Frequently Asked Questions
Rifkin & Rifkin, LLC | Accounting & Tax Services in Fairfield County

Q: Where is Rifkin & Rifkin, LLC located, and what areas do you serve?
A: Rifkin & Rifkin CPAs is proudly based in Fairfield County, Connecticut. We serve clients throughout the region—including Westport, Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford, and beyond. We also work virtually with clients across the U.S. who need a trusted Connecticut tax accountant or small business advisor. Our offices are located on Kings Highway East in Fairfield and parking is available behind the building on Berwick Ave. 

​

Q: What makes Rifkin & Rifkin, LLC different from other accounting firms in Fairfield County?
A: Rifkin & Rifkin combines the personalized service of a local CPA with the strategic insight of a large firm. We offer customized accounting, bookkeeping, and tax planning solutions tailored to individuals and small businesses throughout Connecticut. Our commitment to responsive communication and proactive advice sets us apart.

​

Q: Are you accepting new clients for the upcoming tax season?
A: Yes! We are currently accepting new clients for individual and business tax preparation in Connecticut. Whether you are self-employed, running a business, or need help navigating new tax laws, we welcome the opportunity to assist you.​​

​

Q: What accounting and tax services do you offer year-round?
A: Rifkin & Rifkin CPAs provides:

• Tax preparation (individual & business)

• Tax planning and estimated payments

• Small business accounting & QuickBooks support

• Payroll services and CT compliance

• Sales tax filing and multi-state tax support

• IRS representation and audit response

All services are available year-round to support your financial health beyond tax season.

​

Q: How do I schedule a consultation with Rifkin LLC?
A: Scheduling is easy! You can call us directly, fill out our contact form at www.rifkinllc.com, or email us to set up a free introductory consultation. We offer both in-person and virtual options for your convenience.

​

Q: Is your firm licensed and insured?
A: Yes. Rifkin & Rifkin is a fully licensed and insured CPA firm in Connecticut, with decades of experience in tax law, accounting, and business advisory. We stay up to date on all regulatory requirements to protect our clients and ensure accuracy.

​

Q: Can you help with both personal and business taxes?
A: Absolutely. Many of our clients need both personal and business tax support—especially small business owners, freelancers, and landlords. We provide integrated tax planning and preparation to maximize deductions across both sides of your financial life. Check out our services page for the full list of offerings.

​

Q: Do you offer support after tax season ends?
A: Yes. We provide ongoing support for tax planning, bookkeeping, estimated payments, and IRS notices throughout the year. Rifkin & Rifkin, LLC is your year-round partner, not just your tax preparer.

Q: What tax services do you offer for individuals in Fairfield County?
A: Rifkin & Rifkin offers comprehensive Connecticut individual tax services, including federal and state tax return preparation, tax planning, estimated tax calculation, and IRS representation. Whether you're a salaried employee, freelancer, investor, or retiree, we ensure your taxes are filed accurately and on time.

​

Q: What documents should I gather before filing my taxes?
A: To prepare your tax return, gather the following:

• W-2 forms from employers

• 1099s for contract work, dividends, interest, or retirement income

• Mortgage interest and real estate tax documents

• Charitable donation receipts

• Medical expense summaries (if itemizing)

• Investment income statements

• Prior year’s tax return
   

​

Q: Can Rifkin & Rifkin, LLC help maximize my tax refund?
A: Yes. Our team looks for every available deduction and credit to help you receive the maximum refund legally allowed. This includes education credits, retirement contributions, dependent care expenses, and more. We also advise on how to adjust your withholding for better results next year.

​

Q: I received a letter from the IRS—what should I do?
A: Don’t panic. Rifkin & Rifkin offers expert IRS representation in Fairfield County. We’ll review the notice, explain what it means, and represent you in communications with the IRS to resolve the issue quickly and effectively.

​

Q: Do you help with estimated tax payments for freelancers or self-employed individuals?
A: Absolutely. We provide quarterly tax planning for freelancers, consultants, and gig workers to calculate estimated payments and avoid IRS penalties. Our Connecticut tax advisors help ensure you're in compliance year-round.

​

Q: How do I know if I should itemize or take the standard deduction?
A: We analyze your full financial picture to determine whether itemizing (e.g. mortgage interest, medical expenses, donations) will save you more money than the standard deduction. This is a key step in maximizing your tax efficiency.

​

Q: Can you help me plan for tax-efficient retirement withdrawals?
A: Yes. We help clients manage retirement account distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s, and pensions with tax-smart timing. This includes required minimum distribution (RMD) strategies, Roth conversions, and charitable giving from retirement funds.

​

Q: What should new Connecticut residents know about state taxes?
A: If you've recently moved to Fairfield County or anywhere in Connecticut, Rifkin & Rifkin will guide you through state residency rules, dual-state income reporting, and other unique filing requirements to avoid penalties or overpaying.

​

Q: What makes Rifkin & Rifkin, LLC a good choice for local tax preparation?
A: With decades of experience in Fairfield County, Rifkin & Rifkin combines local tax expertise with personalized service. Unlike national chains, we understand Connecticut tax codes and build long-term relationships with our clients. Plus, we offer virtual appointments for your convenience.

Q: What type of businesses do you work with?
A: Rifkin & Rifkin, LLC proudly serves small and mid-sized businesses in Fairfield County, including LLCs, S-Corps, sole proprietors, and partnerships. We support industries such as healthcare, real estate, hospitality, consulting, e-commerce, and startups with personalized tax and accounting strategies. Check our our about page for more information.

​

Q: How often should I update my bookkeeping?
A: For most businesses, monthly bookkeeping ensures financial accuracy, compliance, and cash flow awareness. Our Fairfield County bookkeeping services help you stay audit-ready and tax-prepared all year long.​

​

Q: Can you help me choose the right business structure (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)?
A: Yes. Choosing the right entity impacts your tax burden and legal liability. As a trusted Connecticut accounting firm, we help entrepreneurs select and set up the structure that aligns with their goals and maximizes tax advantages.

​

Q: How do I stay compliant with Connecticut business tax regulations?
A: Connecticut businesses must adhere to specific rules for income tax, sales tax, business registration, and payroll. Our Fairfield County small business tax services include year-round monitoring of deadlines and filings to ensure full state and federal compliance.

​

Q: Can you handle sales tax filing for my business?
A: Absolutely. We offer sales tax registration and filing services for Connecticut-based businesses and e-commerce sellers. We ensure you're collecting and remitting the correct sales tax and complying with both in-state and out-of-state nexus laws.​

​

Q: Do you offer budgeting and financial forecasting?
A: Yes. Rifkin & Rifkin, LLC provides strategic budgeting and cash flow forecasting to help Fairfield County business owners make proactive, data-driven decisions. We also assist with growth planning, pricing strategies, and overhead analysis.

​

Q: Can you help with business loans or SBA applications?
A: Definitely. We prepare the required financial statements, forecasts, and documentation to support bank loan applications or SBA funding. We also help businesses improve their creditworthiness and financial presentation.

​

Q: What's the difference between tax preparation and tax planning?
A: Tax preparation is the annual filing of your returns. Tax planning is an ongoing, proactive strategy to minimize taxes through smart business decisions, deductions, and entity structure. We offer both to ensure you keep more of what you earn.

Q: What is tax planning, and why is it important?
A: Tax planning is the proactive process of reducing your tax liability through strategic decisions made throughout the year. At Rifkin & Rifkin LLC, our Fairfield County tax planning services help individuals and small businesses minimize taxes, avoid surprises, and align financial decisions with tax-saving opportunities.

​

Q: When should I start planning for taxes?
A: The best time to start is at the beginning of the year or whenever your financial situation changes (starting a business, buying property, retiring, etc.). Our Connecticut tax advisors work with you year-round—not just during tax season—to identify timely strategies that make a real difference. Fill out our contact form to start today.

​

Q: What tax strategies do you recommend for small business owners?
A: We help businesses lower tax burdens through:

• Entity selection (LLC vs. S-Corp)

• Retirement plan contributions

• Business expense optimization

• Quarterly estimated tax planning

• Year-end bonus and equipment planning

​​

Our Fairfield County small business tax strategy services are designed to keep you compliant and cash-efficient.

​

Q: Can tax planning help me personally if I don’t own a business?
A: Yes! We offer individual tax planning in Connecticut to help with:

• Adjusting withholdings

• Managing investment gains/losses

• Maximizing deductions and credits

• Planning for retirement income distributions

We tailor strategies to your life stage—whether you’re saving, buying a home, or planning for retirement.

​

Q: Do you provide year-round tax strategy consultations?
A: Yes. Rifkin & Rifkin LLC offers ongoing tax planning consultations for individuals and businesses. Whether you’re in Fairfield County or working with us virtually, we help you stay ahead of tax changes and make smarter financial decisions all year long. Contact us today for your consultation.