Five Questions to Ask before Hiring a CPA

Are you in the process of searching for a CPA who can assist with helping you file your tax return? How about somebody who can provide you with the help you need to get your business up and running?

Regardless of why you are seeking a local CPA, it is important to compare multiple professionals before making a final choice.

It is easy to believe that all CPAs offer the same level of benefits, however, nothing could be further from the truth. Some professionals have more knowledge and experience than others. Some professionals have more time in their schedule for clients.

Here are five questions to ask before making a hiring decision:

1. How much experience do you have helping people in my position? Becoming a CPA is an accomplishment in its own right. That being said, this doesn’t mean that every professional has the same level of experience.

You must be 100 percent sure to hire somebody with targeted experience.

2. Do you have enough time in your schedule to accommodate my needs? Let’s face it: some CPAs are busier than others. You need to find one who has enough time for you, regardless of what your schedule looks like or how much assistance you require.

3. What are your fees? Like many, this is one of the first questions you are going to ask. While there is nothing wrong with paying a fair price for the service you receive, the last thing you want to do is overpay.

Tip: compare the fee schedule for at least three CPAs, giving you a better idea of where each one stands.

4. What do you need from me? Depending on the type of service you require, your CPA may need particular information and documents from you before getting started.

For example, if you are hiring somebody to file a tax return, plenty of documentation will be required. From pay stubs to interest statements to past returns, you will need to surrender quite a bit of information. Make sure you are ready to do so when the time comes.

Tip: the easier you make things on your CPA the less money you are going to be charged.

5. Do you have references? Even if you like what you hear from a particular professional, it would still be in your best interest to check references before making a final decision. This will put your mind at ease, knowing that the person has provided others with a high level of service in the past.

These are just five of the many questions you should feel comfortable asking as you search for a CPA.