Six Characteristics You Want Your Accountant To Have
Delano Vestal
The average national cost to have your taxes professionally prepared by an accountant is $200. Quite a bit of pocket change, to be honest; but, can you afford not to?
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 someone you can visibly see, shake their hand and converse with one on one. Why not the big chain where anyone and everyone might handle your case? An accountant is someone you need year round. Big chains have people in from January through April. Calling their 800 number in the "off season" is going to take more time, stress and energy than it is worth to answer simple questions.
2. Cost. Need more be said? Big chains offer what appear to be minimal fees until you read the fine print and find out that each deduction might have a separate fee. Even guaranteeing the accuracy of their work could cost you money. In the long run, an accountant can provide you with better service for the money. And yes, their work is guaranteed without an additional fee.
3. Your accountant's credentials are important. Only a CPA, tax lawyer or EA can represent you in court. Just two states, California and Oregon, require licensing for tax professionals. Anyone can call him or herself a tax professional, but only those with proper certification can represent you in court.
4. Ask for references and referrals. Just as with your doctor or dentist, ask friends and family for referrals. It's one way to help guarantee that you'll get good service and will be satisfied with the results.
5. Expect professional, courteous treatment. If your accountant is rude, doesn't return calls, or is otherwise unprofessional, find someone else. Remember that you're paying your accountant to do a job for you, and you should expect to get your money's worth, especially with the stress of tax season adding to difficulty. If you don't, find someone else.
6. Have fair expectations. Your accountant cannot change the kind of person you are. They cannot make you financially conscious unless you want to be. They can't save money you don't have. They should be a valuable asset to you and if you are comfortable with them, then heed their advice.
About the Author: Delano Vestal is a writer for Baskfield and Associates, a http://www.baskfieldcpa.com/ CPA in Rogers MN. Baskfield and Associates specializes in small business and personal accounting and tax prep. As a
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