How Can You Find The Best CPA Near You?

If you consider preparing your own tax return and wonder how you can find an experienced CPA, you are not alone.

As per the IRS, of more than 138 million tax returns e-filed on November 2019 for 2018 tax year, about 58% were prepared by a CPA.

Several studies have also showed that hiring a CPA West Los Angeles can eliminate the frustrating task of deciphering IRS rules and norms off your shoulder. While you concentrate on your business, you know there is an expert who has your back.

However, the wrong person can do more harm than good. For this reason, you must choose the right expert who can help you.

Why Should You Be Careful While Hiring A CPA?

Every year  the IRS compiles several list of tax scams. Even though the scams are various, many include actions that the shady tax preparers take. This includes promising inflated refund, false deduction claims and credits, encouraging client for avoiding tax obligations.

Unfortunately, anyone can claim to be a tax preparer. Most states have few or no requirements for training, certification and competency tests.

But how do you find someone whom you can completely trust? Let us check out the steps of finding the best CPA West Los Angeles.

1. Compile A List Of Potential CPAS

With most service providers, a nice way to find a CPA is asking for referrals. But never go with the first name you get- compile a list of four or five potential CPAs. This is how:

Ask Family, Friends And Co-Workers

Most renowned CPAs claim most of their business comes from proper referrals. Check with friends, family and co-workers to find out who they use if they have had a nice experience.

CPAs focus on proper niches or specialties, including high-net worth business owners, small business owners or clients working in certain industries. As a result you must ask them if they are familiar with your industry so they can offer proper assistance.

Browse IRS Directory

The one qualification every tax preparer should have is the preparer’s tax identification number of PTIN. Anyone can apply for the PTIN online for free of cost. So, it cannot be the sole deciding factor.

However, the IRS maintains the directory of PTIN holders; these include CPAs, enrolled as agents as well as attorneys having proper credentials by the IRS. You can search the directory by zip code to find the best CPA West Los Angeles.

Check With State Or National Association

Several state boards of accountancy and state CPA societies maintain proper online directories of members or can even provide you a list of tax experts.

Not every CPA prepares the tax, you must conduct online research or just call to find if people on the list can provide you proper tax assistance.

2. Narrow Down The Options

After you have listed the names of potential CPAs near your location, it is time to zero in on who is the best. To do that:

• Verify the credentials
• Check online reviews

Finally, set up an appointment for meeting and gather all information needed so you can finalize the hiring.