Running a small business comes with endless questions about deductions, expenses, and how to stay compliant with the IRS — without losing your sanity.
At Pettay Consulting, I help decode your numbers so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

Here are the questions I get most often — and the answers that can help you feel confident, not confused.

How do I handle items that are used for both personal and business?

The IRS gives clear instructions on how to document, track, and calculate the percentage of business use. Think: cell phones, internet, or a home office. Pettay Consulting helps you identify what qualifies, how to track it properly, and how to make sure your deductions are compliant and optimized.

What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and a CPA — and where do you fit in?

Bookkeepers stop at the bank feed. CPAs start at tax time. I bridge the gap between the two — reviewing every transaction line-by-line to uncover missed deductions, coding errors, and red flags before they become tax-time stress.

Can I deduct my car expenses if I also use it personally?

Yes — but the method matters. The IRS allows either the standard mileage or actual expense method. Pettay Consulting helps you calculate which one gives you the biggest return, using real data from your vehicle, mileage logs, and gas receipts.

How do I know if something counts as a repair or an improvement?

Repairs keep your property running. Improvements increase its value or extend its life. That difference affects depreciation and safe-harbor deductions. Pettay Consulting classifies these correctly so you stay compliant and strategic.

Are software subscriptions deductible?

Yes — but the category counts. Some may belong under “utilities,” others under “professional tools.” I conduct vendor and subscription audits to identify what’s deductible, what’s wasteful, and where you might be overpaying.

What’s the best way to organize receipts for the IRS?

Forget the shoebox. You need a system. Pettay Consulting builds simple digital workflows aligned with IRS recordkeeping rules — so your documentation is one click away, not buried in a pile.

My CPA says I owe more than expected — can you review my books?

Absolutely. I specialize in Deduction & Transaction Reviews that uncover missed write-offs, misclassified assets, or outdated coding. Sometimes, it’s not about your income — it’s about what’s hiding in your expense categories.

Do you work directly with CPAs?

Yes. I partner with CPAs by organizing and cleaning up data so year-end filing is smooth, accurate, and compliant. My goal isn’t to replace your CPA — it’s to make both your jobs easier.

How often should I review my financials?

At least quarterly. Ideally, monthly. Small errors compound fast. Pettay Consulting creates systems that make reviews quick, clear, and actually useful for decision-making.

I just started my business — when should I get help?

Right from the start. Even a single consultation can help you set up your chart of accounts, category structure, and IRS-compliant systems correctly. It’s easier to build it right than fix it later.

Want clarity and confidence in your numbers?

Book a Deduction Strategy Review with Pettay Consulting — and find out what your books are really trying to tell you.

Schedule your free consultation today