Finding a local CPA can be difficult. You really need to know what to look for. This article will give you some advice on choosing the best CPA for you.
Do a background check.
There are many different ways you can check the legitimacy of a CPA to ensure that you are working with somone who is highly qualified and professional. One of the easiest ways is to check their listing with the Better Business Bureau, although you can also check with your local state accounting board, who will also have information on their credentials. Although this may seem like overkill in some situations, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your taxes.
Narrow down the list by specialty.
Since CPAs work on a number of different types of projects in addition to filing taxes, they may not necessarily specialize in the type of service that you need. To narrow down your list of potential CPAs, go through and find out what their specialties are, and what their experience is in working with your situation. For example, if you need taxes filed for your small business, you may not benefit from working with someone who’s background is mainly in filing for individuals, and vice versa. It may help to have a phone call or meeting with a few potential professionals, where you can discuss what you need from them, and find out what services they offer that would mesh well with that. This will not only give you a feel for what their experience and specialty is, but it can also help you get a feel for their personality. This is a very important factor when ultimately deciding whether or not you would feel comfortable working with them.
Discuss pricing schemes.
Finally, you will need to figure out whether the CPA you are interested in is within your budget. It may be helpful to set a relative budget before you even start your search, because this could help you narrow things down if you have a difficult time making a decision. When discussing pricing for your services, it will be helpful to ask, ‘how do you calculate your prices?’ instead of asking outright how much things will cost. This is because tax professionals often consider many different factors when it comes to pricing, and if your case ends up being more difficult than another, similar case, they need to be able to charge accordingly. By getting a full understanding of the pricing that your CPA uses, you will be able to calculate ahead of time exactly how much you will be spending.
With these strategies, you will be able to locate tax preparation professionals in your area, and find a CPA that best fits your needs. Don’t just settle for the first person you find – look for someone who can truly help you and make you feel comfortable when filing your taxes.
If you live in San Diego, visit Abbo Tax CPA.
