The services provided by an accountant can be inestimable to the trade. Despite the great job done by the bookkeeper to keep records, there is a need of the tax accountant to handle the bewildering tax laws and provide the financial advice to administer and spread business. Moreover, besides being just a tax preparer; an accountant can help to build a prototype for the outlook of the business. Hiring a tax accountant can make paying taxes much less annoying and they’ll consequently be able to help to hold onto every dollar that one is entitled to. A good accountant will be capable of telling how such a move would affect the taxes and/or the business's expansion.
However, finding a good tax accountant isn’t always a straightforward task. Since you are trusting some of your most personal and important information with them, your tax accountant needs to meet the highest standards. Furthermore, you need someone you can perform well with and look to for supervision about your finances.
How to Find a Good Accountant
Categories Of Tax Accountants
One will be able to find the right tax accountant if one is confident about for whom they are looking for. It’s important to examine what kind of tax accountant they need before they begin the search. There are some significant variations amongst different types of tax accountants. The three most common types of tax accountants are Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents and tax attorneys.
Certified Public Accountants
It is a designation given to the individuals who clear the uniform CPA exam. Moreover, they meet the specific requirements regarding education and experience. CPAs are subject to the code of ethics. Most of the CPAs do tax accounting. A CPA can represent a firm that is dealing with an audit or have the payment arrangements with the IRS.
Enrolled Agents
An enrolled agent represents the taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. They have also passed adamant verification and history checks as performed by the IRS. An EA is a person who specializes in sophisticated tax positions and they can also represent you if you have an IRS audit.
Tax Attorneys
Tax attorneys are responsible for managing compound tax issues like estate planning, international business or going to the tax court. They have specialized degrees in taxation and law. A tax attorney can guide a firm where the tax situation is very complicated and includes significant legal matters.
Referrals
By using the Internet or Yellow Pages, one can surf the number of accounting firms. If this method seems to be irrelevant, one can find out who other business people use and how satisfied they are with the services their accountant provides. When you call, tell the receptionist what you do and ask for the name(s) of accountants familiar with your type of business this information can be shortlisted for prospective accountants.
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask accountants
Don't be shy about asking about billing. Ask about billing rates and how these are determined. Often you may have a quick question that can be answered via a short phone call or email - how do they bill phone or email advice?
Moreover, one can ask about Licenses and designations they have. The period since he is working in the tax business. The tax issues in which he is specialized. Also, whether he outsource any of his work or he does it himself. It is also good to ask him that in how much time he will take to finish the taxes. One can also ask about the privacy policy and about not to share the tax information with the third party.
It's important that you choose an accountant that is familiar with the special requirements of your business and/or your tax situation so you can use these to potential accountants. For example:
- E-COMMERCE - If your business is internet-related, you'll want to find out if the accountant is familiar with e-commerce.
- INTERNATIONAL TAX ISSUES - If your business is spread overseas, you need an accountant who is proficient in international tax issues.
- EXPORT STRATEGY - If you're thinking about exporting, ask how an accountant might help you develop an export strategy.
