Does it matter where your cpa is located ?

Question

Account Closed · Answer

My CPA is my father, 300 miles away in northeast Texas.

Great having one of those in the family.

He is almost 75 years old and still doing it today with my mother as his office manager (they celebrate their 50th this July.)

He was also county auditor for 29 years, but has been retired from that for a few years now.

Account Closed · Answer

No it doesn't matter where they are located.  So long as they're licensed and know what they're doing is what matters most.  A lot of investors around the USA use CPA's in California or New York because they are real estate savvy.  I personally choose to use a CPA near my house because I like face to face communication as I plan / expand my REI business.  Some CPA's in other states will be open to video chats as well if you prefer that.

Rob Newsom · Answer

I don't think this is hijacking the topic (I hope not at least), this is sort of a question in the same vein, dealing with choosing and out of state CPA...                                                                                                                                               Assuming that you find a CPA that checks all the boxes for customer service, real estate expertise, etc... does it make sense to choose a CPA in a location that you would be willing to regularly travel to?

For example, if I live in Houston, and want to make a yearly drive (a la Camper Van) to Utah/Colorado to go mountain biking, could I set up a meeting in advance with my CPA that would allow me to deduct the travel expenses?   All I would be looking to deduct is the vehicle mileage and meals while traveling.

@Brandon Hall, this may involve you!  :)

Brandon Sturgill · Answer

@Caleb Heimsoth The ability to grab lunch together is a must...so driving distance (whatever that means for you)

Good luck

Nick C. · Answer

It doesn't matter, just get ready to scan a lot of documents...

Christopher Blanco · Answer

I am in Ohio, my CPA is in NY. They are real estate saavy, and the partner I ultimately work up through is an investor. Its worked well so far.

Juan Reyes · Answer

As long as they are experienced with that states code you are fine. I would not give any one a chance that is not experienced in that particular state, regardless of how much I like them, Taxes are nothing to take a chance with.

Dmitriy Fomichenko · Answer

I would look for a CPA with experience and great service, rather than location. Also ask if your CPA owns any rental real estate, you'll want to pick one who does.

Caleb Heimsoth · Answer

Okay that is good news.  Thank you everyone.  The one I'm considering is in Houston.  It wouldn't be able to be face to face, but they deal with REI of all sizes and I know this person well enough that I trust them.