Tax · Accounting · Small Business Services

Your business finances, handled.

Sherman Business Services gives you direct access to a knowledgeable team for tax preparation, bookkeeping, and small business consulting — with real prices published upfront and no surprises at billing. Serving Chapel Hill and throughout North Carolina.

Personal Tax Prep

Accurate, complete, competitively priced

Business Tax & Compliance

Sole prop, LLC, S-corp — all covered

Bookkeeping Setup & Training

Simple systems you can run yourself

Small Business Consulting

Formation, strategy, 401K structure

✓ Chapel Hill & North Carolina
✓ Flat, Upfront Pricing
✓ All Entity Types Served
✓ Xero Preferred · All Platforms
✓ New & Existing Clients Welcome

Not sure where to start?

Answer 4 quick questions and we'll point you to the services most relevant to your situation.

Simple from day one

Whether you need a single tax return or a full ongoing engagement, here's what working with us looks like.

1

Free Intro Call

A 15-minute call to understand your situation, confirm scope, and give you a clear price before any work begins.

2

Document Gathering

We'll tell you exactly what we need. You send it securely — we handle the organization and follow up on anything missing.

3

Review & Delivery

We prepare your return or deliverable, walk you through the results, and answer every question before you sign off.

4

Ongoing Support

One-time or ongoing — your call. Quarterly planning, bookkeeping, and advisory available as your business grows.

Comprehensive Tax Planning & Preparation

Whether you're filing a personal return or managing a complex small business tax situation, we deliver accurate, compliant, and optimized results.

Personal Tax Services

For individuals, families, and self-employed filers

  • Current year federal & state returns
  • Back tax filings & amended returns
  • Investment income & capital gains
  • Self-employment & Schedule C
  • Rental property income
  • Foreign income & FBAR considerations
  • Life event tax planning (marriage, divorce, inheritance)

Business Structures We Serve

Sole Proprietor Single-Member LLC Multi-Member LLC S-Corporation Partnership C-Corporation

Business Tax Services

For small businesses, LLCs, and growing companies

  • Annual business return preparation
  • Quarterly estimated tax planning
  • Year-round strategic tax planning
  • Payroll tax compliance
  • Integrated bookkeeping & accounting support
  • Entity structure optimization
  • Business formation & setup guidance

Tax Season Relief

Tax season is stressful. We take the complexity off your plate with timely, accurate filings and clear communication. We take the complexity off your plate with timely, accurate filings and clear communication.

Built for business owners who wear every hat.

From setting up your books to navigating the intersection of personal and business finances, we provide practical, high-value support that saves you time and money.

01

Accounting Setup & Training

We set up a bookkeeping system tailored to your business, then train you to run it yourself. You own the system — we provide support quarterly or bi-annually. Save the cost of a full-time bookkeeper without sacrificing accuracy.

02

Business Formation

Choosing the right entity structure from the start saves money and headaches later. We walk you through LLC vs. S-Corp vs. sole proprietor decisions with your specific goals and tax situation in mind.

03

Ongoing Bookkeeping

For businesses that need more hands-on support, we provide regular bookkeeping services to keep your financials clean, organized, and ready for tax time year-round.

04

Long-Term Capital Planning

Maintenance management, capital expenditure planning, and multi-year financial projections to help you invest wisely in your business's future.

Business Entity Comparison

Whether you're starting a new business or considering a restructure, use this to understand your options.

Sole Prop LLC S-Corp C-Corp

Not sure which is right for you? We offer a dedicated entity structure consultation.

Book a Structure Consultation

S-Corp Tax Savings Calculator

See how much you could save in self-employment taxes by electing S-Corp status. Results vary by state — select yours for an accurate estimate.

Typically 40–60% of net profit. IRS requires a "reasonable" wage.

This calculator provides estimates for illustrative purposes only. Actual tax savings depend on your full tax situation, deductions, and state-specific rules. Consult a qualified tax professional before making entity structure decisions.

Transparent Pricing, Published Upfront

We publish real numbers because we believe you should know what things cost before you commit. All fees are flat-rate unless otherwise noted.

Tax Preparation

Personal Returns

$200
W-2 simple return · starting at
  • W-2 + standard deduction from $200
  • Itemized deductions from $325
  • Investments / 1099s from $425
  • Self-employed / Sch. C from $550
  • Rental property +$175 per property
  • Back taxes welcome (+25% surcharge)
Bookkeeping & Accounting

Accounting Setup

~$1,500
Most owner-operator setups
  • Xero setup preferred — all platforms supported
  • 3 training sessions included
  • You own and run it going forward
  • Quarterly check-in support available
  • Significant savings vs. a full-time bookkeeper

Ongoing Bookkeeping

$400
per month · small business
  • Small business (low volume) from $400/mo
  • Growing business (medium volume) from $750/mo
  • Quarterly review-only plan from $350/qtr
  • Year-end financial statements $500–$900
  • Catch-up bookkeeping $200/month behind
Formation, Planning & Consulting

Business Formation

$750
S-Corp election · starting at
  • Entity structure consultation $265/hr
  • S-Corp election + Form 2553 from $750
  • LLC → S-Corp conversion package $1,200
  • Reasonable salary determination $400
  • Payroll setup guidance $350
  • State filing fees paid separately by client

Consulting & Advisory

$265
per hour · all advisory services
  • Business strategy & tax planning
  • Quarterly tax planning session $350
  • Annual planning package (4 sessions) $1,200
  • Business-to-personal financial planning
  • IRS notice response ($500 minimum)
  • No minimum hourly commitment

All fees are flat-rate and quoted in advance — no hourly surprises on fixed-scope work. Fees vary with complexity and volume; a free quote is always available. Not sure which service you need? Ask us →

Bookkeeping Cost Estimator

Adjust the sliders to get an instant monthly bookkeeping estimate based on your business complexity.

50
10 (minimal)500+ (high volume)
2
1 account10+ accounts
Estimated Monthly Cost
$400 – $600
Small business · low volume
Get a Quote

Estimates are ranges — final pricing depends on record quality and software used. Free quote always available.

Tax Readiness Checklist

Use this to see how prepared you are for your next tax filing or accounting setup.

How ready are you?

Check off items you already have in order. We can help with the rest — and if your books aren't where they need to be, let's talk.

Income Documentation
Deductions & Credits
Business Bookkeeping
0 of 13 items complete 0%

Key Tax Deadlines

Federal and NC deadlines for common tax obligations. Filter by entity type.

Deadlines shown for calendar-year filers. Fiscal-year filers have different due dates. When a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it moves to the next business day. Always verify with your tax preparer.

What clients say

Real feedback from real clients.

★★★★★

"Chris and his team have been doing my personal and businesses taxes for years and I can't imagine anyone better to work with. He is quick and very responsive not to mention thorough! Highly recommend for all your tax and financial management needs!"

— P.C.
Tax preparation & financial management client
★★★★★

"Chris was referred to me by a trusted friend, and he has been instrumental in helping us navigate a complex financial situation. He expertly managed our multiple businesses, handled intricate employee stock options, and assisted with the setup of both an S-Corp and an LLC. Chris is incredibly knowledgeable and truly passionate about his work; I highly recommend his professional services to anyone needing expert financial guidance."

— K.N.
Tax planning & business consulting client

* Testimonials represent individual client experiences and are published with client permission.

People Who Know Business

You work directly with credentialed professionals who understand both the financial and operational realities of running a business.

CS
Christopher Sherman
CFP® · Owner

Christopher holds a Master of Public Administration from UNC Chapel Hill, a bachelor's from UC Riverside, and a Certificate of Financial Planning from NC State. He brings deep expertise in small business financial management, tax strategy, and long-term planning.

DB
Damon Bremer
Finance, Tax & Maintenance Manager

Damon is a UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School student (Business Administration + Data Science) with experience in commercial real estate finance. A Blue Sky Scholar and former Division I student-athlete, he brings analytical rigor to tax and bookkeeping work.

Resources & Reference

Tools, guides, and official resources we recommend to clients. No affiliation — just genuinely useful.

Tax Compliance

IRS Small Business Center

The IRS's official hub for small business owners — forms, deadlines, employer tax guides, and EIN applications.

Read More →
Business Formation

NC Secretary of State

File and maintain your NC business entity, check name availability, and access annual report filings.

Read More →
NC Tax Authority

NC Department of Revenue

NC state tax forms, sales and use tax registration, withholding, and business tax account management.

Read More →
Accounting Software

Xero Learning Center

Our preferred platform. Free guides, webinars, and tutorials for getting the most out of Xero for your small business.

Read More →
Small Business Growth

SBA — Small Business Administration

Federal resources for starting, funding, and growing a small business — including loan programs, training, and local SCORE mentors.

Read More →
Financial Planning

Sherman Financial, LLC

Our sister company — independent, fee-only financial planning with no AUM fees or commissions. Investment advising, retirement planning, and more.

Visit Sherman Financial →

Sherman Business Services has no affiliation with the above organizations (except Sherman Financial, LLC) and receives no compensation for these referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do tax returns for new clients? +
Yes — we welcome both new and returning clients, including those who need to file back taxes. Whether this is your first time working with us or you've been a client for years, we deliver the same thorough, accurate service.
What accounting software do you work with? +
Our preferred platform is Xero — we find it strikes the best balance of power and usability for small business owners. That said, we work comfortably with QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Wave, FreshBooks, and most other systems. If you're already using something else, we'll work with it. If you're starting from scratch, we'll help you choose the right fit for your business.
What's included in the accounting setup service? +
Our most popular small business service includes a custom-built bookkeeping system and three training sessions. The goal is for you — or a key employee — to run the system with confidence. We stay available for quarterly or bi-annual support as needed. Most owner-operator setups are ~$1,500.
Are you available outside of tax season? +
Absolutely. We provide year-round support for business clients, including quarterly tax planning, bookkeeping reviews, and strategic consulting. Planning ahead is almost always better than reacting at year-end.
How is Sherman Business Services different from Sherman Financial? +
Sherman Business Services, LLC handles tax preparation, accounting, bookkeeping, and small business consulting. For investment advising, retirement planning, and personal financial planning, those services are provided through our sister company, Sherman Financial, LLC — an independent, fee-only registered investment advisor. Visit Sherman Financial →
When does it make sense to elect S-Corp status? +
Generally, once your business generates more than $60,000–$80,000 in net profit per year. Below that threshold, the compliance costs of running payroll and filing a separate corporate return typically outweigh the self-employment tax savings. Above it, the savings can be substantial — our S-Corp calculator can give you a personalized estimate. One important nuance: you must pay yourself a "reasonable salary" as an S-Corp owner-employee. We help clients determine what that number should be for their situation.
What do I need to bring to my tax prep appointment? +
For personal returns: W-2s from all employers, 1099 forms (freelance, interest, dividends, retirement), Social Security statements if applicable, last year's return, and records of any major life events (marriage, home purchase, new dependent). For business returns: your P&L and balance sheet, bank statements, payroll records, any 1099s issued or received, vehicle mileage logs if applicable, and documentation of major asset purchases. Our tax readiness checklist above walks through the full list.
How do quarterly estimated taxes work, and do I need to pay them? +
If you're self-employed, a sole proprietor, or an S-Corp owner receiving distributions, you likely need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties. The IRS requires these four times a year (typically April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15). The amount is based on your expected annual income and tax liability. We help clients calculate the right amount and set reminders so they're never caught off guard at year-end.
Can you help if my books are a mess or I haven't filed in years? +
Yes — this is actually one of the more common situations we encounter. Whether you're behind on filings, have years of disorganized records, or have never set up a proper bookkeeping system, we can help untangle it. We assess where things stand, prioritize what needs to be addressed first (usually any outstanding tax liabilities), and build a clean system going forward. No judgment — just practical next steps.
How do I know if my business is profitable enough to justify an accountant? +
A useful rule of thumb: if your annual accounting and tax prep fees are less than 1–2% of your revenue, professional help is almost always worth it. Beyond cost, the real question is whether missed deductions, compliance errors, or poor financial visibility are costing you more than you realize. Many new clients discover they've been overpaying in taxes for years simply because they lacked the right structure. A free intro call is a low-risk way to find out where you stand.
New Clients — Start Here

Schedule a Free Intro Call

30 minutes. Tell us what you need — we'll tell you how we can help and what it'll cost.
Already a client? Use the contact form below to reach the team directly.

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Let's talk about your tax & accounting needs.

Tell us a bit about your situation — business type, what services you need, and any pressing timelines — and we'll get back to you within one business day.

Response TimeWithin 1 business day

Already a client? Use this same form to reach us between engagements — flag your timeline and we'll prioritize accordingly.

Get in Touch

Sherman Business Services, LLC provides tax preparation, bookkeeping, and business consulting services. This website does not constitute legal, investment, or financial planning advice. For investment advisory and financial planning services, visit Sherman Financial, LLC. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.