Three Things You Should Look For When Choosing a Tax Professional

Guess what?  Tax season is upon us again!  I can see it now, the beads of sweat forming on your brow as you think about stacks of receipts, missing bank statements, unpaid tax balances from years past, and where did you put that W-2 you received last week?

It's the same thing every year.  And when you finalize your tax return in April...or October, you will promise yourself you'll never let it get this bad again.  You'll be more organized, more on top of it, more proactive.  The truth is, we're busy.  We're all busy and we push things off because, in the moment, there are other pressing things that need to be dealt with.

That's where having a capable tax professional can help you, guide you, coach you throughout the year.  But choosing a tax professional is much like choosing a dentist...we know we need one....but we really don't want one!  So, what should you look for when choosing a tax professional?

1)  RELATIONSHIP!  Choose someone who is willing to form a long lasting professional relationship with you.  Someone who will get to know you, your family, your business, your life.  It is only when these relationships are formed that a tax professional can successfully guide and coach you along the way.

2)  EDUCATION!  Choose someone who not only invested time and money in their initial education but who truly values the continuing education experience.  The CPA is required to get a set number of hours each year.  Many professionals view this as a check in the box.  However, the field is ever changing and extremely complex.  It is only the professional who values the continuing education experience that can grow with you and your ever changing life.  

"Running water never grows stale, so you just have to keep on flowing."
Bruce Lee

3)  ACCESSIBLE!  Ok.  I"ll admit it.  I"m human!  There are times that I get behind! But for the most part, I try to return phone calls, e-mails, and text messages timely.  Your tax professional should do the same.  This is an extremely deadline driven industry and many times, if your professional does not get back with you in a timely fashion, you may miss an opportunity.  Choose a professional who values your time, values your money, and values your opportunity.

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