How to Find a Reputable Tax Accountant?
Laura Adams, MBA
Emily wants to know:
How do you find a reputable tax accountant? Should I see one before the end of the year or wait until tax season? Also, what’s a reasonable amount to pay ?
The best way to find a good tax accountant is to ask your family, friends, or coworkers for a referral. You can also search online using directories like cpadirectory.com and accountantsworld.com.
I recommend that you work with a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) because they’re held to the highest educational and professional standards in the industry.
Meet with a few CPAs in person to make sure that you like them, get a chance to see their staff, and feel comfortable discussing the financial details of your life. Be sure that they have extensive tax preparation experience for your situation, no matter if you’re an employee, contractor, small business owner, or real estate investor.
Tax accountants get flooded with work during tax season, so never just show up on their doorstep right before April 15th. Choose a professional and start working with them as early as you can. Ask for tax planning tips that will help you cut your taxes and simplify your paperwork.
The fees CPAs charge vary widely and depend on the complexity of your tax return, but could be as low as a few hundred dollars. The time and money that a good accountant can save you typically makes their fee well worth the investment!
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Laura Adams is the award-winning author of Money Girl’s Smart Moves to Grow Rich. Get the paperback or ebook on Amazon.com! For free money tips and advice get the Money Girl newsletter and subscribe to the Money Girl podcast on iTunes!
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Tax Accountant image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Laura Adams received an MBA from the University of Florida. She’s an award-winning personal finance author, speaker, and consumer advocate who is a frequent, trusted source for the national media. Money-Smart Solopreneur: A Personal Finance System for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Side-Hustlers is her newest title. Laura’s previous book, Debt-Free Blueprint: How to Get Out of Debt and Build a Financial Life You Love, was an Amazon #1 New Release. Do you have a money question? Call the Money Girl listener line at 302-364-0308. Your question could be featured on the show.