How We Work

At Lanphier LLP, every client engagement follows a deliberate, proven structure designed to deliver the best possible outcomes. We do not take on one-off tax preparation work. Instead, we build lasting relationships with clients who value proactive planning, full-service support, and a true partnership with their CPA firm. Here is how our process works.

New Client Advisory Services

Every new client relationship begins with our New Client Advisory Services (NCAS) -- a comprehensive onboarding process that has been nationally recognized within the accounting profession for its thoroughness and effectiveness.

The NCAS engagement is designed to give us a complete picture of your financial life before we ever prepare a return. During this process, we:

• Conduct an in-depth review of your prior tax returns, financial statements, and entity structures
• Identify missed opportunities, risks, and areas for improvement
• Develop a forward-looking tax and financial strategy tailored to your goals
• Establish the systems, processes, and communication cadence for an ongoing relationship

This is not a quick-turnaround engagement. It is a deliberate, thorough process that sets the foundation for everything that follows. The insights and strategies developed during NCAS inform our ongoing advisory work and ensure that your first return with us reflects thoughtful planning -- not just data entry.

NCAS is structured as a one-time onboarding engagement with its own fee, separate from the ongoing maintenance agreement. This allows us to invest the time and attention needed to truly understand your situation without cutting corners.

Maintenance Agreements

Once the onboarding process is complete, every client transitions to an annual Maintenance Agreement. This is the core of our client relationship model and the structure through which all ongoing services are delivered.

Your Maintenance Agreement covers:

• Annual tax preparation for all agreed-upon returns (individual, business, trust, etc.)
• Year-round tax advisory and planning
• Proactive communication and check-ins throughout the year
• Access to your dedicated team for questions and guidance
• Accounting services, where applicable

Maintenance Agreements are priced as a flat annual fee, payable in monthly installments. There are no surprise invoices, no billable-hour calculations, and no hesitation about picking up the phone because you are worried about the meter running. You know exactly what you will pay, and you can rely on consistent, comprehensive support all year long.

No One-Off Tax Preparation

We do not offer standalone, one-time tax preparation. This is a deliberate choice that reflects our advisory-first philosophy. Preparing a single return in isolation -- without understanding the full picture of a client's financial life -- limits our ability to add value and often results in missed opportunities.

Our model is built for clients who want a long-term relationship with their CPA firm. Clients who want someone in their corner year-round, not just in April. Clients who value strategic planning, proactive communication, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their financial affairs are being managed with intention and expertise.

Is Lanphier LLP Right for You?

We are the best fit for individuals, business owners, and families who:

• Want proactive tax planning, not just compliance
• Value a full-service relationship with their CPA
• Prefer flat-fee pricing with no surprises
• Are looking for a long-term advisory partner
• Appreciate responsive, year-round communication

If that sounds like what you are looking for, we would love to hear from you. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can work together.