Qualities to Look for in a CPA

It’s hard to believe, but it’s tax time! This means that it’s also time to start hunting for a quality CPA to help you through the tax process.

Even though it may seem a bit early to start searching, it’s really not. Giving yourself enough time to do your research and find a true professional is definitely a smart move.

And, as you search, it can be helpful to know exactly what to look for.

 

Look For…A CPA Who Understands Your Needs

One of the first things you should understand is that not all CPAs are created equally. As such, you need to find one that’s right for you, one who understands your specific business or personal tax needs and who has experience handling tax accounts like yours.

In addition to checking up on your CPA’s experience, make sure the CPA offers all of the services you will need, not just at tax time but throughout your life. That way, when it comes time to plan for retirement or to start a new savings fund, you won’t have to hunt around for yet another CPA.

Look For…A CPA Who Charges Fair Prices

One of the main reasons to hire a CPA is to save money on your taxes. As such, you don’t want to hire someone who is going to charge you an arm and a leg for tax help. Take the time to compare pricing to that of other CPAs in your area to ensure you get a fair deal.

Also, be careful of CPAs who charge you a percentage of the refund you receive. While such a practice isn’t always unethical, it is a strategy often used by CPAs who care only about money, and not about truly helping you to thrive financially.

Look For…A CPA With a Long History

Sometimes, problems with tax returns can pop up later on down t

he road. If that happens, you’ll definitely want to still be able to reach your CPA and to get help and advice.

For this reason, you’ll want to try and find a CPA with a long history in the industry and not someone who will just disappear once tax season ends.

This isn’t to say that all new CPAs are bad, but you can definitely protect yourself more fully by choosing someone with a long history in the industry and a good reputation.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when hiring a CPA. If you can keep these qualities in mind as you search, you have a much better chance of hiring a CPA that you will be satisfied with.