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What We Do › Tax Services

Tax Services

Meeting Every Need

What makes CTBK a leading accounting and advisory firm in Buffalo, NY is the depth and breadth of experience our partners bring to every engagement. We provide businesses and individuals across Western New York and beyond with expert guidance in complex financial matters, delivering detailed, tailored solutions no matter the scope. 

From mergers and acquisitions and business succession planning to estate and tax planning, our team offers comprehensive advisory services designed to support long-term growth, protect assets, and help you make confident financial decisions. 

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I’m looking for…

    Tax Accountants With Years of Expertise

    Our growth over the years has expanded our horizons of offered services, as well as added technology that allows us to provide every client with creative solutions at an affordable price.

    No matter a client’s tax needs, our team is equipped with expertise, experience, and passion to deliver something as routine as tax returns to much more complex research projects.

    Corporate Tax Services

    Think your business isn’t a match for our team?
    Think again. 

    Tax strategy is one of the most powerful levers a business owner has. Our corporate tax team works closely with owners and their leadership teams to structure entities, plan for transactions, and minimize tax liability, all while keeping your long-term goals in focus. 

    We serve businesses organized as: 

    • S Corporations
    • C Corporations
    • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
    • Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

    No matter your structure, you’ll receive a clear understanding of how planning decisions at the entity level interact with your personal tax picture, and we’ll keep you informed at every phase, so there are never any surprises at year end. 

    CTBK supports businesses across Buffalo, Western New York, and beyond with tailored accounting, tax, and consulting services built to meet you where you are and grow with you. 

    Individual Tax Services

    Many of our individual tax clients are the owners of pass-through entities, meaning there’s much more to preparing and filing your taxes than submitting paperwork by a certain date. Really, it’s a full-year affair.

    As much as we love a good surprise, no one wants one when tax time comes. That’s why we actively communicate with our clients, providing a variety of planning and advisory services, avoiding confusion and overwhelm every step of the way.

    We keep clients plugged into the process throughout your tax preparation project, beginning with an emphasis on thorough planning and concluding with our no-surprise billing approach.

    Three businesswomen walking and collaborating.

    R&D Tax Credit

    The Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit is a federal incentive that rewards businesses for investing in innovation. Since 1981, it has offered a reduction in federal taxes for qualified activities—such as developing, designing, or improving products, processes, formulas, or software.

    You don’t need to run a laboratory or hire scientists to qualify. Many industries—including manufacturing, software development, agriculture, and food production—can benefit from the credit through everyday operational improvements.

    With the recent legislative fix to Section 174 restoring the full value of R&D incentives, the credit is once again one of the most powerful tools for businesses looking to adapt, compete, and grow. The key is knowing how to apply it correctly—and that’s where CTBK comes in. Let the CTBK professionals review your business activities to help maximize your credit and reduce your tax burden so you can invest more in your business and our community.

    Who Qualifies?

    The credit is available to businesses of all sizes that engage in qualified research activities. Improvements can be incremental—they don’t have to revolutionize your industry.  If you are engineering improvements to products or processes it is likely you can reduce your tax burden with R&D credits.

    The IRS applies a Four-Part Test to determine eligibility:

    Permitted Purpose

    Work must aim to create or improve a product, process, formula, software, or technique, focusing on performance, quality, reliability, cost efficiency, or functionality.

    Elimination of Uncertainty.

    At the start of the project, there must be uncertainty about how—or if—the desired result can be achieved.

    Process of Experimentation

    The project must test alternatives, whether through modeling, simulation, prototyping, trial and error, or other structured experimentation.

    Technological in Nature

    The work must rely on principles of the hard sciences—engineering, physical sciences, computer science, or biological sciences.

    Why Work With CTBK?

    R&D Tax Credit Services in Buffalo, NY

    Claiming the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit isn’t as simple as checking a box on your tax return. The rules are complex, documentation requirements are strict, and the IRS closely scrutinizes claims—making experience critical. 

    At CTBK, we provide expert R&D tax credit services to businesses across Buffalo, NY and Western New York. Our team combines deep tax expertise with hands-on industry knowledge to identify qualifying research activities, maximize eligible expenses, and ensure your claim is fully compliant and defensible. 

    We’ve helped companies in manufacturing, technology, professional services, and other industries secure significant tax savings—often uncovering opportunities they didn’t realize existed. 

    When you work with CTBK, you get: 

    • Proven results – decades of experience delivering successful R&D tax credit studies  
    • Industry expertise – a deep understanding of your operations beyond the numbers  
    • Compliance confidence – thorough documentation designed to withstand IRS review 

    Featured R&D Team Members

    Unlock Hidden Tax Savings with Cost Segregation

    Cost segregation is an IRS-approved strategy that allows property owners to accelerate depreciation on certain building components—resulting in significant, immediate tax savings and improved cash flow. Whether you own commercial, industrial, or residential rental property, our team has the expertise to uncover every eligible deduction.  In addition to the value provided for construction and assets placed in service prior to January 19, 2025 which typically provide a 12:1 Return on Investment or better, Cost Segregation Studies have enhanced value due to 100% Bonus Depreciation re-emerging for construction and assets placed in service on or after January 20, 2025.

    What is a Cost Segregation Study?

    Instead of depreciating an entire property over decades, cost segregation identifies specific components—such as electrical systems, flooring, or specialized plumbing—that can be written off over a much shorter time frame. This reclassification can unlock substantial savings without changing how you use your property. 

    Why CTBK?

    Our experienced professionals combine engineering insight with deep tax expertise to deliver accurate, fully compliant R&D tax credit studies. Serving businesses in Buffalo, NY and across Western New York, we manage the entire process from identifying qualifying activities to preparing detailed documentation, so you can stay focused on running your business while maximizing your tax savings.

    Our Cost Segregation Process:

    The Result:

    Cost segregation can dramatically reduce your current tax liability, free up cash for reinvestment, and increase your property’s return on investment.

    Featured Cost Segregation Team Members

    Cross Border Tax Services

    Navigating U.S. tax obligations across borders can be complex—whether you’re an individual living abroad, a nonresident with U.S. filing requirements, or a business operating internationally. Our team helps clients around the world stay compliant, reduce risk, and plan confidently in an increasingly global tax environment.

    We work with U.S. and non-U.S. individuals and businesses across a wide range of countries—not just Canada—to address cross-border tax compliance, reporting, and planning needs. With deep experience in complex cross-border matters, we help clients avoid surprises and make confident decisions across jurisdictions.

    Who We Serve

    • U.S. citizens and green card holders living abroad
    • Non-U.S. residents with U.S. income or filing obligations
    • International businesses with U.S. operations or ownership
    • Families managing cross-border estates and investments
    • Individuals planning to move to or leave the United States
    • Cost segregation can dramatically reduce your current tax liability, free up cash for reinvestment, and increase your property’s return on investment.

    Navigating Cross-Border Tax with Confidence

    Our Cross-Border Capabilities:

    • U.S. Tax Compliance for Global Individuals and Businesses

      We prepare U.S. individual and business tax returns for:

      · Americans living abroad

      · Nonresidents with U.S. tax filing requirements

      · U.S. and non-U.S. business entities with cross-border activity

    • ITIN Applications

      As a Certified Acceptance Agent, we assist with Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applications, helping streamline the process and reduce delays.

    • Delinquent Foreign Reporting Relief

      We help taxpayers address missed or late international filings through available IRS programs, including:

      · Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures

      · Delinquent International Information Submission Procedures

      Our goal is to bring clients back into compliance while minimizing penalties and exposure.

    • Pre-Immigration and Expatriation Planning

      We provide proactive planning for:

      · Individuals preparing to move to the U.S.

      · U.S. citizens considering renouncing citizenship

      This planning helps clarify tax consequences, reporting obligations, and long-term considerations before major life changes occur.

    • U.S. Tax Treaties and Residency Analysis

      We analyze and interpret U.S. tax treaties with foreign countries to help minimize U.S. tax and reporting obligations. This includes guidance on:

      · Residency and tie-breaker rules

      · Permanent establishment considerations

      · Treaty-based positions and disclosures

    • Tax-Efficient Business Structuring

      We help businesses evaluate and implement tax-efficient structures for cross-border operations, ownership, and expansion—balancing compliance, risk management, and long-term strategy.

    • FATCA and FIRPTA Compliance

      Our team assists with compliance and reporting under:

      · FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act)

      · FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act)

      Including guidance on withholding requirements and exemption forms.

    • Nonresident Estate Tax Services

      We assist families and executors with:

      · Nonresident U.S. estate tax returns

      · Tax clearance certificates

      Helping preserve wealth and assets during an already difficult time.

    • Cross-Border Investment Coordination

      We work alongside financial advisors to help ensure investment strategies align with U.S. foreign tax reporting requirements, reducing surprises and compliance issues down the road.

    A Collaborative, Global Approach

    We regularly collaborate with Canadian Chartered Accountants and other international advisors to coordinate filings, align reporting positions, and ensure consistency across jurisdictions. When unique or unfamiliar situations arise, we leverage a trusted referral network of cross-border specialists to ensure clients receive the right expertise.

    A Practical Partner for Global Tax Needs

    Cross-border tax issues require more than technical knowledge—they require coordination, foresight, and clear communication. We help clients understand their obligations, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence, no matter where in the world life or business takes them.

    Cross-Border Tax Services Team

    Trust Accounting Services | Estate, Fiduciary & Charitable Trust Accounting

    Trust accounting services for estates, trustees, and attorneys. We prepare compliant, audit-ready fiduciary accountings, including NY AG submissions. Reduce risk and stay compliant.

    Accurate. Compliant. Defensible.

    Trust accounting is more than bookkeeping—it is the formal reporting of how funds entrusted to a fiduciary were managed. Whether you are an attorney, trustee, executor, or organization managing funds on behalf of others, trust accounting carries legal, regulatory, and personal responsibility.

    CTBK provides structured, compliant trust accounting services that stand up to beneficiary scrutiny and regulatory review.

    What is Trust Accounting?

    Trust accounting is the preparation of a complete financial report of all activity within a trust or estate over a defined period.

    A proper accounting includes:

    • Assets received and income collected
    • Expenses, fees, and fiduciary compensation
    • Investment activity, gains, and losses
    • Distributions to beneficiaries
    • Assets remaining for future distribution

    For many trusts—especially those involving charitable interests—this accounting must be submitted for review by beneficiaries and regulatory authorities.

    Who Needs Trust Accounting?

    Trust accounting services are commonly required for:

    When is Trust Accounting Required?

    The timing and frequency depend on the structure, but typically include:

    Filing & Compliance Requirements

    Depending on the trust or estate, fiduciaries may be required to:

    Register with Regulatory Authorities

    – Charitable trusts and estates must often register with the NYS Attorney General within specified timeframes.

    Prepare Formal Accountings

    – Including structured schedules detailing all financial activity

    Provide Beneficiary Disclosures

    – Sharing accountings and obtaining approvals where applicable

    Submit to Regulatory Review

    – Informal accountings may be submitted to the NY AG for review. If accepted, a Notice of No Objection is issued.

    Our Approach to Trust Accounting

    Structured from the Start

    – We implement accounting systems designed specifically for fiduciary compliance.

    Accurate & Audit-Ready

    – We maintain clean, organized records that meet legal and regulatory expectations.

    Proactive Risk Management

    – We identify and resolve issues before they become problems.

    Integrated with Tax & Estate Planning

    – We align trust accounting with broader financial strategies.

    Why Turn to CTBK for Your Trust Accounting?

    • Deep experience in fiduciary and trust accounting
    • Process-driven and compliance-focused
    • Trusted by attorneys, fiduciaries, and organizations
    • Built to handle complexity and scrutiny

    Cross-Border Tax Services Team

    SafeSend

    SafeSend is our secure, easy-to-use platform for delivering your tax returns and collecting signatures electronically.

    With SafeSend, you can:

    • Make tax payments or access filing instructions
    • Submit your tax documents digitally
    • Download copies for your records
    • Review and sign your tax returns
    Learn More

    Contact the CTBK team to take advantage of our array of tax services, including:

    • Mergers
    • Acquisitions
    • Business Succession Planning
    • Estate Tax Planning
    • Executive Compensation Issues
    • Multi-state Tax Planning
    • Entity Selection
    • International Tax Planning
    • General Corporate Transactional Planning
    • Individual Transactional Planning
    • Governmental Agencies
    • Non-Profit Services
    Let’s Talk

    The Team You Can Trust With Your Taxes

    Yes, even yours. Ready to get started?

    Let’s Talk
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