Finding a Tax Accountant or CPA

There are a number of people who are experts in taxes and offer their services so you can have help filing your taxes each year. You might prefer to use a Hialeah accountant who focuses on taxes, you might look at a bookkeeper, or a tax attorney or you might want to use a CPA, a Certified Public Accountant. Here is a look at how to find someone in your area.

 

Tips on narrowing down the search

 

1) Look in a variety of places

You can look for potential professionals in your area in several places. You can look at the IRS directory online which includes various tax preparers that will include CPAs. There are a number of professional directories and associations that can be a good place to start when looking for a name as well. Some examples of accounting and tax groups include the AICPA, the NATP, the ISFFA and the ALPFA. You can also get names as referrals from other professionals. If you have a bookkeeper they might have a CPA they recommend, your bank or financial advisor might also have a suggestion or two.

 

2) Check they have the right credentials

When you have some names it is time to start finding out some information on them. This is thankfully a lot easier to do nowadays with the internet. You are looking for red flags against them, licenses that are lapsed, scammers, disciplinary actions against them and so on. When you look for a professional for taxes and accounting Hialeah make sure they have a PTIM. This is their preparer tax identification number. People who can prepare your taxes should have one and the IRS has a directory to check. You should also look at their license, make sure they have a good record and that the license is good for the state you are in. They should also have professional liability insurance.

 

3) Do they offer the experience you need?

There are some basic questions you should ask the Hialeah accountant concerning preparing your taxes to see how they operate and if it is a good fit. Such questions might include;

 

●     If I have questions about my taxes can I talk to you even if it is not tax season?

●     Is there an area of taxation you specialize in?

●     Do you offer help with tax planning and tax advice?

●     How long have you been working as a tax accountant?

●     How do you communicate with your clients?

●     How will you send the tax refund?

 

4) Compare what their fees are

When you choose a tax accounting Hialeah expert the cost will depend on the type of tax preparer you opt for. You will pay more for a CPA professional than for a general tax preparer. Some charge a flat fee and then if the situation is more complex they charge on top of that, some will have a charge for each form that is needed to be completed, some might charge an hourly rate. The basic charge by a CPA tends to start at around $300 though location, situation and their skill will change that.