Choosing A Tax Accountant

Choosing a tax accountant is a very important task, after all were talking about your finances. You are an upstanding citizen and want to pay your taxes accurately and on time. Of course you do not love the idea any more than anyone else but you are well aware that it is an obligation that you must meet and you are prepared to meet it in the best way possible. You also know that filing tax returns can be dauntingly complicated and you do not have the time or the wherewithal to do it on your own so choosing a tax accountant would be wise in your situation. However, choosing the right tax accountant is no easy task either.

There are countless options to choose from and you have no idea where to start. Tax accounting firms range from one-man operations to huge national firms. There is also a vast array of services ranging from general tax accounting to the very specialized. Whether you prepare your own taxes or have it done by someone else, you are ultimately always responsible for every detail on your tax returns. Therefore you must be sure that the tax accountant that you choose is qualified, certified, and honest. Choosing a tax accountant may prove to be the most important financial decision you would have made in a very long time and to lessen your burden I have compiled a list of criteria that you should follow:

• You first need to decide what financial services you need, define your expectation and what your personal preferences are. If you want personalized one-on-one service than you should opt for the smaller firms but if you are looking for multiple resources the larger firms will suit you better.
• A reputable tax accountant will want to see all your relevant records and the receipts which you are claiming as legitimate expenses. He will also ask many questions to ascertain which deductions you qualify for. Do not be offended or put off because they have your best interest in mind and are trying to help you avoid unnecessary penalties, interest and additional taxation. As a matter of fact, if the tax account does not do all that, he is not the right account for you and I would advice you to continue looking.
• Stay away from tax accountants who claim that they can get you larger refunds than anyone else can or those who guarantee results before ever looking at your documents or those who base their fees on a percentage off your tax refund.
• Choose a tax accountant whom you will be able to contact after the tax returns have been filed and one who will respond to your needs in a timely fashion.
• Going to a tax accountant who has been referred by someone you know and trust would be optimal. If that is not possible, ask the tax accountant whom you are considering as many questions as it takes to set your mind at ease. Additionally, ask for references from clients who have used this tax accountant before and find out whether or not they were satisfied with the rendered services.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau and your state’s board of accountancy for CPAs to ensure that there is nothing shady or dubious on the tax accountant you are considering. You might also want to find out whether the tax account in question is affiliated with a professional organization that requires its members to seek continuing education and one that also holds them accountable to a rigid code of ethics.
• Make sure that the tax accountant in question is an Enrolled Agent or a Certified Public Accountant who will be able to represent you before the IRS in all tax issues including audits, collection actions and appeals.

Happy filing.

Share This Tax Resource

Posted in Tax Preparation & Software