New O/O; What to ask CPA?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by J&THauling, Oct 16, 2025 at 3:43 AM.

  1. J&THauling

    J&THauling Bobtail Member

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    Hello, all :flower:

    I have an appointment with our new CPA tomorrow morning, and I was hoping some of you might have some insight into what sort of questions/information I should be bringing with me!

    It's in my nature to come prepared and well-researched, but I know there are many things that can only be learned from experience (especially in business, and ESPECIALLY in this business!).

    What are some basic but essential questions? What do you wish you had known, done, or asked when you first started your business, and when you first dealt with a tax pro?

    For context, the business will be My fiancé, Jimmy, and I. We have one truck, and at least 3 friends/contacts whose businesses will be using us once we're all set up. Jimmy will drive, and I will basically do the rest! And occasionally his Uncle was hoping to do a couple hauls for us (he used to drive OTR, and was pretty stoked when he found out what we were doing, said he'd split the pay with us and really just wants to do it a few times for love of the game lol). We're in California and will be crossing state lines, but won't be going full-blown OTR.
     
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  3. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Two things;

    first is do not depend on friends for work.

    Second is don’t hire family to work for you.

    oh and even if you have an occasional driver, do the same process like you would hire them as strangers, have a drivers file, application and all of the other stuff well documented, because if he gets into an accident your **** is in the line and you want to cover it as best as possible which brings me to an addition to number two point, never hire family. If he gets into an accident and it is his fault, then protect yourself, not him no matter what.


    EDIT - just to add, LLCs do not protect assets in this industry. They make it great for taxes.
     
    Stringb8n Thanks this.
  4. Stringb8n

    Stringb8n Road Train Member

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    I have wondered, is this true even if the "owner" of the LLC doesn't drive himself? Or is particularly dangerous to believe it protects personal assets when the owner is the one and only driver alone?
     
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