The Alt Key PLLC

The Alt Key PLLC We are entrepreneurial CPAs who have been in the Game, meaning – we’ve been in your shoes. We are not number historians reporting on past results.

The Alt Key is a new breed of CPA firm built with a culture of strong client service and going beyond the numbers to help small businesses focus on being more successful. We offer all the traditional tax and accounting services, but we have a proactive focus that involves developing strategies that keep our clients on track and focused throughout the year. We’ve experienced the highs and lows, the

trials and tribulations of business firsthand. From a stroke of genius in the night giving rise to a new idea, to the wee morning hours making the dream real, we understand the challenges our clients face. Instead, we are experienced business people who happen to be CPAs. We know numbers, more importantly, we know business. OUR STRENGTH
Our strength lies in helping entrepreneurs identify clear objectives for their businesses by defining success on their own terms. We work together to build strategies to meet those objectives and design reporting and measurement systems to give them pertinent, timely and actionable financial information. OUR PASSION
We are also passionate about working with individuals to plan their financial transactions in the most tax efficient manner while designing long term tax strategies for tax efficiency, wealth accumulation and asset protection. We guide our clients through a process that includes saving taxes, driving profits and building wealth.

You probably have retirement questions: How much should I save before I quit working? When should I start taking Social ...
07/22/2026

You probably have retirement questions: How much should I save before I quit working? When should I start taking Social Security benefits? Can I retire before Medicare coverage kicks in? What about taxes in retirement? We can provide you with answers based on your individual financial circumstances and retirement goals. Contact us at (480) 558-4400.

The IRS is more likely to audit certain types of businesses, such as those that are primarily cash-based. Although you p...
07/21/2026

The IRS is more likely to audit certain types of businesses, such as those that are primarily cash-based. Although you probably can’t change the nature of your transactions, you can control the accuracy of your tax returns. Minimize errors by maintaining meticulous documentation. Generally, you should keep tax records for at least three years — the normal statute of limitations for an IRS adjustment. And don’t try to go it alone: Call us at (480) 558-4400 for help reducing the likelihood of attracting IRS scrutiny, as well as for support if your tax return is ever questioned.

If you have a traditional pension and are approaching retirement, get ready to make some decisions! Pension plans usuall...
07/20/2026

If you have a traditional pension and are approaching retirement, get ready to make some decisions! Pension plans usually give retirees a choice between receiving payouts as a lump sum or an annuity. A lump-sum distribution allows you to invest the money as you see fit. Annuity payments can provide guaranteed income for life. Call us at (480) 558-4400 to discuss the costs, risks and advantages of each option.

The ultimate success of a business often comes back to decisions made at its inception. If you’re planning to start a bu...
07/17/2026

The ultimate success of a business often comes back to decisions made at its inception. If you’re planning to start a business, one key decision is choosing its structure, commonly sole proprietorship, C corporation, S corporation, partnership or limited liability company. In addition to owner liability variations, all have different tax requirements that can affect everything from hiring to cash flow to owner income. Another critical decision is choosing a tax year — either a calendar year or a fiscal year (12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December). Call us at (480) 558-4400. We can help you make the best decisions for your current situation and your business’s future.

One of the easiest ways to reduce the size of your taxable estate is to take advantage of your gift tax annual exclusion...
07/15/2026

One of the easiest ways to reduce the size of your taxable estate is to take advantage of your gift tax annual exclusion. For 2026, you can transfer up to $19,000 per recipient gift-tax-free. And you can double the exclusion to $38,000 per recipient if you split the gifts with your spouse. But it’s critical to understand the rules of gift-splitting to avoid unintended tax consequences. To elect to split gifts, the spouse making the gift must file a gift tax return, and the other spouse must consent by checking a box on the return and signing it. Contact us at (480) 558-4400 for additional details.

You’ll probably owe tax on your retirement income — how much depends on factors such as the types of retirement accounts...
07/14/2026

You’ll probably owe tax on your retirement income — how much depends on factors such as the types of retirement accounts you own and your other income sources. In general, retirees should withdraw funds from any taxable accounts first, tax-deferred accounts second and tax-free accounts last. But different withdrawal strategies may benefit you. The important thing is to start planning before you retire. Call us at (480) 558-4400 for help.

Business owners and self-employed individuals who use their vehicle for business may be able to deduct auto-related expe...
07/13/2026

Business owners and self-employed individuals who use their vehicle for business may be able to deduct auto-related expenses. But if a vehicle (including a car, van, pickup or panel truck) is used both for business and personal purposes, the expenses must be split based on mileage. These rules apply to both owned and leased vehicles. There are two methods for calculating auto expenses: actual expenses and the standard mileage rate. Both require careful recordkeeping, though using the mileage rate is generally easier. Contact us at (480) 558-4400 to determine which method makes sense for your situation.

Home renovations can improve a residence’s comfort, functionality, aesthetics and resale value. They might also provide ...
07/10/2026

Home renovations can improve a residence’s comfort, functionality, aesthetics and resale value. They might also provide tax benefits. You may be able to deduct mortgage interest on debt used to substantially improve your home. Certain improvements can also increase your tax basis, potentially reducing taxable gain when you sell. Medically necessary modifications may qualify as deductible medical expenses, subject to limits. And if you overlooked claiming now-expired credits for qualifying energy-efficient home improvements you made in 2025, an amended return may be worth considering. Call us at (480) 558-4400 to talk taxes before or after a home renovation.

Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) accounts help you save for retirement with after-tax dollars. Both accounts grow tax-free, and ...
07/08/2026

Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) accounts help you save for retirement with after-tax dollars. Both accounts grow tax-free, and distributions are also tax-free if you meet certain conditions. However, higher earners may be ineligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. Income limits don’t apply to Roth 401(k)s, which also allow higher annual contributions. If you’re unsure where to put your retirement savings, contact us at (480) 558-4400 for more information on the tax considerations.

Your business can show a profit on paper and still face cash shortages because profit and cash flow measure different th...
07/07/2026

Your business can show a profit on paper and still face cash shortages because profit and cash flow measure different things. Profit reflects revenue minus expenses, while cash flow tracks the movement of cash in and out of your business. Cash shortfalls are especially common for growing businesses. That’s because you typically must pay suppliers, vendors and lenders upfront, and then wait for customers to pay you. Understanding the difference between profit and cash flow — and how to account for each — can help you make smarter financial decisions. Contact us at (480) 558-4400 to learn strategies for improving cash flow management.

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3514 N Power Road Suite 101
Mesa, AZ
85215

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