Tips For Hiring A CPA Or Tax Professional

An experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA) should have the knowledge to answer all your tax questions. They should also be willing to take the time to give you personalized advice as well as guide you in planning ahead.

Here are three things to keep in mind when you interview an accountant:

1) Their experience.

2) The types of clients they work with.

3) Their areas of expertise.

You may end up paying more for this level of service, but it will be worth every penny, especially if you are looking for a long-term relationship. In the long run, you will avoid expenses and potential legal issues by getting solid advice from a professional who is experienced and keeps current on the ever changing tax laws.

On the other hand, if you just want to hand your tax stuff over to someone and are not necessarily looking for personalized advice, consider a tax preparation service. This can be either an individual or a firm.

Uncle Sam offers these tips for finding your tax preparer:

1) Beware of any company or individual who promises a return without seeing the return first.

2) Review your finished returns.

3) Make sure they sign on the dotted line.  Paid preparers are required by law to sign your return and show their ID number (PTIN), according to the IRS.

Once you figure out what level of service you want, you have to make a connection with someone you trust. Begin your search by asking your friends for referrals. Word of mouth is always the best. If your closest circle of friends is not that helpful, utilize the power of social networks like Facebook or LinkedIn by posting your question there. You will find out really quickly if someone has had a bad experience.   

The bottom line: Interview several candidates before you make a final decision. If you make a smart choice now, you won’t find yourself taxed and confused next year.