Pages

Subscribe:

Tips for Finding the Right Tax Accountant

Taxpayers of all types can benefit from hiring a tax accountant. But before you spend your hard-earned cash, here's some simple steps you can take to protect yourself, to find the right professional for your situation, and some questions to ask.

Understand Why You Need a Tax Accountant

You should take some time to focus on exactly what you need your tax accountant to do. Here are some common situations:

  • Preparing your own taxes is time-consuming, stressful, or confusing.

  • You want to make sure your tax returns are accurate.

  • Your tax situation is pretty complex, and you need specialized advice and tips.

  • You would like to pay as little taxes as possible, and need detailed planning and advice.

  • You are facing a tax problem, such as filing back taxes, paying off a tax debt, or fighting an IRS audit.

  • You run a business, invest in the stock market, own rental property, or live outside the United States.

Questions to Ask a Tax Accountant

The tax industry is constantly changing and tax professionals are subject to various federal and state regulations. Here are some questions you can ask to help ensure you find an experienced, trustworthy tax accountant:

  • What licenses or designations do you have?

  • How long have you been in the tax business?

  • What tax issues do you specialize in?

  • Do you have the knowledge and experience to handle my tax situation?

  • What are your fees?

  • Do you outsource any of your work? Do you perform the work personally? If not, what is the review process? Who signs the returns?

  • How long, approximately, will it take to finish my taxes?

  • What's your privacy policy? Will you share my tax information with any third-parties?

  • Do you believe I'm paying too much, too little, or just the right amount of tax?

Tax accountants come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and have different attitudes about the US tax system. The idea is that you should find an experienced, competent tax account who specializes in the areas you need help with, and someone who believes in helping you to minimize your taxes and Get your Tax Refunds at a faster rates.

After your interview, you'll want to perform a quick background check. Contact your state's board of accountancy to check the status of a CPA's license, or to find out if any disciplinary action taken against the CPA.