Most people wait until tax season panic or an IRS letter before looking for a CPA. That's a recipe for rushed decisions and bad matches. A few smart filters upfront save you time and regret.
1. What to Look For
Look for someone who works with people like you — same industry, same tax complexity. A generalist can handle simple stuff, but if you own a business or have investments, you need a specialist. Check their license status online. Ask if they do audits or just compliance. The best ones also give forward-looking advice, not just historical number crunching.
2. Questions to Ask
Ask how they handle communication. Do you get a direct line or a junior staffer? How fast do they respond during tax season? Ask about their fee structure — flat fee or hourly? Get it in writing. Ask for a sample of the kind of report or tax projection they provide. If they can't explain complex concepts in plain English, that's a problem.
3. Red Flags
Watch for anyone who promises a huge refund before looking at your books. That's sales, not accounting. Another red flag: they refuse to provide references or dodge questions about their experience with your specific situation. Also be wary of CPAs who are too busy to return calls. Good ones manage their workload. Bad ones overbook and burn you.
4. How Ratings Help You Choose
Ratings cut through marketing fluff. A pattern of reviews about missed deadlines or poor communication means you'll likely get the same. Look for recent reviews, not just star averages. One bad review from a difficult client is fine. Ten bad reviews about the same issue is a warning. Ratings also reveal how they treat small clients, not just big fish.
Compare local CPAs and accountants on RatingsNearMe to see what real clients say before you commit.