4 ms·

Ask HN: Finding a good accountant

5 points by kaishiro 10y ago

I'm a previously full-time web developer, currently full-time freelancer/consultant who is starting to get too busy. I've also hooked up with a few other developers and am looking to formalize the relationship. I currently have a single-member LLC in NY and am trying to figure out how to structure the next step. The sticky wicket for me is that I do some work domestically and some work internationally (Australia, atm). One of the other developers I am looking to go into business with is also Australian. I've done about as much self-research as I'm comfortable with and I'm at the point where I need to get a proper CPA to help structure things. Does anyone have any advice on how to find a CPA with this level of domain knowledge? It's the international aspect of the LLC/Corp that I want to make sure is properly handled. Thanks!

zer00eyz 10y ago
For the international part, you might need a lawyer not a CPA. There might even be aussie expats in NYC practicing law, and those are the ones I would look for. Most of all make sure you find someone you have no issue speaking/communicating with on a personal and social level. It will probably make the process much easier!
- kaishiro 10y ago
  Thanks zer00eyz!
arikr 10y ago
As a general rule, lawyers and accountants are typically happy to provide ~30 minute introduction calls for free, where you can ask as many questions as you like and effectively "interview" them. They do this because the LTV of a client is so high that this is cheap relative to the potential upside. Take advantage of this to call a number of accountants and ask them these questions -- you'll get answers quickly
philiphodgen 10y ago
Email me. I nuked my Twitter account and you only have a Twitter handle in your profile. I am an international tax lawyer and familiar with the tax rules facing micromultinationals -- like your budding company. The real problem you will face is cost. The tax rules were meant to tax Google-sized enterprises but they so happen to apply to you, too. Unfortunately you don't have a Google-sized budget. :-/

5 points by kaishiro 10y ago

zer00eyz 10y ago

For the international part, you might need a lawyer not a CPA. There might even be aussie expats in NYC practicing law, and those are the ones I would look for. Most of all make sure you find someone you have no issue speaking/communicating with on a personal and social level. It will probably make the process much easier!

kaishiro 10y ago
Thanks zer00eyz!

arikr 10y ago

As a general rule, lawyers and accountants are typically happy to provide ~30 minute introduction calls for free, where you can ask as many questions as you like and effectively "interview" them. They do this because the LTV of a client is so high that this is cheap relative to the potential upside. Take advantage of this to call a number of accountants and ask them these questions -- you'll get answers quickly

philiphodgen 10y ago

Email me. I nuked my Twitter account and you only have a Twitter handle in your profile. I am an international tax lawyer and familiar with the tax rules facing micromultinationals -- like your budding company. The real problem you will face is cost. The tax rules were meant to tax Google-sized enterprises but they so happen to apply to you, too. Unfortunately you don't have a Google-sized budget. :-/