Baum & Simmons Tax Service in Baltimore: Individual and Small Business Tax Prep with Year-Round Bookkeeping

Baum & Simmons is a tax preparation and bookkeeping firm serving Baltimore individuals and owner-operated small businesses, specializing in income tax returns, quarterly estimated tax planning, and ongoing record management rather than strategic corporate restructuring or multi-entity compliance.

What Baum & Simmons actually is

The firm operates as a tax preparation service with attached bookkeeping capacity. It does not position itself as comprehensive accounting or business consulting; its core work is filing individual 1040s, Schedule C returns for self-employed sole proprietors, and basic business returns (1120-S and partnership forms) for closely held operations. Staff hold tax credentials; confirm their specific certification (EA or CPA status) with the office, as titles vary. The firm handles intake in person at a Federal Hill location, not by mail or video appointment only.

Services and pricing

Baum & Simmons charges by engagement type. Individual tax return preparation (1040 with standard deductions and itemized schedules) typically runs $300 to $600, depending on complexity; returns with rental income, capital gains, or retirement distributions move toward the upper range. Self-employed sole proprietor returns (Schedule C bundled with 1040) begin around $500 and exceed $800 if the business maintains inventory or multiple income streams. Quarterly estimated tax planning costs $150 to $250 per consultation, not per quarter, making it practical for freelancers adjusting income mid-year. Bookkeeping is quoted project-by-project; monthly cleanup of a small business's bank and credit card statements typically runs $400 to $800 monthly depending on transaction volume. Verify these figures by phone or in-person visit, as engagement packages adjust annually. The firm does not advertise flat-fee returns or low-cost filing in promotional materials; pricing reflects the time required for direct accountant review, not automated form filing.

How it compares to other Baltimore accountants

Baltimore has several tax-only shops and full-service CPA firms; the choice depends on scale and ongoing need. H&R Block and Liberty Tax maintain walk-in locations throughout the city, offer lower per-return fees (often $150 to $400 for basic 1040s), and suit one-time or annual filers who need no bookkeeping. Baum & Simmons does not compete on price but on continuity; it suits clients who file the same return type year after year or who want a single accountant review their records mid-year to prevent surprises. For small business owners needing monthly or quarterly bookkeeping plus final tax prep, Baum & Simmons' bundled service costs less than hiring a separate bookkeeper and tax preparer. For businesses with multiple entities, corporate buyouts, or international tax issues, larger firms like CliftonLarsonAllen (with Baltimore metro offices) or Baker Tilly offer specialized credentials and staff. Baum & Simmons sits between walk-in preparation and full-service accounting.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Baum & Simmons works well for Baltimore freelancers, independent contractors, small rental property owners, and couples with one business interest and W-2 employment. It suits clients who have not filed correctly in prior years and need a year-round advisor to clean up records and set up quarterly payments. It does not serve businesses seeking K-1 allocations across multiple partners, entities in transition, or clients requiring audits, reviews, or compiled statements. It is not the choice for someone who wants the lowest price per return or who files once every few years with no ongoing contact.

What the first visit involves

Bring prior-year tax returns, profit-and-loss statements or bank statements for the current year, documentation of estimated tax payments, and receipts for deductions you plan to claim. The accountant will ask whether you have had income sources not reported on a 1099 or W-2, whether you carried forward losses from prior years, and whether you want to discuss Q4 estimated tax planning. A first appointment typically runs 45 minutes to an hour. The firm will propose a service level (return prep only, or prep plus bookkeeping) and quote a fee in writing. Expect turnaround of one to two weeks from final document delivery to completed return, longer if revisions are needed.

Hours and location

Baum & Simmons operates in Federal Hill; confirm the exact street address and current hours on the office website or by calling ahead. Tax season (January through April) often involves extended hours and fewer same-day appointments. Parking on Federal Hill streets is metered and competitive; validate nearby garage availability before the appointment.

The firm serves Baltimore clients who value accountant continuity and bookkeeping integration over discount pricing, and who are willing to sit down in person to build a tax strategy.