Comments on: Finding a Tax Preparer

By: The Secret Press » 7 Tips From a Tax Attorney

The Secret Press » 7 Tips From a Tax Attorney — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:35:26 +0000

[...] tips on finding a tax professional, check out this post from taxgirl.com. 5, Understand that things change. I had my life all mapped out when I entered [...]

By: 7 Tips From a Tax Attorney « Career Girls!

7 Tips From a Tax Attorney « Career Girls! — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:58:14 +0000

[...] tips on finding a tax professional, check out this post from taxgirl.com. 5, Understand that things change. I had my life all mapped out when I entered [...]

By: 7 Tips for Taking Control of Your Finances « Career Girls!

7 Tips for Taking Control of Your Finances « Career Girls! — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:27:18 +0000

[...] tips on finding a tax professional, check out this post from taxgirl.com. 5, Understand that things change. I had my life all mapped out when I entered [...]

By: Ask the taxgirl: First Time Filer

Ask the taxgirl: First Time Filer — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:18:13 +0000

[...] Here’s what you should have handy when preparing your return (or visiting a tax preparer): [...]

By: 24 Tips to Get Organized in January: Tip #18, Hire an Accountant

24 Tips to Get Organized in January: Tip #18, Hire an Accountant — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:29:21 +0000

[...] For information on finding a good tax preparer, click here. [...]

By: Common Tax Goofs Cause Major Problems

Common Tax Goofs Cause Major Problems — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:40:01 +0000

[...] In the coming weeks, I am writing a post in the "Do You Make These Mistakes" series asking, "do you file your own income tax returns?" This is probably a mistake on many levels. It’s kind of like the tax software commercial where the wife tells the husband who is "stuck" in his tax return preparation and she tells him he ought to "ask the box what to do." The Taxgirl wrote a post about this several weeks ago with some helpful tips about finding a tax preparer. [...]

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 03:34:05 +0000

Larry, great additions! #4, in particular, is a really good one.

By: Larry Massey, CPA

Larry Massey, CPA — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:21:20 +0000

I think that you have given a pretty good list…I agree with all of your points, and the points from “Another Tax Geek”, but not his/her spelling…;-) …you might add to your list to ask the preparer:

1) does he/she have expertise in areas that are significant to you…like business formation, business taxation, AMT, Tax Planning, EE Stock/Options, etc.
2) are his/her credentials current…you may be able to check with the State Board of Accountancy where he/she is licensed.
3) how long has he/she been in public practice?
4) who will be doing the actual “work”…the CPA or a staff preparer…will that matter to you?

By: Another Tax Geek

Another Tax Geek — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:48:47 +0000

As a CPA, I think that you’re hiring one (technically, engagine one) is a good move. My general rule is, if it can be done in Word, an attorney might be a good choice, if it should be done in Excel, have an accountant do it.

The real value of a CPA though, is the planning, strategy, and holistic financial advice they can provide, which should be done in conjuntion with a ‘team’ of advisors, who would usually also include an attorney.