"Thorough. Professional. Recommended." Dr. Mark Michael

How to Choose an Accountant or Tax Preparer

  • Look for professional credential(s)
    • CPA
    • Masters in taxation
    • Enrolled agent
  • Look for membership in professional organization(s)
    • AICPA
    • WICPA
    • NATP
    • NSTP
  • Look for someone with a permanent office - nothing worse than trying to track down a nomad.
  • Look for someone with a year round office
    • IRS & WDR notices rarely come 1/1 - 4/15!
    • You'll come across times you need Q's answered all year long!
    • Tax planning is best done in May-Dec!
  • Choose an office size where you are going to deal with only a few people and not someone new each year.
  • Look for a firm that's hourly charges are neither the highest nor the lowest.
    • Too high and you'll be afraid to incur fees.
    • Too low and you'll probably get what you pay for - limited time and/or effort.
  • If you don't know someone personally - ask several business associates who they use. Then ask why!
  • Sometimes the best way to choose a professional is the way you choose a friend or stay in business - gut feel - talk to them - Do they sound intelligent? Up to date? Well rounded? Friendly?
  • Your efforts are best spent doing what you are best at and hiring professionals for those areas in which you lack expertise. Even if you are charging $45/hour and they are charging $90/hour, if they can cut your time in half you get two major benefits.
    • It's done professionally. Your mind should be put at ease and you should get a better result. If your mind is weighed down by fear or preoccupation, you can't concentrate on those areas of your life you need to be giving your all to.
    • You didn't have to do it. If your extra time was spent productively by obtaining additional clients your investment will pay off in repeat business!!!
  • Finally, even though you should have a professional, don't divorce yourself from the project. Be involved - choose someone who will teach you how to:
    • Be a better taxpayer - pay less taxes.
    • Be a good client - pay less fees or get more for the same fees.