Frequently Asked Questions

We implement AI for small and mid-size businesses and CPA firms, starting with the lowest-cost option that does the job. That can mean advice, a kit you run yourself, a ready-made agent or a custom build.

It depends on the level and the scope. Contact us for pricing and we will give you a number for your case, in writing, before any paid work begins.

Book a free call. We will map three opportunities and a rough return, and tell you which looks cheapest to try first.

No. Our kits come with guidance, ready-made agents are set up for you, and custom builds are handled by us. What you do need is someone who can check the results.

The aim is to remove repetitive work so people can spend time on judgment and on customers. We help you think through how roles change.

We agree data handling in writing, limit access to what a task needs and do not claim certifications we do not hold. The Trust Center describes where things stand.

It will sometimes. That is why we design every solution with a person checking the output at a level that matches the cost of being wrong, and why we write down what the tool may and may not do.

It depends on the task. We favor small first projects so you see whether something works early. Timelines are agreed in the written scope, not promised in advance.

Yes. The ROI call is free and carries no obligation.

Contact us and describe where you are and what you need, and we will say how we would approach it.

Usually, yes. Work is split into stages that you approve one by one, and each quote spells out what a stage delivers.

Ownership and license terms are written into each proposal. Please read them before you agree.

No. Contact is by email, phone and the booking link, and we reply directly.

A ready-built starting point with a fixed scope. You set it up and run it, with our guidance.

Yes. If you outgrow a kit we can build on it rather than starting again.

A kit starts from software that already works and is tuned to your needs, so it costs less and starts sooner. A custom build is designed around your process from the beginning.

Usually. Tell us what you use and we will confirm what can be linked before you commit.

No. Estimates and drafts are prepared by software for review by a licensed CPA or enrolled agent. Forms are filed through an authorized IRS e-file provider or tax software, not by Cost Guru directly.

It captures documentation and costs through the year, screens activities against the four-part test and drafts forms for review.

No. It helps you document and prepare. Whether a claim is accepted is decided by the tax authorities.

A licensed CPA or enrolled agent, using the facts and the tax rules. The agent only suggests tags and gives reasons.

Typically accounting and payroll tools (Xero and QuickBooks are examples) and work trackers such as Jira or GitHub. Each connection is a proposal until confirmed for your setup.

Only the ones we agree with you in writing, and only the data a task needs. We help you choose tools whose data terms you understand, and we tell you what each supplier does with the information.

We do not claim certifications we do not hold. The Trust Center describes where things stand and will be updated if that changes.

Often. Some solutions can run on private or local models, which keeps data in-house. We say when that is worth the extra cost and when a hosted service is a better fit.

We agree this up front. Typically access is removed and what we hold is returned or deleted, as the scope says.

Common ones include accounting systems such as Xero and QuickBooks, payroll providers, project and code tools such as Jira and GitHub, and cloud billing. Each connection is a proposal until confirmed for your setup.

A custom connection can often link systems that expose data through an interface. Tell us what you use and we will say what is possible.

They are part of the scope and the quote. Contact us for pricing and we will itemise them.

TaxTrex is a Swanson Reed product for R&D tax credit documentation. We offer a white-label version that firms can use under their own brand.

CPA firms and other partners. Terms are confirmed with Swanson Reed.

Review tiers are proposals: self-managed, your own CPA, or a Swanson Reed review. Check the TaxTrex pages for the current description.

creditARMOR is a Swanson Reed product for R&D audit readiness. A white-label version lets firms check claims for audit risk under their own brand.

No. A mock audit does not guarantee acceptance of a claim or predict whether it will be examined.

No. Partners do not sell insurance. Any coverage wording is provided only as approved by Swanson Reed, its carrier and counsel.