How to Find a Good CPA to Do Your Taxes
The definition of "good" when it comes to CPAs and taxes depends on the taxpayer's perspective. Some CPAs are willing to interpret the tax code in favor of the taxpayer, while others will err on the side of caution and interpret the code in the government's favor. Find a CPA who is licensed in your state and who has the experience to handle your unique tax situation, but be aware that responsibility for your taxes' accuracy rests with you.
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Instructions
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Interview potential CPAs to find out how long they have been in practice and what types of tax preparation experience they have. If you are an individual taxpayer, you will want to select a CPA who has extensive experience preparing, filing and defending returns for individuals. A CPA should not charge you for an initial consultation.
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Ask the CPA which employee in the office will prepare your taxes and who will review them. Avoid selecting a firm where your tax return preparation is delegated to someone with little experience, the IRS recommends. You should know who is preparing your return and how to contact that person.
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Ask the CPA how your taxes will be prepared. The CPA should want you to provide all tax-related documentation and will want you to come into the office for an interview before your tax return is prepared. You should be asked to substantiate expenses and deductions and to provide documentation of your income.
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Ask the CPA how tax return preparation fees are calculated. Fees should not be based on a percentage of your refund. Instead, they should be a flat rate or based on the number of schedules the CPA is required to prepare, given your financial situation.
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Check with a licensing board for CPAs in your state to ensure that your CPA is licensed, since only CPAs, attorneys and IRS agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS. Each state maintains a listing of CPAs, which indicates whether there are outstanding actions against them. Check the board's Web site, if available, or contact the board by phone.
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Contact the Better Business Bureau and your state's attorney general's office to determine if the CPA has any questionable business history or documented complaints.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid CPAs who promise they can get a larger refund for you than other preparers. Whether a CPA interprets the tax code leniently or strictly, your tax return should contain substantially similar results.
The IRS recommends asking whether your tax return will be sent to a foreign country for preparation. If so, you should be aware that privacy laws in some nations are not the same as in the U.S., and you will have no recourse if your privacy is compromised due to poor security.
