How to Find and Select a Certified Tax Accountant

#1. Ask around. Talk to others in your profession or business about the people they’ve used and whether they’ve been satisfied.

#2. Try to find someone who knows your business. Tax law is complex, so you don’t want to hire someone who knows the service business if your business is manufacturing.

#3. Pay candidates a visit. Any worthy candidate should be willing to give you an hour to discuss your situation, needs and desires. This will give you a chance to get a sense of the person and the firm and what they will do for you as a client. And don’t be shy about asking how fees are set.

#4. The more questions the accountant asks you, the better. Asking questions shows interest, of course, but questions can also reflect selectivity borne of success and skill.

Someone who asks a lot of questions probably doesn’t plan to take every client who walks in the door.

#5. Don’t overlook the personal: Find someone you’re comfortable with. Though not as personal as the doctor/patient relationship, the relationship you have with your accountant is likely to be far more personal than the one you have with your lawyer. To do their jobs effectively, accountant need to know absolutely everything about your financial life. And you need to feel free to call on your accountant for advice throughout the year.

Resources:

IRS Tax Forms
State Tax Forms

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