What questions should I ask when looking for a new tax accountant?
I was comfortable preparing my own tax return until this year. I am newly married and recently bought a home. I would like to pay as little taxes as possible and need detailed planning and advice. What questions I should ask a tax accountant before I turn over my financial and tax records?
— Submitted by Alice
Taxpayers of all types can benefit from hiring a tax accountant. But before you spend your hard-earned cash, here are some questions you can ask to help ensure that you find an experienced, trustworthy tax accountant:
- What licenses or designations do you have?
- How long have you been in the tax business?
- What tax issues do you specialize in?
- Do you have the knowledge and experience to handle my tax situation?
- What are your fees?
- Do you outsource any of your work? Do you perform the work personally? If not, what is the review process? Who signs the returns?
- How long, approximately, will it take to finish my taxes?
- What's your privacy policy? Will you share my tax information with any third-parties?