What to Ask Before Hiring a Tax Accountant
When looking for tax accountants, you should look for one that helps you avoid trouble with IRS and save you money. Most business owners think of accountants Milton as just numbers of people. However, a professional accountant is more than figuring out numbers. Instead, a qualified accountant will reveal what numbers mean to you. Therefore, you should shop around and interview them to find one that best suits you. The following are some questions to ask:
Who are your clients?
You need an accountant who understands your business. For instance, if you are running a restaurant, you should follow the rules for tips and wages just like a construction company will deal with issues that affect contract workers. Ensure you choose an accountant who has worked with various businesses that are similar to yours.
What is your availability?
Some companies shut their doors during certain periods only to reopen during the next tax season. When you operate a business, you will need assistance throughout the year. If something happens, you will not need to wait until the next tax season to address your issue.
Do you have experience with IRS?
You may have been advised to hire certified public accountants instead of enrolled agents. This is because CPAs have comprehensive certification requirements. As you probably know, CPAs undergo training in various areas such as bookkeeping and financial planning. These professionals are experienced in handling taxes and audits. Instead of focusing on an accountant’s certification, you should focus on the accountant’s experience that is relevant to your company.
Who does the work?
Some accountants like outsourcing their work to third parties. Although this does not imply that their services are poor, but you should know the person who is doing the work. It will be difficult to talk to a person who is a third party to you.
What is the billing procedure?
Usually, accountants charge either by the hour or a fixed rate. An hourly rate is quite good because you will not have a lot of continuous work for the accountant. Notwithstanding the approach, ensure you get an estimate of the total fees to be paid. It is advisable to give your account a copy of the past financial year’s tax returns. This will help the accountant to be familiar with the business before giving an estimate. Remember that you have an accountant who tracks your money.… Read the rest