Six Traits To Look For In An Accountant
If you have your taxes prepared professionally by an accountant, it’s going to cost you about $200, not a small amount of money. However, can you afford not to have this done?
Most people miss at least $100 in deductions, perhaps more. If you don’t have an accountant, it’s going to cost you a lot in missed deductions and extra money paid to Uncle Sam.
Now that you know what you have to do, here are six suggestions that will help you pick the right accountant:
1. Pick an accountant you’re actually going to meet in person, and talk with him or her at some length. It’s best not to go to a big chain where just about anyone can handle your taxes. You might need your accountant at some other point in the year besides just tax time, and typically, big chains hire accountants in just from January through April. During off-season, it’s probably going to take more work than it’s worth to get a few simple questions answered.
2. It’s likely going to cost you more to hire a big chain that it will an individual accountant. Why? Even though big chains look cheaper on the surface, when you read the fine print, you might find out that each deduction found for you is charged separately. These chains can also charge you to guarantee the accuracy of their work. An individual accountant can give you better service for less money, and will guarantee their work without charging extra to do so.
3. Credentials matter. You need a licensed professional, why you ask? Only a licensed professional-CPA, EA or tax lawyer can represent you in court. The only states that license additional tax professionals are Oregon and California. Therefore, almost anyone that wants to can claim to be a tax professional, but don’t be fooled. You can’t have Tom, Dick or Harry represent you in court, so why would you risk it?
4. Ask for referrals and references. If friends or relatives have been happy with the accountant they are using, chances are you will be, too. Similar to picking out your dentist, or physician, word-of-mouth is often a very good way to go.
5. Service. It’s important and it should not be underrated. Minnesota Nice should apply to every tax preparer. If your calls are not returned, if they are rude, if they don’t have time for you, if they are not professional then walk out the door. Taxes are uncomfortable enough without the pain of poor customer relations, so find someone who consistently has the time and effort to work with and for you.
6. Be reasonable with your expectations. If you’re not financially responsible or your records are a mess, your accountant can probably do only so much for you at tax time. Your accountant’s performance depends in part on how organized and responsible you are yourself. Therefore, if you present your accountant with stellar records, expect pristine work in return. If you present your accountant with incomplete records or otherwise shoddy material, you should still expect the best performance possible, but it probably won’t be perfect. Do take their advice if you’re comfortable with them and trust them. They just might make your taxes easier the next time, too.
