Prepare your christina nortman, cpa conversation
Learn about Christina Nortman, CPA, and explore AE Tax Advisors’ approach to business and real estate tax planning. Bring the right records and questions to your first advisory discussion.
Start with the decision, the people, and the timing
Write a short summary of the question you need to resolve. Identify the owners, entities, or properties involved and any transaction date already under discussion. Separate the outcome you want from the treatment you assume will produce it. That gives the adviser room to compare alternatives.
Bring the records that establish the facts
- The business or property decision you need to resolve
- The relevant entities and ownership
- Recent returns and current financial information
- Your priorities and expected timeline
Use a document index rather than pasting sensitive information into a general inquiry. Keep original source files and note which schedule or statement supports each figure. If a record is missing, explain the gap and identify who can provide it. Ask AE for the appropriate secure intake process before transmitting returns or financial documents.
Work through the review in order
Share the context
Explain the decision and the people involved.
Clarify the scope
Understand which professional and service fit the work.
Prepare the records
Agree on the information needed for analysis.
Confirm the work and the responsibilities
A recommendation, a calculation, a signed election, and a completed filing are different milestones. Ask which deliverables are included, which professional implements them, and what completion evidence you should retain. Clarify any separate work for payroll, bookkeeping, engineering, legal advice, or return preparation.
Leave with an actionable follow-up
Agree on the unresolved questions, documents still needed, responsible people, and the next review date. A useful preparation file should let the next professional understand the facts without reconstructing the conversation. Revisit the file when ownership, operating use, income, or a planned transaction changes.