Looking For An Accountant? Six Characteristics To Look For.

The average national cost to have your taxes professionally prepared by an accountant is $200. Quite a bit of pocket change, to be honest; but, can you afford not to?

Most people miss at least $100 in deductions, perhaps more. If you don't have an accountant, it's going to cost you a lot in missed deductions and extra money paid to Uncle Sam.

Now that you know what you have to do, here are six suggestions that will help you pick the right accountant:

1. Interview your accountant in person]. A big chain will not give the same attention, so avoid these. You might also need your accountant at some other point in the year. Typically, big chains hire extra accountants from January to April only. During off-season, you'll not likely to get the same attention, so it's going to make asking any questions frustrating and inefficient.

2. It's likely going to cost you more to hire a big chain that it will an individual accountant. Why? Even though big chains look cheaper on the surface, when you read the fine print, you might find out that each deduction found for you is charged separately. These chains can also charge you to guarantee the accuracy of their work. An individual accountant can give you better service for less money, and will guarantee their work without charging extra to do so.

3. Credentials matter. You need a licensed professional, why you ask? Only a licensed professional-CPA, EA or tax lawyer can represent you in court. The only states that license additional tax professionals are Oregon and California. Therefore, almost anyone that wants to can claim to be a tax professional, but don't be fooled. You can't have Tom, Dick or Harry represent you in court, so why would you risk it?

4. Ask around. You don't just waltz into a dentist and ask for a filling, you ask the people you know. Who uses enough Novocain? Who doesn't use mercury? Who won't talk to me when his hands are in my mouth? Seriously, why wouldn't you ask around when it's your pocket book, instead of your mouth on the line?

5. Expect professional, courteous treatment. If your accountant is rude, doesn't return calls, or is otherwise unprofessional, find someone else. Remember that you're paying your accountant to do a job for you, and you should expect to get your money's worth, especially with the stress of tax season adding to difficulty. If you don't, find someone else.

6. Have fair expectations. Your accountant cannot change the kind of person you are. They cannot make you financially conscious unless you want to be. They can't save money you don't have. They should be a valuable asset to you and if you are comfortable with them, then heed their advice.

Article Source: http://www.rightbiz.com

Author Delano Vestal is a writer for Lisa Baskfield and Associates, a CPA in Rogers MN. Lisa Baskfield and Associates specializes in small business and personal accounting and tax preperation. As a Rogers CPA, Baskfield serves the entire Twin Cities Metro.

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