It’s tax time again. If you are new in business (or need to find a better option than what you have now) it may be time to look for an accountant. How do you find the one that is right for you and your business? Here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Call those you know in business and ask who they use. Are they satisfied with the service they receive? Are the costs reasonable for the value provided? Is it easy to reach them when you have a question?
- Contact other professionals who assist you in your business such as your insurance agent, bookkeeper, financial planner, etc. Who would they recommend based on relationships they have? If they know and trust someone, it will give you more confidence that they are professional and will be able to handle your situation.
- Contact other businesses in a similar industry and see who they use. If their accountant is familiar with the industry, it means they will understand your particular needs for your business.
Once you have a few names, what is the next step? Contact their offices, let them know you are looking for an accountant and ask to set up a phone or in-person consultation to see if they are a good fit for you. Questions to ask should include:
- What experience do you have with small businesses?
- How familiar are you with my industry?
- Do you handle my type of entity (sole proprietor, corporation, LLC, etc)?
- What other services besides tax preparation do you offer (audit support, tax planning, forecasting, etc)?
- What are your qualifications (CPA, Enrolled Agent, Registered Tax Preparer, etc)?
When you’ve had the chance to talk to a few candidates, think about which best fits your needs. Keep in mind that the rapport you have with them is important too. You don’t want someone who is an expert in your field but is someone you wouldn’t communicate with well. You want your accountant to be a trusted advisor to help you with your business planning now and in the future.
