Questions to Ask When Hiring a CPA
Essential questions to ask when hiring a CPA to ensure you find the right professional for your accounting, tax, and financial needs.
1What is your experience with businesses in my industry, and how long have you been practicing?
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What is your experience with businesses in my industry, and how long have you been practicing?
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Why this works
Understanding their industry experience helps you assess if they have the expertise to handle your specific accounting needs and challenges.
2What services do you offer, and which ones are most relevant to my situation?
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What services do you offer, and which ones are most relevant to my situation?
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Why this works
Learning about their services helps you understand what they can provide and ensure they meet your specific accounting and tax needs.
3How do you structure your fees, and what can I expect to pay for your services?
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How do you structure your fees, and what can I expect to pay for your services?
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Why this works
Understanding their fee structure helps you budget for accounting services and compare costs with other professionals.
4What is your approach to tax planning, and how do you help clients minimize their tax burden?
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What is your approach to tax planning, and how do you help clients minimize their tax burden?
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Why this works
Learning about their tax planning approach helps you understand how they can help you save money and optimize your tax situation.
5How do you handle communication and availability, and what is your typical response time?
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How do you handle communication and availability, and what is your typical response time?
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Why this works
Understanding their communication style helps you know what to expect and ensures you can get help when you need it.
6What technology and software do you use, and how do you keep client information secure?
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What technology and software do you use, and how do you keep client information secure?
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Why this works
Learning about their technology use helps you understand their efficiency and security measures for protecting your financial information.
7How do you stay current with tax law changes and accounting regulations?
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How do you stay current with tax law changes and accounting regulations?
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Why this works
Understanding their continuing education approach helps you assess their knowledge and ability to provide current, accurate advice.
8What is your process for preparing and filing tax returns, and how do you ensure accuracy?
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What is your process for preparing and filing tax returns, and how do you ensure accuracy?
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Why this works
Learning about their tax preparation process helps you understand their approach to accuracy and quality control.
9How do you handle audits and IRS correspondence, and what support do you provide?
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How do you handle audits and IRS correspondence, and what support do you provide?
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Why this works
Understanding their audit support helps you know what assistance you'll receive if you face tax issues or audits.
10What role do you play in business financial planning and decision-making?
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What role do you play in business financial planning and decision-making?
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Why this works
Learning about their advisory role helps you understand how they can support your business growth and financial decisions.
11How do you handle bookkeeping and record-keeping, and what systems do you recommend?
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How do you handle bookkeeping and record-keeping, and what systems do you recommend?
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Why this works
Understanding their bookkeeping approach helps you know how they'll help you maintain accurate financial records.
12What is your experience with business entity selection and structuring?
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What is your experience with business entity selection and structuring?
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Why this works
Learning about their entity expertise helps you understand how they can help you choose the right business structure for your needs.
13How do you handle year-end planning and what strategies do you recommend?
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How do you handle year-end planning and what strategies do you recommend?
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Why this works
Understanding their year-end approach helps you know how they can help you optimize your tax situation and financial planning.
14What references can you provide from clients in similar situations to mine?
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What references can you provide from clients in similar situations to mine?
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Why this works
Getting references helps you assess their track record and understand how they work with clients like you.
15What happens if I need to change CPAs or if you're unavailable when I need help?
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What happens if I need to change CPAs or if you're unavailable when I need help?
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Why this works
Understanding their transition process helps you know what to expect if you need to make changes or if they're unavailable.
Finding the Right CPA
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Effective CPA Selection
Be Specific About Your Needs
Clearly communicate your accounting and tax needs to ensure the CPA can provide the services you require.
Ask for References
Request references from clients in similar situations to understand how the CPA works with businesses like yours.
Compare Multiple Options
Interview several CPAs to compare their services, fees, and approaches to find the best fit for your needs.