Fifteen Interview Questions To Ask Before Hiring Your Tax Accountant
/As your business grows, you will need to surround yourself with professionals to help you manage your wealth. One of those professionals is a tax accountant. Even if you are not a freelancer, and instead work as a W-2 employee, as your financial needs evolve you will also likely need to seek out the expertise of a tax professional.
Me with some of my favorite financial professionals in Portland.
The educational background needed to file taxes
When hiring a tax accountant, there are three designations to look for to determine that they are qualified for the job. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), an Enrolled Agent (EA) or a tax attorney. Without one of those, it is unlikely that the individual has the educational background necessary to provide quality tax services. These designations allow them to represent you in front of the IRS or State Franchise Tax Board. Additionally, if they make a mistake when filing your taxes, they could be held liable for any penalties assessed in order to maintain their license. Someone without a license is not a risk for losing it and may be less inclined to feel accountable for their mistakes.
It is important to note that not every CPA provides tax filing services. Be sure to ask them if this is a service offering they provide to clients.
Once you have verified that the individual has the background needed to help you with taxes, here are some interview questions to ask them to ensure that they are a good fit.
Fifteen interview questions to ask your potential tax accountant
How do you charge your clients? Is it a flat fee or hourly? If it is by the hour, is it possible to get an estimate?
What experience do you have with my industry? This question is important because every business is difference- the taxes for a photographer will be different than a dancer or a consultant.
Could you help me plan for the future? For instance, if you plan on purchasing a home in 3-5 years, could they help you figure out a tax strategy.
Do you meet with clients in person, on the phone or via video calls?
How often may I contact you? Will I be charged each time?
Which accounting programs do you use? Would I be able to access my files at anytime or do I need to ask you for access permission?
Is there a bookkeeping program that you prefer? Why do you prefer it?
What are some of the latest tax changes and how might these impact me?
How do you prefer to communicate with your clients? Is it via text, email, social media?
Do you have a staff member, or someone other than you, who will be accessing my file?
How much work do you need me to do to make our relationship as effective as possible?
Do you have any previous or current clients that I could reach out to?
What’s your #1 pet peeve with clients? How can I make your life easier?
What makes you different than other tax accountants?
Why did you love what you do?
