Do you want to know the best strategy to find an accountant in Bixby, OK, suitable for you or your company? Knowing what questions to ask of your potential accountant when you have the opportunity to speak with them is essential. Asking the proper questions will allow you to learn more about the tax professional and determine whether or not they would be a good fit for you through a phone conversation or in-person meeting.
Essential questions to ask when selecting a tax preparer
Here are a few examples of questions you may want to ask the person who will be handling your tax returns.
- Does he have a PTIN or Preparer Tax Identification Number?
If that individual replies “no,” you should instantly reject them from your search. A PTIN is legally needed for anyone who charges a fee to prepare federal tax returns. Make this your initial question to determine whether it is worth to ask more questions.
- What type of background does he have in tax preparation?
You may be aware of some of the preparer’s licenses, but here is their time to discuss their background, experience, and the value they can add to you or your business. Ask further about their qualifications and whether they have any service specializations.
- Has he ever worked on your type of tax before?
There are a few different types of tax returns, but not all are usual. Some tax professionals can handle almost anything, while others might specialize in pass-through businesses, fiduciary returns, or nonprofit organizations. Some tax preparers devote most of their attention to ex-pats and foreign taxpayers. It is essential to know that your future accountant will be able to manage whatever job you have, particularly if you have a more odd form of return because there are various kinds of taxpayers, just as there are a variety of tax returns.
- How does he set their fees?
Instead of asking the fee amount, you should ask how it is decided. The complex nature of your tax return and the number of documents you must fill out and submit could impact the cost. If a preparer says that they base their fees on an amount of the return you expect to receive, this should raise red flags because it suggests that they may be driven by money to make improper deductions, which might put you in legal trouble if you ever face an IRS audit.
