Sharon M Gum CPA

05/26/2026

Mastering Illinois Sales Tax 🧾
Illinois sales tax rules can feel like a moving target; are you sure your business is completely compliant?

For retailers and service providers in Waterloo and the surrounding areas, keeping up with changing rates and complex taxability rules is a full-time job. It’s incredibly easy to fall behind or make costly errors that catch the eye of the Illinois Department of Revenue.

At Sharon M. Gum, CPA, we provide the expert sales tax consulting and filing services you need to keep your business in excellent standing.

We take the guesswork out of compliance by helping you:
✅ POS System Setup: Ensure your point-of-sale systems are calculating local rates correctly.
✅ E-Commerce & Nexus: Navigate complex out-of-state "nexus" rules for your online sales.
✅ Accurate Filings: Manage your monthly or quarterly filings so they are always accurate and on time.
✅ Audit Representation: If you are facing a sales tax audit, we provide professional representation to protect your interests.

Don't let sales tax become a liability for your business. Rely on a local expert who knows the Monroe County tax landscape inside and out.

Let's make your sales tax processes efficient, accurate, and stress-free!

📞 (618) 660-9021

🌐 https://sharonmgumcpa.com/

05/11/2026

Reclaim Your Weekends from Payroll 🗓️
You started your business to follow your passion, not to become a part-time payroll clerk.

As a business owner in Southern Illinois, your time is your most valuable asset. But between calculating withholdings, managing direct deposits, and filing quarterly tax reports, payroll can quickly turn into a second full-time job.

At Sharon M. Gum, CPA, we believe payroll should be invisible. We take the "stress" out of the "stress-test" by providing:

✅ Accurate Processing: Timely payments for your team, whether you have 2 employees or 20.
✅ Tax Compliance: We handle the federal and state tax filings so you don’t have to worry about IRS penalties.
✅ Direct Deposit & Reporting: Seamless integration that keeps your records organized and your employees happy.

Stop spending your Sunday nights staring at spreadsheets and tax tables. Let our 30+ years of local expertise handle the logistics while you focus on growing your business.

Ready to simplify your payday? Let's talk.

📞 (618) 660-9021
🌐 https://sharonmgumcpa.com/

04/27/2026

Setting the Stage for 2026 Success 📈
Is your business built for stability, or is it built for growth? In 2026, you can have both.

Success doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by design. Whether you are launching a brand-new venture or looking to restructure your existing business for the year ahead, the right foundation is everything.

At Sharon M. Gum, CPA, we provide the strategic roadmap you need to navigate the complexities of business ownership. Our Business Planning & Advisory services include:

✅ Entity Selection & Restructuring: Choosing the right structure (LLC, S-Corp, etc.) to optimize your taxes.
✅ Financial Projections: Improving cash flow forecasting so you’re never caught off guard.
✅ Strategic Growth: Market competition analysis and expansion planning.
✅ Startup Essentials: From obtaining your Tax ID (EIN) to navigating local licenses and permits, we handle the technical hurdles so you can focus on your vision.

Don't just "see how it goes" this year. Let’s sit down and develop a strategy to secure your financing, refine your business model, and improve your bottom line.

Your growth is our business!

📞 (618) 660-9021
🌐 https://sharonmgumcpa.com/business-setup-planning-advisory/

04/13/2026

The Final Countdown ⏳
The April 15th deadline is officially just 2 days away - is your tax return ready to go?

The clock is ticking for taxpayers in Waterloo and Monroe County. If you haven't filed your 2025 return yet, don't let the last-minute pressure lead to costly mistakes!

At Sharon M. Gum, CPA, we specialize in accuracy under pressure. We ensure that even with a tight deadline, your return is filed correctly and every eligible deduction is captured.

Need more time? Filing an extension is always an option, but remember: an extension to file is NOT an extension to pay. We can help you estimate your tax liability today so you can make a timely payment and avoid late-payment penalties from the IRS or the State of Illinois.

Don't spend your final nights of tax season staring at a screen in frustration. Bring your documents to a trusted local professional who knows the 2026 tax code inside and out.

Let’s cross the finish line with confidence!

📍 405 Hartman Ln, Waterloo, IL 62298
📞 (618) 660-9021
🌐 https://sharonmgumcpa.com/
🗺️ Find us on Google: https://g.page/sharon-m--gum--cpa

03/23/2026

We love happy clients! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

See our latest 5-star Google Review:

"Easy to contact, quick responses, quality advice and we are so happy we found this CPA for business and personal tax advice and tax reporting." — Will

Thank you for the 5-star rating Will! We're happy to hear that you appreciate the quality of our expertise and responsiveness. We're delighted to assist with your tax needs. Thanks again for choosing Sharon M. Gum, CPA.

Looking for a local CPA who is as invested in your success as you are? Let’s talk!

📍 405 Hartman Ln, Waterloo, IL 62298
📞 (618) 660-9021
🌐 https://sharonmgumcpa.com/

03/16/2026

Ready to work with a local CPA who truly knows the community?

Experience matters, especially when it comes to your business finances. Sharon isn’t just a CPA; she’s a neighbor who has called Waterloo home for decades. Since 1991, she’s helped Southern Illinois businesses navigate the complexities of tax law and financial planning.

When you partner with Sharon M. Gum, CPA, you aren't getting a faceless national firm. You’re getting three decades of expertise and a commitment to seeing our local economy thrive.

Visit our website to schedule a consultation: https://sharonmgumcpa.com/contact-us/

See Our Google Reviews: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=1214929904421373116

02/23/2026

Tailored Accounting Services for Your Local Business

At Sharon M. Gum, CPA, we understand that every business in Waterloo, IL, and Monroe County is unique. That's why we pride ourselves on offering personalized accounting services, meticulously tailored to meet your specific financial requirements and business objectives.

We take the time to listen to your needs, assess your current financial situation, and develop customized solutions that genuinely align with your goals. Our approach isn't one-size-fits-all; it's a partnership built on understanding and trust.

Experience the difference of a CPA who genuinely cares about your business's success. Sharon M. Gum, CPA, is dedicated to providing bespoke accounting solutions that help your Waterloo business thrive. Contact us today to discuss your unique needs.

https://sharonmgumcpa.com

Sharon M. Gum, CPA
405 Hartman Ln
Waterloo, IL 62298

See Our Google Reviews: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=1214929904421373116

02/16/2026

Why Filing Your Taxes Early is Your Best Defense Against Fraud

With the 2026 tax season now open, speed is one of your best tools for security. Tax-related identity theft remains a concern, where scammers use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent returns and pocket refunds. The best way to protect yourself is to file your legitimate return as early as possible—once your return is in the system, it "locks" your SSN for the year.

Read More: https://local.google.com/place?id=1214929904421373116&use=posts&lpsid=CIHM0ogKEJCa3Zis5v2ZsgE

Visit our website: https://sharonmgumcpa.com/

Why Filing Your Taxes Early is Your Best Defense Against Fraud With the 2026 tax season now open, speed is one of your best tools for security. Tax-related identity theft remains a concern, where scammers use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent returns and pocket refunds. The best way....

02/14/2026

Are you searching for a reliable tax professional to help with your taxes? While most are honest and reliable, the warns you to avoid those who refuse to sign your tax return with their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). ‘Ghost’ preparers who don’t sign returns are very likely trying to scam you. Avoid these scammers by checking out the IRS tips on choosing the right for your tax situation: www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro

02/14/2026

Be my guest.

Contact us to see if there's an opening for your business at our Open House event on March 5th!

02/03/2026

Call for your appointment now. Or drop off and set appt to sign