPA was able to get me back what I needed with a quick turnaround. Will definitely be using his help going forward.

Drew O.

They were very professional in all of our interactions and timely. He went up and beyond what we asked for in inquiring for his service. Would highly recommend to friends and family.

Sean M.

Electrical Contractor CPA | NC & SC

The Firm Electrical Contractors Call First

We work with electrical shops across the Carolinas. We learn how you bid, bill, and build. Then we run the money side around it: books, job costs, tax, and CFO help in one place.

Commercial Electrical Contractors in NC & SC

You bid tight and bill in phases. We track the true cost of each job and plan your taxes all year. No April surprises.

Electrician in coveralls testing equipment at a commercial solar installation

Industrial Electrical Contractors in NC & SC

Industrial work means demanding specs, heavy gear, and tight margins. We handle the books and the taxes. You stay on the job. Your numbers stay right, and ready for growth.

Residential Electrical Contractors in NC & SC

Service calls one week, a big remodel the next. Cash swings hard. We keep the books clean and the tax plan ready. A slow month will not sink you.

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A CPA in Your Corner

One call before you bid, hire, or buy. We know your numbers cold, because we work them every week.

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Small business owner reviewing finances on a laptop

FAQs

Looking for answers to common accounting, bookkeeping, and tax questions? Browse our frequently asked questions section to find the information you need.
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What are the payroll tax forms that a business needs to complete yearly?

Form NC-5

In North Carolina, all employees are required to complete the Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate.

This form helps determine the amount of state income tax that should be withheld from their paychecks.

Form NC-3

It's used to report the total amount of state income tax that was withheld from employees' paychecks throughout the year.

The form is basically a summary of all the income tax that was taken out of employees' pay, and it helps the state keep track of how much money has been collected.

Form NC-4

Upon starting a new job, your employer will hand over a form to you, which requires certain personal details such as your marital status, the number of dependents and eligible deductions

This form helps your employer calculate the accurate amount of state income tax to be withheld from your paycheck

The main objective of this form is to ensure that you neither overpay nor underpay your state income tax during the year.

Form NCUI 101

Businesses are required to file this form every quarter to report the total amount of wages paid and the unemployment taxes owed.

The information on this form is used by the state to determine the amount of unemployment benefits that should be paid to eligible workers.

Form W-2

Form W-2 is a tax form that employers in the United States are required to give to their employees every year.

The form summarizes the amount of money an employee earned throughout the year and the taxes that were withheld from their paychecks.

Employers must provide Form W-2 to their employees by January 31st of the following year, and the employees must use it to file their income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.

How does an accountant different from a certified public accountant?

An accountant is a qualified expert who focuses on managing, categorizing, and interpreting financial data for individuals or organizations.

They deliver services such as bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, and filing tax returns.

A certified public accountant (CPA) is an accountant who has completed specific education, work, and test criteria to secure a license from a state board of accountancy.

Along with handling accounting duties, a CPA can conduct audits, examine financial statements, offer tax planning and consulting services, and represent clients before tax agencies like the IRS.

What are the strongest business industries in North Carolina?

North Carolina has one of the most diverse economies in the Southeast - construction and the skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, energy, technology, finance (Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the US), healthcare and life sciences around the Research Triangle, and logistics along the I-85 corridor. For electrical contractors specifically, sustained construction and industrial growth across Charlotte, the Triad and the Triangle has created strong, steady demand for residential, commercial and industrial electrical work.

What are some typical methods that business owners in North Carolina use to lower their taxes?

Take advantage of tax deductions

Businesses can decrease their tax bills by utilizing tax deductions, which are expenses that businesses can subtract from their income, such as rent for office space, equipment purchases, employee salaries and benefits, travel expenses, advertising and marketing expenses, and charitable donations.

By accumulating and tracking these expenses throughout the year, businesses can enhance their deductions and decrease their taxable income.

For instance, if a business made $100,000 but had $20,000 in deductible expenses, their taxable income would reduce to $80,000, reducing their taxes.

It's crucial to note that businesses need to fulfill specific requirements to be eligible for tax deductions and that not every expense is deductible.

Use tax credits

Tax credits can be more advantageous than tax deductions since they directly reduce the amount of taxes a business owes.

Tax credits work as a dollar-to-dollar deduction in the tax amount.

For businesses in North Carolina, various tax credits are available if they do specific things, such as employing new workers, investing in sustainable energy, or undertaking research and development.

However, to be eligible for these tax credits, businesses must complete criteria and adhere to specific regulations.

Maximize retirement plan contributions

To save money on taxes, businesses can maximize their retirement plan contributions.

Employees may allocate a portion of their earnings to retirement plans, such as 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts (IRAs), which brings down their taxable income.

Likewise, employers can contribute to their staff members' retirement plans, which can be tax-deductible for the business.

By offering retirement plans and contributing to them, businesses can reduce their taxable income, ultimately minimizing the taxes they are liable to pay.

Keep track of inventory

Maintaining accurate inventory records is important for businesses to keep track of the products they have in stock.

It helps them avoid making errors while reporting excess inventory as income, which would result in paying more taxes.

Besides, proper inventory management assists businesses in identifying slow-moving or outdated products.

This knowledge helps them make informed decisions, prevent losses, and stay profitable.

Structure the business as a pass-through entity

One way that business owners can lower their taxes is by structuring their business as a pass-through entity.

A pass-through entity is a type of business structure where the business income is not taxed at the corporate level, but instead "passes through" to the owners and is reported on their personal income tax returns.

This can result in lower taxes for business owners because the tax rate for individuals may be lower than the tax rate for corporations.

Additionally, pass-through entities may be eligible for certain deductions and credits that are not available to corporations.

However, it's important to note that the specific tax benefits of a pass-through entity will depend on various factors such as the business's income, expenses, and structure.

What is required to start an electrical contracting business in NC or SC?

Starting an electrical contracting business takes more than trade skills - you need a license, an entity, insurance and clean books from day one. In North Carolina, electrical contractors are licensed by the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors; in South Carolina, commercial work runs through the SC Contractors Licensing Board. Confirm the license class that matches the size of jobs you plan to bid. Most electricians should form an LLC rather than operate as a sole proprietor - it protects personal assets if a job goes wrong. Get an EIN from the IRS, open a dedicated business bank account, and keep personal and business spending separate. Plan for general liability insurance, workers comp once you hire, and bonding if you bid public or larger commercial work. Finally, set up bookkeeping with job costing from day one - knowing your true cost per job separates profitable shops from busy-but-broke ones. Division 26 CPA helps new electrical contractors across the Carolinas get this right the first time.

What financing choices do I have for funding my business expansion or capital investments?

If you're considering funding for your business expansions or capital investments, there are several financing options to choose from.

Some choices are:

1 - Business Loans

Business loans are a reliable way to access funds necessary to expand your business.

In essence, you borrow money from a lender and repay it over time with interest.

Business loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.

You can use the money to invest in your business, such as purchasing new equipment or expanding your workforce.

To apply for a business loan, you typically need a solid business plan and an excellent credit history.

2 - SBA Loans

SBA loans are available through lenders such as banks and credit unions, and are backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SBA loans have some advantages over traditional business loans, such as requiring lower down payments, having longer repayment periods, and more flexible eligibility criteria

Furthermore, SBA loans typically have lower interest rates, which can be beneficial for small business owners who may not qualify for traditional loans.

3 - Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is an excellent way to raise money for your business by getting support from a large group of people through an online platform.

These people can be anyone who is interested in your business idea and willing to contribute financially, including friends, family, and even strangers.

Crowdfunding comes in different types, such as rewards-based crowdfunding where supporters get a product or service in return for their contribution, or equity crowdfunding where supporters get a share of ownership in your business.

One of the major benefits of crowdfunding is that it enables you to access a wider audience of potential investors that might not be reachable through traditional financing options.

Additionally, crowdfunding can function as a way to test the market and receive vital feedback from potential customers.

4 - Venture Capitalists

Venture capitalists are investors who fund startups or small businesses that have high potential for growth, in exchange for a portion of the ownership in the company.

They usually invest in businesses with unique products or services, a capable team, and the potential to scale quickly

To secure venture capital funding, you'll need a well-defined business plan, a clear roadmap for growth, and a management team with a proven track record.

Venture capitalists will also typically want to see evidence of customer interest and market traction.

Can you help with financial forecasting and budgeting for my electrical contracting business?

Yes - financial forecasting and budgeting are core parts of our fractional CFO service for electrical contractors. We analyze your job-level performance, build a forecast around your pipeline and crew capacity, and set budgets for materials, labor and overhead. You get a weekly scorecard with the KPIs that matter - gross margin per job, unbilled work, and cash on hand - so you can price work with confidence and grow on purpose. Division 26 CPA provides this for electrical contractors across North and South Carolina.

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What is the best way to structure my business for tax purposes?

There are a variety of factors you need to consider in order to know the best way to structure your business - your revenue, profit, payroll situation, liability exposure and growth plans all matter. For most profitable electrical contractors, an LLC taxed as an S-Corp is the strongest combination of liability protection and tax savings, but the right answer depends on your numbers.

Schedule a consultation and we can look at your situation and recommend the structure that fits.

Can I deduct my website as an expense?

Certainly, you can deduct website expenses on your taxes if they are necessary and ordinary business expenses.

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What tax forms do I need to give my contracted workers?

If you're an employer, it's important to give certain tax forms to your freelancers or independent contractors.

The most common tax form needed is Form 1099, which provides a record of the total payment made to the contractor in a tax year.

You have to give Form 1099 to any contractor who made $600 or more during the tax year for work they did for your trade or business.

What is an outsourced accountant?

An outsourced accountant is a professional accountant or accounting firm that a company hires to complete various accounting tasks remotely.

Rather than employing an in-house accountant, the company hires the outsourced accountant to manage financial tasks including bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, and financial analysis.

This approach can save businesses both time and money by outsourcing tasks to an expert who can complete them at a lower cost while providing high-quality services.

Outsourcing accounting work also allows companies to concentrate on their primary business operations.

Should I hire a year-round CPA for my business?

If your business is intricate and needs consistent financial management, it could be advantageous to hire a year-round CPA.

They can offer you continuous financial guidance and support and help you maintain precise financial records, while also preparing and submitting tax returns, and developing strategic plans for your business.

But if your business is relatively simple and you only require financial guidance once in a while, you may be able to work with a CPA as needed or outsource your accounting requirements to an accounting firm.

This alternative is generally more cost-effective than hiring a year-round CPA.

Outsourced Accounting vs Traditional Accounting

Outsourcing accounting involves hiring an external accounting firm or professional to manage financial tasks remotely.

On the other hand, traditional accounting involves employing an in-house accountant or team to manage financial tasks on-site.

Whether to opt for outsourced or traditional accounting depends on your business's specific goals and requirements.

Outsourced accounting can provide cost savings and access to specialized expertise, while traditional accounting can offer more direct control and supervision.

What is the process for tracking business travel expenses?

Tracking business travel expenses typically involves gathering all the necessary receipts and documenting the purpose and particulars of each expense.

This information is then recorded in a tracking system like a spreadsheet or accounting software to generate an expense report.

The report should cover all essential information such as date, location, amount and reason for each expense, and must be claimed for repayment according to the company's expense reimbursement guideline.

How do I pick the right insurance for my electrical contracting business?

Start by matching coverage to the risks of electrical work. Most electrical contractors in NC and SC carry general liability (often 1M/2M for commercial bids), workers compensation once you have employees, commercial auto for trucks and vans, inland marine coverage for tools and equipment, and bonding when you bid public or larger commercial projects. An independent agent who works with trade contractors can quote multiple carriers. Keep certificates current - GCs and sureties will ask for them - and review your limits yearly as your contract sizes grow.

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How do I find a reputable CPA in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Look for three things: a CPA license (verify it through the NC State Board of CPA Examiners), experience in your specific industry, and responsiveness you can confirm from reviews and references. A CPA who knows your trade will find deductions and strategies a generalist misses.

Division 26 CPA is based in Charlotte and works exclusively with electrical contractors across North and South Carolina - bookkeeping, tax planning, payroll and fractional CFO support. If that matches what you need, book a consultation and see if we're a fit.

How do I file my business taxes?

How you file depends on your entity. Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs report business income on Schedule C with their personal Form 1040. Partnerships file Form 1065, S-Corps file Form 1120-S (plus the NC CD-401S in North Carolina), and C-Corps file Form 1120. You'll also handle quarterly estimated taxes, payroll filings if you have employees, and any state sales tax obligations.

Most electrical contractors are better off handing this to a CPA who plans year-round instead of just filing in April - that's the difference between recording your tax bill and reducing it. We prepare and file business returns for electrical contractors across the Carolinas as part of our business tax return service.

What do I need to convert to an S-Corp in North Carolina?

To be taxed as an S-Corp in North Carolina, you form an LLC or corporation with the NC Secretary of State, then file IRS Form 2553 to elect S-Corp status - generally within 2 months and 15 days of the start of the tax year you want the election to apply. You will also need an EIN, reasonable-compensation payroll for owner-employees, and clean books. For most profitable electrical contractors, the S-Corp election is one of the biggest tax levers available. Division 26 CPA handles the election, payroll setup, and ongoing compliance - schedule a consultation and we will assess whether your business is ready.

What are the steps to filing a tax extension in North Carolina?

For federal taxes, file Form 7004 (businesses) or Form 4868 (individuals) by the original due date. North Carolina honors a corresponding state extension when a federal extension is in place, as long as any tax owed is paid by the original deadline - an extension extends your time to file, not your time to pay. Estimate and pay what you owe with the extension to avoid penalties and interest. We prepare and file extensions for electrical contractors as part of our tax service.

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How do I choose a tax accountant for my electrical contracting business?

You're going to want to go with a tax accountant that is a certified public accountant, the certification shows they can provide you with reliable and accurate advice.

Having a tax accountant that is knowledgeable in your industry may help with knowing different tax strategies specific to your industry.

Do some research on the accountant and see what other businesses they have helped and determine if they are a reputable reference. A responsive accountant is someone who answers your questions and helps you in a timely manner.

How much should I save for taxes?

The general rule is that if you're self employed that you should set aside 25-30% of your income to pay for taxes. When you are a business owner or self employed individual, you'll want to plan for both income tax, as well as self employment tax which includes both social security tax and medicare tax. We work with our clients to pay in their estimated taxes throughout the year according to a tax reduction plan that we will create.

Save 15.3% for the self employment taxes, and then you'll want to also save for your income tax, which will be based upon your combined income on form 1040.

It's also important to ensure you have a business bank account.  You should have you income flow into your business bank account, and then pay yourself out of that business bank account.

How do I maintain S-Corp status in North Carolina?

To keep your S-Corp in good standing in North Carolina: file the NC annual report with the Secretary of State each year, run reasonable W-2 payroll for owner-employees, keep business and personal finances separate, maintain accurate books, and file Form 1120-S federally plus the NC CD-401S each year. Miss the payroll piece and the IRS can reclassify your distributions - the most common S-Corp mistake we fix for electrical contractors.

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How do I report deductions used for my home office?

You can report your deductions used for your home office when you are filing your regular tax return. The form that is need is Form 8829, Part of Your Home Used for Business.

How is a S-Corp taxed?

S-Corporations are not taxed, but instead, the profits from the S-Corporation will flow through to the individual, which is why S-Corps are called "passthrough entities".

1099 vs. W-2 Employees in North Carolina

Generally speaking, a person will either work as a common W-2 employee, or a 1099 independent contractor. You'll want to pay close attention to when you should classify workers as a 1099 contractor or a w-2 employee.

A 1099 Form is used to report different incomes you may have that are not from wages, salaries, or tips. This form can be sent out to people who have worked for a business but are not an employee, and this is typical with freelance work, retail property income, and other self-employment income.

Can I claim deductions without receipts?

Yes you can claim deductions without receipts, however it is not recommended to do so. If you were to get audited you would need to prove you bought these for your business. In general, it's wise for a business owner to track their mileage and then make sure you've kept note of purchases using either your bookkeeping system or keep receipts.  Generally speaking, the main receipts you might want to keep are those for meals etc.

You should always track mileage and you should also ensure that you keep track of business use of major purchases such as your home office, your vehicle, trailers, storage etc.

Still have questions?

Have a question we didn't cover? Book a call and ask us direct.

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addresses:

227 W 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

email:

support@division26cpa.com

phone:

(704) 389-5072

about

AboutReviewsHow It Works

what we do

All Services
Electrical Contractor Tax Accountant
Outsourced Accounting
Business Tax Planning & Strategy
Business Tax Returns
Job Costing & WIP Reporting
Bookkeeping Services
Bonding & Surety Support

locations

All Locations
Charleston, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Greensboro, North Carolina
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina

who we help

All Industries
Industrial Electrical Contractors
Residential Electrical Contractors
Commercial Electrical Contractors
Service & Repair Electricians
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