Mercer Flanagan CPA
Engineers & Architects at workEngineers & Architects
Professional Services · Frederick, MD

CPA for Engineers & Architects in Frederick, MD

R&D tax credit, 179D energy deduction, Project-based cash flow — we handle the accounting complexity specific to engineers & architects, so you can focus on the work.

What we know for engineers & architects

01R&D tax credit
02179D energy deduction
03Project-based cash flow
Entity structure

The most important tax decision for your business.

How your business is structured has a bigger impact on your tax bill than almost any other single decision. We analyze this for every new client. Read our S-Corp vs. LLC guide →

StructureSelf-employment taxAdmin complexityBest for
Sole Proprietor / Single-Member LLC15.3% on all net incomeLowestNew or very small operations
S-CorporationOnly on reasonable salaryModerateEstablished owners earning $80K+ net
Partnership / Multi-Member LLCCan be highHighBusinesses with multiple owners
FigureWhere $120,000 of S-Corp profit goes
$120,000NET PROFITSalary$70,000Distribution$50,000FICA · $10,71015.3% ON SALARY ONLYWagesW-2 TO YOUNo SE taxK-1 DISTRIBUTION
SE tax as an LLC$16,955
FICA as an S-Corp$10,710
Difference, before added costs$6,245
Self-employment / FICA tax only, before added payroll and return costs. Illustrative — run your own numbers.
Our services

What we handle for engineers & architects.

01

Individual Tax Preparation

Complete tax returns with personal CPA interviews, year-round support, and expertise in complex tax situations. Every return is reviewed by an experienced CPA — never offshored, never rushed.

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02

Small Business Tax & Bookkeeping

Full business tax management including quarterly and year-end planning, multi-entity expertise, and responsive year-round support.

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03

Tax Planning Services

Proactive, year-round tax strategy for individuals and businesses that reduces your liability and maximizes deductions before it’s too late to act.

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04

QuickBooks Support & Training

QuickBooks setup, training, and troubleshooting with business-focused guidance and ongoing consultation from CPAs who understand your books and your business.

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Why Mercer Flanagan

A Frederick CPA firm built around businesses like yours.

Big firms want big corporate clients. You won't be handed off to a junior associate. You won't wait three weeks for a call back. You get a CPA who knows your name and your situation.

Year Mercer Flanagan was founded in Frederick, MD
Years serving local professionals, businesses & nonprofits
Rated by clients across Frederick County
Year-round
Access to your CPA — not just during tax season

We pick up the phone

Year-round access to your CPA. Questions answered when you have them.

We know your industry

The deductions and rules specific to engineers & architects.

Local & accountable

Based in Frederick, MD. We know this community and we’re not going anywhere.

Proactive planning

We contact you when something changes that affects your tax situation.

Frequently asked questions

Questions we hear from engineers & architects.

Clear answers to what most clients ask before making the switch to relationship-based tax preparation.

For many owners earning more than $80,000 in net income, an S-Corp election reduces self-employment tax by splitting income between a W-2 salary and a distribution. The tradeoff is added payroll and filing complexity. We run the numbers for each client to confirm the savings justify the overhead. See our full S-Corp vs. LLC analysis.

Free 20-minute consultation

Ready for a CPA who knows engineers & architects?

Book a free 20-minute consultation. We'll tell you honestly whether we can help — and what it would cost. No pressure, no obligation.