CPA Workflow: Streamlining Tax Credit Calculations for Maximum Efficiency
For CPAs working with Restaurant tax credits, learn how to use the platform's calculation tools, review workflows, and approval processes. Discover time-saving tips and best practices for accurate tax credit calculations.
Accessing Your CPA Dashboard
CPAs have dedicated workflows accessible at:
/dashboard- Your main dashboard with queue overview/dashboard- CPA dashboard with review queue and claim management/cpa/claims/:slug/review- Review a specific claim/cpa/claims/:slug/calculate- Create FICA calculation
The Calculation Workflow
Review Claim Documents
Access all uploaded W-2s and tax returns through the claim detail page. Verify completeness and accuracy.
Create Calculation
Navigate to the calculation page and enter tax year, employee count, tip wages, and calculated credit amount.
Save as Draft
Save calculations as drafts to review before finalizing. You can edit drafts until submitted.
Submit for Review
Change status to "submitted" when ready. This makes it available for final approval.
Approve Calculation
Once approved, the calculation triggers commission creation and moves the claim forward.
Calculation Best Practices
1. Verify All Documents First
Before creating a calculation, ensure all required W-2s and tax returns are uploaded and legible. Missing documents can delay the process.
2. Calculate Multiple Years Separately
Create separate calculations for each tax year. This provides clarity and makes it easier to track and verify.
3. Double-Check Tip Wage Totals
Sum all tipped employee wages from W-2s carefully. Errors here affect the entire calculation.
4. Use Draft Status for Complex Cases
For complex calculations or when you need to verify details, save as draft and review before submitting.
Understanding Calculation Statuses
Draft
Calculation is in progress. You can edit and refine before submitting.
Submitted
Calculation is complete and ready for final approval. No further edits allowed.
Approved
Calculation has been approved. Commissions are created and claim moves to next stage.
Rejected
Calculation was rejected (usually due to errors). Can be corrected and resubmitted.
Time-Saving Tips
- Batch Process: Review multiple claims in one session to maintain focus and efficiency
- Use Templates: For similar restaurants, you can reference previous calculations as templates
- Prioritize Queue: Focus on claims with all documents uploaded first
- Set Reminders: Use the platform's notification system to track claims needing attention
Cross-Organization Support
As a CPA, you can be assigned to claims from any organization. This allows external CPA firms to work with multiple ISO partners while maintaining a single workflow.
Note: Your CPA dashboard shows all assigned claims regardless of which ISO organization they belong to.
Related Services
Note: This workflow guide focuses on Restaurant Tax Credit calculations. We also offer comprehensive Tax Services for businesses seeking professional tax preparation and consulting.
Sources & References
- • IRS Form 8846 Instructions - Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on Certain Employee Tips
- • IRS Form 8846 - Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on Certain Employee Tips
- • IRS Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
- • IRS Form 8027 - Employer's Annual Information Return of Tip Income and Allocated Tips
- • IRS: Tips - Reporting and Withholding
- • 26 U.S.C. § 45B - Credit for portion of employer social security taxes paid with respect to employee cash tips