You think I’m kidding on that one? Well, you should see some of the

Image via Wikipedia

returns we review for people who have had them prepared elsewhere … yikes.

So, just as the choice to file taxes via robotic software fails the test, selecting the wrong professional to file your returns can be a big, big mistake.

Here’s what I mean.

Is There Really Any Difference?

Unfortunately, with the way that most tax professionals and CPA‘s present themselves to the world, it seems like we’re all the same. We all seem to offer the same services, for pretty similar fees. If I weren’t working every day in this industry, I’m pretty sure I would think that all accountants and CPA’s were the same. Nothing could be further from the truth.

You see, each tax professional does have certain qualifications. Some might be experts at this sort of tax law, or in working with farmers or with getting money back through IRS representation, or a whole variety of different things…but are they really providing what you, the consumer, wants?

What do you want from a tax preparer?

When I sit down and talk with regular consumers, here’s what I discover:

You want to be able to work with a caring professional…NOT one of those “cattle call” shops, where you’re squeezed in with a bunch of other people, and seen by harried, poorly-trained employees that just took a basic tax course.

You want an accurately filed tax return.  You want the whole thing broken down in terms that you understand, and in a way that you don’t need a translator to communicate. You want there to be processes in place to ensure that the most money is kept out of the grasping hands of Uncle Sam, and in your wallet (legally).

You want a “heads up” about future ways you can legally add deductions and make sure that you can get even more money back in the future. You want assurances everything your tax preparer is doing for you is valid and correct, so a guarantee(s) is essential to the process.

And of course, you want do it fast.  Look, I know this is a big deal for consumers…you don’t want your accountant pushing back at you all the time, saying “give me more time”, when you know it’s not because they’re working hard on your behalf, but that they’re so poorly organized that they’re not getting ANYBODY’S work done on time!

Oh, and if you ARE getting a refund, you want a tax firm who can get you the most money back the fastest … with the most electronic filing options available.

Here’s the bottom line:  You want professionalism … accuracy … you want clarity … you want to be aware of beneficial tax options … you want peace of mind … you want an efficient use of your time …. you want your refund money back in your hands fast …. And at the end of the day, you want to KNOW you got the most money back from Uncle Sam AND know that the IRS will stay off your back so you can sleep like a baby at night!

If the accountant or tax professional you are talking to can’t do these things, you need to call one that can.
++++++++

1. Do they offer Double, No-Risk, Money-Back Guarantee?

#1: Guaranteed Accuracy Or You Don’t Pay!

#2: Guaranteed Satisfaction Or You Don’t Pay!

2. What is this person’s education? He doesn’t have to be a CPA but this does give you a better level of comfort.

3. Do they do taxes all year round or just “do taxes” in the Spring?

Are they available to help you monitor your business activity year-round by preparing “Business Progress Reports” (monthly or quarterly).  Why wait until tax time to know how your business is doing?  To build a successful business, you must keep track of your “bottom line” throughout the year.  The “Business Progress Reports” should be tailored specifically to your situation and will help you know exactly what is going on at any point during the year.  The accountant should run the numbers so you can run your business!

4. Do they don’t just “do taxes” – how about doing some” financial planning”?

If they are a certified financial planner^® and or licensed investment advisor, the accountant could use some financial planning expertise to help business owners implement tax saving ideas that will help with their long term financial goals. They would have the unique ability to look at the total financial picture for you and use their investment expertise to help business owners implement tax-saving small business retirement plans.  There are many tax-deductible plans to choose from—401(k),403(b), SIMPLE, SEP—they could be there to help you decide which plan is best for you.   They could help you and your employees make intelligent investment decisions both from a financial edge as well as from a tax saving view.   You and your staff will save taxes today and “build a nest egg” for tomorrow.

5. Do they don’t just “do taxes” – what about “doing” software consulting?

Can the accountant help small business owners decide what bookkeeping software program is best for their business.  There are literally dozens of accounting software packages to choose from.  Which one is right for you?  And once you find the “right program”, how do you use it to maximize record-keeping efficiency?  Does the accountant provide on-sight accounting software training so you can learn how to use your accounting software right “the first time”, without having to rely on some 800 number for technical support.

6. How many tax returns do they do a year?

How many tax returns do they prepare each year? – I prepare over 350.  That’s a lot of tax returns! The accountant should be able to do all kinds of tax returns, some of which you may have never even heard of:  Personal, Business, Estates, Trusts, and Payroll Taxes. What does that mean for you?  It means that they have the experience to handle any tax situation no matter how simple or complex.  It means that you can count on them to prepare your tax return without any worry – the accountant should have the attitude, “I know what I’m doing and I’m going to “take care of you and your tax return” as if it were my own.

7. Are they a small business owner as well?

Like you, if they are a small corporation, the accountant has to file the same corporate income tax returns as you, and  have to pay them self as an employee of the corporation and file the same payroll tax returns as you.  This somewhat assures you that the accountant knows how to handle your tax situation because theirs is very similar.

8. Whose side is the accountant on?

What is their position with taxes? They should say that they have to pay taxes like everyone else.  The accountant should abhor the amount of taxes that has to be paid, and should realize that most people feel the same way — we pay way too much in taxes!  The accountant’s dissatisfaction with our tax system should motivates them to treat every tax return as if it were their own –  determined that every client pay the lowest tax allowable by law.

Obviously, you may not find the perfect candidate who can answer these questions to your satisfaction but these are questions that you should be asking. I think you will find them thought provoking and will stir up some interesting answers.  I can be reached at 847-243-3600, by visiting my web site, SaveMoreTaxes.com. or by emailing me at Howard@SaveMoreTaxes.com.