What Your CPA Wishes (S)he Could Tell You

Have you thanked your accountant lately? If not, then you probably should. These professionals have to put up with a lot and, more often than not, get absolutely overwhelmed during tax time with fixing their clients’ mistakes.

Undoubtedly, every accountant wishes, at one time or another, he could call out clients on their mistakes, but most are too polite and just grin and bear it. However, if your accountant could give you some 100% honest advice, we have a pretty good idea of what he’d say...

Don’t Ask for Help at the Last Minute                                                    

If you have some sort of tax or financial problem, such as not having kept good track of your charitable donations or 401(k) contributions, you’re probably aware of it. If you’re not sure of your weak spots or of any of the details related to your finances, that’s a whole other problem in itself.

The thing is, though, if you’re aware of problems or potential problems, bring them up to your accountant as soon as you notice them. Absolutely do not wait until the very last minute, i.e. the height of tax season, to bring up issues to your accountant.

Why? Well, first off, it’s rude! Your accountant is super busy during this time of year and doesn’t need to be swamped by your last minute requests. Secondly, if you’re fortunate enough to have a kind accountant who is willing to offer you last-minute help, it’s probably going to be rushed and not offer you the best possible outcome. If you want tax time to go well for you, make it go well for your accountant by never waiting until the last minute to bring up problems or concerns.

Turn in All Requested Forms and Information on Time

There’s a reason your accountant gives you tight and specific deadlines for when to have what information to him. That reason is so that he can give your taxes his full attention and so that everything gets to the IRS on time.

If you force your accountant to chase you down for forms and information, there’s a good chance that your taxes could be filed late and that you could incur penalties...and that will be your fault, not your accountant’s.

Remember, this professional is working on your behalf, and whatever he asks of you is in your best interest, so do it and do it on time!

Don’t Play the Blame Game

Finally don’t blame your accountant for things that are out of his control and that, more often than not, are your fault, not his.

If you lose out on potential credits because you didn’t keep careful enough records, for example, don’t yell at or fire your accountant when he tells you there’s nothing he can do.

That’s not to say that all accountants are perfect or that they don’t make mistakes. Some do. But, as long as you’ve chosen your accountant carefully and are working with someone who knows his stuff, there’s no reason you shouldn’t do what is asked of you and give a little credit (and thanks!) where credit is due.