Where should I get a CPA?

Question

I moved to Pensacola, Fl about 6 months ago for work. I live here now and work here full time. Although, my company is headquartered out of New Orleans, I still have a homestead on a property in New Orleans, and also own a separate investment property in New Orleans. Should I get a CPA here or back home in Nola? (I travel back and forth pretty often) Also, any recommendations in these areas?

Michael Plaks · Answer

@Joe Splitrock

Note to self: check the moderators' profiles before joking about their states.

To @Philip Olivier - never mind, I meant North Dakota. :)

Joe Splitrock · Answer

Lots of smart and affordable CPA's in South Dakota. There is a very advantageous tax, banking and trust environment in South Dakota. Along with that comes a wide talent pool of accountants and attorney's who don't charge big city prices.

I would reach out to local investors for recommendations of someone they work with. Just because someone is posting on BP doesn't give them accounting credentials. I also see value in sitting down face to face with someone, especially for something as important as taxes (banking too).

JD Martin · Answer

LOL. I'm sure Joe won't hold it against you.

Eamonn McElroy · Answer

@Michelle Shriver

A CPA/EA who knows what they're doing won't quote a fee for your return without examining a copy of the prior year and having a conversation with you to ascertain any material changes year-over-year.

It's hard to say if $1,800 is a good price.  There are a lot of variables including the complexity of work, the COL in which your CPA/EA is based, your CPA/EA's overhead, etc.

Michael Plaks · Answer

@Philip Olivier

Where to get a CPA? Try a Goodwill store or Craigslist. They might have some slightly used ones, in serviceable condition. :)

As @Steven Hamilton II mentioned, there're some 20 tax accountants on this forum, and we work remotely nationwide. If you really prefer someone whose hand you can shake in person - then look in NOLA. The reason is that LA has state income tax while FL does not, and LA accountants are more likely to be proficient in LA state taxation.

That said, a competent accountant from South Dakota (assuming they even have accountants up there) is way better than an incompetent local one (and those are always available).

Joe Splitrock · Answer

All I did is responded to your post and it doesn't take any moderators privileges to do that. It is not against the site rules to make bad jokes:)

Mary Danna · Answer

Hi Philip,

You should get one in Louisiana. Specifically, call Jude Heath. I went through a few CPAs before him.

jheathcpa.com

Let him know that I sent you.

Steven Hamilton II · Answer

This has been asked several times. The best recommendation is to find someone you like working with. Any modern accountant will be able to work with you no matter where you or they are located.

Basit Siddiqi · Answer

@Michelle ShriverIt is difficult to say whether the fees is a good price or not without knowing the full picture.On the front of what you said - you are looking at a Federal and PA tax return. You may also have a OH and LA return. Ohio also has many small city returns.Also it is unsure if the LLC's are rolled into your individual return or need a separate partnership return.You may want to consult with a couple CPA's on this message board to see if you connect with them well and can provide you a lower quote.

Michelle Shriver · Answer

Helpful thread.  My CPA is in Henderson, NV and I've never lived there.  We've used him for years now, but my husband is wondering if $1800 is a good price, as our taxes have gotten less complicated.  We are domiciled in Pennsylvania, but have properties in Louisiana and Ohio, no W-2, we have 3 LLCs, one in PA, two in LA.

One of our friends is a CPA but not a tax preparer thought it sounded like an OK price.

Where should I get a CPA?

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