We help you understand your numbers, meet your tax responsibilities, and make better decisions for your business.
We don’t just prepare reports and tax returns. We help owners see what the numbers mean and what needs attention.
Services available in English and Spanish.
20 + Yrs
Corporate Experience (Kraft, Philip Morris, 7UP)
100%
Plain Language & Zero Jargon
Secure Shared Storage for Client Records
What can we help you solve?
Click your current business situation to jump straight to the exact guidance you need:
- Received an IRS or State Notice?
- Business Tax Return Prep & Planning
- Cash Flow & Financial Statements
- Expansion, Equipment or Succession Advisory
- Nonprofit Form 990 / 990-PF Reporting
Services available in English & Spanish
Trusted Local Tax & Advisory Firm
Meet Gerry Toro
Principal Business & Tax Advisor
Gerry Toro brings more than 20 years of corporate experience from companies including Kraft Foods, Philip Morris, Schering plough, Litton Industries, KPMG and 7UP. Today he applies that same practical approach to small and mid-sized businesses in the Chicago area and suburbs. Gerry is a member of the national association of Tax Professionals.
His focus is clear: help owners understand their numbers, stay on top of tax responsibilities, and make better decisions — without unnecessary terminology.
Proven Corporate Leadership Background:
- Kraft Foods
- Philip Morris
- 7UP
Our Comprehensive Business Services
Tailored financial guidance and compliance solutions designed to provide clarity, eliminate blind spots, and give you confidence in your numbers.
Business Taxes & Compliance
Helping you meet your tax responsibilities and respond when questions arise.
Business Tax Preparation & Planning
We prepare your business tax returns and help you plan ahead so you can see what to expect and make informed decisions.
IRS & State Tax Notice Assistance
We review the notice with you, explain what it means in plain language, help organize supporting documents, and prepare an appropriate response. When appropriate, we can also assist with penalty-abatement requests.
Sales Tax Support
We help reconcile sales from different sources and prepare the required filings from the records you provide.
Accounting, Cash Flow & Profitability
Helping you understand where the money is going and what needs attention.
Financial Statement Preparation and Business Analysis
We prepare clear financial statements and walk you through what the numbers mean for management and tax reporting.
We do not provide audits, formal financial statement reviews, or other assurance services.
Cash Flow Review & Planning
We help you look at how money moves in and out of the business. This includes practical areas such as collecting unpaid invoices, managing upcoming bills, reviewing inventory, and budgeting so you can plan with more clarity.
Profitability & Cost Analysis
We compare major expenses with sales so you can see where the business is making money and where costs may need attention.
Bookkeeping Support
We can organize and maintain clean books. Ongoing bookkeeping support depends on the specific arrangement we agree to provide.
Business Advisory & Planning
Helping you look at the numbers before making important decisions.
Business Decision Support
Before hiring, expanding, buying equipment or property, or taking on financing, we help you review the costs, cash-flow impact, and tax considerations so you can decide with clearer information.
Business Continuity & Succession Planning
We provide financial and tax guidance related to retirement, illness, unexpected absences, and ownership changes. Attorneys handle legal advice and formal documents.
Corporate Records Organization
We help organize and maintain key business records so you stay prepared for tax and administrative needs.
Nonprofit & Private Foundation Services
Specialized support for organizations with unique reporting and compliance needs.
We provide accounting support, preparation of Forms 990 and 990-PF, applicable state reporting, and help boards understand the financial information. Our goal is to keep your organization organized and focused on its mission.
Businesses & Organizations We Serve
We work with:
Restaurants
Bakeries
Contractors
Real estate LLCs
Family-owned companies
Nonprofits
Private foundations
Serving Business Owners across local Chicagoland and Surrounding Suburbs
How We Work Together
A straightforward four-step collaborative relationship built on open communication and respect for your time.
You Reach Out
You reach out and share what’s on your mind regarding your taxes, books, or business decisions.
We Listen
We listen actively and ask the right questions to understand your exact situation and goals.
We Explain in Plain Language
We explain the numbers and your options clearly, cutting out confusing accounting jargon.
You Decide with Clarity
You decide the next step with clearer information, confident in your financial direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from business owners considering our services.
What happens if I receive an IRS or state notice?
We review the letter with you, explain what it means, help gather the needed documents, and prepare a response. We do not guarantee outcomes, but we make sure you understand your options.
Do you handle personal income taxes?
Personal tax preparation is available through our Jackson Hewitt offices. Business-owner tax planning remains part of our work at Optimum. Our close working arrangement with Jackson Hewitt allows for seamless preparation of both your business and your personal returns.
Do you process payroll?
Payroll processing is not a standard service. If you need help in this area, we can discuss possible support based on your specific situation.
Is it safe to share information on the website?
Please do not include Social Security numbers, tax returns, bank statements, or other sensitive documents in the inquiry form. Those records are exchanged later through a separate, secure process. We use secure shared storage for all our clients.