"Costs for an accountant vary greatly, depending on the type of business and amount of work it will take. Most charge by the hour. When hiring any professional, I would suggest interviewing several and asking any questions you deem pertinent, including expected cost. You should consider a CPA, even if it is just in the first year, to get you started on the right foot.

"There are many software packages on the market. Some are geared toward specific types of businesses, others are more generic. I use Quicken. It doesn't replace my CPA, but gives me vital information to run the business, and gives him the information he needs to do my tax work. The CPA you hire will most likely recommend a package they use with other clients."

-- Answered by Carmen Petote, certified financial planner at Allegiance Financial Advisors, Inc.