Choosing a Calabasas Accountant

by Calabasas365 staff

Some tips on finding a tax accountant in Calabasas

If you view the annual rite of filing tax returns as a daunting task, you are not alone. But irrespective of your stage of life and filing status, proper tax planning and preparation is very important (unless you don’t mind an audit from authorities!). Whether you are an individual or have a business in Calabasas, choosing a good tax accountant to do your tax annually is a wise investment decision.

The main advantage of having a tax accountant is that he will help you see all the tax deductions available and make you aware of all legislative changes affecting your financial condition, not to mention that he would ensure your tax returns are accurate. However, before deciding to hire the first Calabasas accountant you come across, it is worth researching and spending some time to make sure you are selecting an ideal tax accountant to suit your financial situation and needs.

Accountants, as other professionals, have their own strengths and limitations, and it pays to do your homework before hiring one.

Assuming that you are unfamiliar with any good accountant or are not satisfied with your current hire, the best place to start your search for Calabasas accountant is with friends, relatives and colleagues.

Acquaintances who own multiple properties will be more likely to use the services of a tax accountant in Calabasas and will give a great recommendation. Particularly, if their accountants are in contact with them all through the year, proactively advising and recommending them, not just at tax time. You can even check with your lawyer or staff accountant in your company.

Another option is to look in the local yellow pages or internet for names of local accountants in Calabasas. Once you have a list of tax accountants, the next step is to research the shortlisted candidates.

Verify whether your potential tax accountant has any certification such as Accredited Tax Adviser or Accredited Tax Preparer apart from a degree in accounting and is certified as a public accountant. These additional certifications mean that he has completed extra coursework above the mandatory in his specific area of taxation. While not a guarantee, the certifications do indicate achievement and expertise of the accountant. If you are approaching an accountancy firm instead of an agent in Calabasas, it is recommended to look at smaller and medium sized firms. You will more likely get a better service, with a committed team or an individual looking your account.

You may also want to inquire if your prospective hire has expertise in your area of need and whether he offers any other services such as retirement advice or business planning as well. It always helps if your tax accountant can meet any expected or unexpected future needs.

Once you have narrowed down your list of Calabasas accountants, you should contact each one of them. A simple phone call could do but we recommend setting up an office visit. You are about to entrust this professional with your most critical financial information, so it is important for you to know not only their expertise and experience, but also if you both can share a great rapport.

Ask about his practice, does he listen patiently to your concerns and shows a real interest in your business. Inquire if he would outsource any tasks to his junior CPA, in which case, ask for separate billing rates. Having said that, if you find him perfectly suited for your needs, be prepared to pay him well. You could get cheaper tax accountants than him in Calabasas, but you get what you pay for. After interacting with him, you would want to do a quick background check. Your state’s board of accountancy can tell you about the status of his license. You can also check for any complaints against him in Calabasas or elsewhere with the Better Business Bureau.

You may not feel like spending so much time researching and shortlisting potential accountants, but understand that your relationship with a tax accountant can last for a lifetime. This person would know intimate details of you and your family’s financial and sometimes personal information. You will be meeting him several times according to your business requirements. Surely, you wouldn’t want to choose a tax accountant in haste, would you?

With a good tax accountant, planning and preparations of tax will be a breeze.

Consider your tax accountant as your trusted financial adviser in Calabasas. Make him an important element to maintain your financial health. Help him by maintaining all your financial records in place at all times and don’t make demands which are not realistic as efficient tax accounting takes some time.

With these tips, hopefully, you will have a relatively stress free time in the tax season and all year round in Calabasas.