Tax planning and the preparation of returns, including all local, state and federal taxes  
Tax planning begins early in the year and is crucial to effective decision making.  Virtually every business decision has some tax consequence that should be considered.  Tax-return preparation begins shortly after the year ends.  Throughout the year, we monitor potential tax liabilities to ensure proper estimates are made.  We also are available to assist during the examination of returns by tax authorities. 

Estate planning 
We provide estate planning services for all of our clients.  Our objective is to ensure that the client’s desires are realized.  Estate planning must begin early in order to be effective.  We work closely with the client and other advisors to achieve the desired objectives. 
 

Business valuation 
Business valuations are prepared as needed.  Recently  we have conducted valuations for owners both selling and buying businesses and as part of buy/sell agreements between shareholders of the same company. 

Nontraditional 
Designing accounting systems 
Our firm helps clients who are just starting in business by working with them to design an effective accounting system. We set up basic check-writing and complete general ledger systems.  Once a system is in place, we are always available for questions. 
 

Consulting on pension, profit sharing and other employee benefit plans 
Most clients either have or need employee benefit plans.  Hirth Norris & Garrison makes recommendations regarding such plans and helps the client choose one that best suits the company. We do not typically administer plans, but we will make recommendations regarding potential administrators and fulfill any auditing requirements. 
 

Assistance in dealing with banks and other financial institutions 
When clients are seeking loans or leases, we assist in gathering any needed information.  In addition, we can act as the client’s representative in dealings with the bank or financial institution. 
 

Installation of accounting software and user assistance 
New accounting software can be intimidating.  Consequently, we have begun to offer clients assistance with software installation and the initial set-up of accounting data.  Once the software is ready, we help the client learn to use it and assist in processing the data. 

Financial and cash flow projections 
Sometimes clients need to look ahead. Whether for product lines or the sale of a part of the business, clients may need help budgeting and forecasting. We have developed Excel spreadsheets to prepare forecasted financial statements. We prepare extensive projections for our clients and using our spreadsheet, make changes easily to examine various scenarios. 
 

Agreed upon procedures  
Agreed upon procedures are a relatively new service provided to any client who needs a specialized investigation.  For example, if a client suspects fraud and needs an investigation of cash disbursements for a specific time period, we provide the service to the exact specifications. We require that the agreement be made in writing. Upon completion, we issue a report of our findings to the client. 

Specialization 
Audits of employee benefit plans  
Clients with more than 100 participants in employee benefit plans, including pension, profit sharing, health and welfare benefit plans, are required to have an audit of the plan on an annual basis. We specialize in these types of audits.  Jim Norris is our partner in charge of these audits and because this is our specialty, we are able to conduct the audits at reasonable rates.  

Service to printing companies 
While Hirth Norris & Garrison provides service to many clients in various industries, the firm boasts a relatively large number of printing clients.  We are proud members of the Printing Industry of Ohio and have developed an excellent relationship with members of the industry.