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What are some ways to (a) tell a good tax person from a bad one and (b) look for a tax person in such a way that increases your odds of finding a good one?

mooreds 7y ago
I found my tax person through a referral. Went in and chatted with him about some questions and that was that. 15 years later I still use him, though I don't consult any more. This points out another good tip: find a network of other software consultants that you can trust and ask questions of. I found mine, years ago, by keeping in touch with past colleagues; some of them had gone independent. Now I'd probably look on a local slack and organize a few lunches.
mattferderer 7y ago
Are they willing to sit down, be kind & patient & hear you out? Do they seem like they care about your best interest? Are they explaining things or making it sound over complicated? Are they trying to sell you on services or nickel & dime you. Remember, you can always fire them & go somewhere else. It's why I also suggested going to two different people. They're fairly cheap for small businesses.
sigmaprimus 7y ago
As a professional I always have my credentials and certifications framed and hung on my office wall for everyone to see. The same goes for awards and associations meberships. So when it comes to hiring someone where I don't get a personal reference I always look for this, I also start with professional association member lists and or their referal services. Most good accountants will provide you with a free consultation at their office or at the very least over the phone, just don't get hung up on fancy clothes and expensive furniture as that can all be just a facade. The best accountant I ever had wore jeans and plaid shirts, drove a twenty year old car and his desk was always stacked with papers but he knew his stuff and was a huge part of my success, unfortunately he retired but again as a good accountant he referred me to another account before he retired.
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jimnotgym 7y ago
1) Do they sound interested in what your business actually does? 2) Do they work with other people in your industry, or comparable ones. 3) Did they get back to you in good time 4) Do they take documents electronically etc. Most of all Recommendation

mooreds 7y ago

I found my tax person through a referral. Went in and chatted with him about some questions and that was that. 15 years later I still use him, though I don't consult any more. This points out another good tip: find a network of other software consultants that you can trust and ask questions of. I found mine, years ago, by keeping in touch with past colleagues; some of them had gone independent. Now I'd probably look on a local slack and organize a few lunches.

mattferderer 7y ago

Are they willing to sit down, be kind & patient & hear you out? Do they seem like they care about your best interest? Are they explaining things or making it sound over complicated? Are they trying to sell you on services or nickel & dime you. Remember, you can always fire them & go somewhere else. It's why I also suggested going to two different people. They're fairly cheap for small businesses.

sigmaprimus 7y ago

As a professional I always have my credentials and certifications framed and hung on my office wall for everyone to see. The same goes for awards and associations meberships. So when it comes to hiring someone where I don't get a personal reference I always look for this, I also start with professional association member lists and or their referal services. Most good accountants will provide you with a free consultation at their office or at the very least over the phone, just don't get hung up on fancy clothes and expensive furniture as that can all be just a facade. The best accountant I ever had wore jeans and plaid shirts, drove a twenty year old car and his desk was always stacked with papers but he knew his stuff and was a huge part of my success, unfortunately he retired but again as a good accountant he referred me to another account before he retired.

deleted 7y ago
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jimnotgym 7y ago

1) Do they sound interested in what your business actually does? 2) Do they work with other people in your industry, or comparable ones. 3) Did they get back to you in good time 4) Do they take documents electronically etc. Most of all Recommendation