Updated over 3 years ago on . Most recent reply

Looking for advice regarding CPAs
What questions do I ask a CPA or CFP?
I have been questioning our current tax preparer for a while now. We were notified less than a week ago that our 2020 taxes are now done! Why has it taken this long? I realize 2020 was horrible but we don't have much besides our W2s and house! I think I need to start asking more questions!
Most Popular Reply

Hi @Mary Schlabach!
There are 3 functions an accountant can help with:
- 1. Bookkeeping (tracking financial spending and receiving) - needs to be detailed oriented, not necessarily a CPA [$ or $$]
- 2. Filing taxes - needs to understand taxes, and must at least work for a CPA [$$]
- 3. Tax planning - needs to be a CPA, looks at wholistic financial situation and helps you minimize taxes [$$$$]
In general, these are more expensive as you go down the list. A good CPA can help you with 1 and 2, but they'll charge more. To answer your question - what are you looking for? Just tax prep? Or bookkeeping? Or tax planning?
- Jonathan Pavkov
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- 6148025721