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Thread: Choosing an accountant?

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    Member silverlolita's Avatar
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    Default Choosing an accountant?

    Heeey,

    After much time spent looking into the word-of-mouth arena for choosing an accountant (omigawd, do you know a good CPA in mytown?!) with no success, I have finally decided I need to pick some names out of the phone book and try to figure out who would be the best for me. My question is for those of you who have accountants; how did you know he/she was right for you? What questions did you ask about his business, schooling, background, and practices? How many did you 'interview'? What are the answers I should look for? If it helps I'm a full time dancer (non employee) and am also trying to get a photo biz off the ground.

    thanks!

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    Member Ook's Avatar
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    Default Re: Choosing an accountant?

    If you haven't had any luck finding one from asking your fellow contractors, you might just have to try the dartboard approach- pick six, and then get down to your homework.

    1) I'm assuming you mean CPA, not bookkeeper, so look for their name on the state licensing board website. If they're practicing in your state, they have to be licensed there. Screen out anyone with disciplinary actions, especially section 200's and 300's.
    2) Next assumption- you're probably looking for a tax accountant. Many states require them to be specifically licensed or certified to practice in that state. Skip anyone who isn't qualified as such.
    3) Interview the accountant- in an ideal world, you'd be doing this some other time than now. Feb-Apr is the equivalent of the last ten minutes before closing time for personal tax accountants. If you're in a hurry, you're more likely to get less than optimal results. With all that said, find out if they're also licensed by the state bar to practice law. This is especially important if you haven't filed in a while or have some other reason to expect to wind up in US Circuit/tax Court. Avoid any accountant who offers to "get you more money back". Not only is this a major ethics lapse (think losing your license sort of lapse), it's viewed by Accountants as the equivalent of offering $5 handjobs on the main floor.
    4) If you're trying to set up a pass-through entity (or a corporation, which would be total overkill, I'd assume) for your photography business, you're probably going to need a lawyer as well. The Attorney/Accountant thing really comes in handy at that point.
    5) Write down exactly what you want, and ask blunt questions about retainers, flat and hourly costs, and get their bids in writing.

    Hope some of these help.

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    Member silverlolita's Avatar
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    Default Re: Choosing an accountant?

    Thanks so much for your help, this has been the best information I have gotten. I wish I'd asked it sooner, but thanks again!

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