Choosing the right Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your finances or business. Whether you’re an individual trying to maximize your tax savings or a business owner managing complex finances, the CPA you hire needs to be someone you can trust. How do you find the right one? By asking the right questions. Here’s a guide to help you know exactly what to ask when interviewing potential CPAs.
1. What Services Do You Offer?
Not all CPAs provide the same range of services. Some focus solely on tax preparation, while others specialize in broader financial planning, business consulting, or auditing. Do you need someone to handle payroll for your business? What about year-round tax planning? Clarifying your needs will help you figure out if a CPA’s expertise aligns with what you’re looking for.
If you’re a small business owner, for example, you might need a CPA in NYC who can also advise on cash flow management or financial forecasting. On the other hand, if you’re an individual focused on retirement planning, you’ll want someone skilled in personal finance strategies.
2. Do You Have Experience in My Industry or Situation?
Every industry has unique financial challenges, and a CPA with experience in your specific field is a huge plus. For example, if you run a restaurant, your CPA should know about inventory management and industry-specific deductions. Similarly, a CPA working with freelancers or gig workers should understand how to handle 1099 income and potential home office deductions.
For individuals, it’s just as important to ask if they’ve dealt with situations like yours. Are you a landlord trying to manage rental income? A retiree looking to minimize taxes on pensions and investments? The more specific their experience, the better they’ll be at addressing your needs.
3. Are You Familiar with Local and Federal Tax Laws?
Tax laws are constantly changing, and they vary depending on where you live. Your CPA should be up to date on both federal regulations and the specific laws in your state or region. Ask how they stay informed about tax changes and whether they’ve worked with clients in your area before.
For business owners, it’s crucial that the CPA understands the tax rules for your type of entity—whether that’s an LLC, S-corp, or partnership. And if you’re managing international finances, ensure they have expertise in cross-border tax compliance.
4. How Do You Communicate with Clients?
Do you prefer face-to-face meetings or quick email updates? Some CPAs are old-school and only meet in person, while others are happy to work remotely and leverage technology for virtual consultations. Knowing how a CPA communicates—and how often—will give you a sense of whether their style works for you.
Also, ask about their response times. If you have a pressing question during tax season, how quickly can you expect an answer? It’s important to feel confident that your CPA will be available when you need them most.
5. What Are Your Fees, and How Do You Bill?
Let’s be honest—cost is a big factor. CPAs charge in different ways: some have hourly rates, while others offer flat fees for specific services. Clarify this upfront to avoid surprises.
For example, if you only need help with your annual tax return, you might prefer a flat rate. But if you’re running a business and anticipate ongoing support, an hourly rate could make more sense. Make sure you also ask about any additional charges, like fees for amended returns or audits.
6. Who Will Actually Be Handling My Work?
Some CPA firms have teams, so the person you initially meet might not be the one working on your account. Ask whether your case will be handled by the CPA themselves or delegated to junior staff.
It’s not necessarily a bad thing if a team is involved—just ensure you’re comfortable with the arrangement. If someone else is doing the heavy lifting, find out how much oversight the CPA will have. You’ll want to know who you can contact directly if questions or issues arise.
7. Can You Provide References or Examples of Success?
While you shouldn’t expect a CPA to reveal confidential client details, they should be able to share general examples of how they’ve helped others in similar situations. Hearing about their success stories can give you confidence in their abilities.
For instance, maybe they helped a small business reduce tax liability by restructuring their entity type. Or perhaps they identified deductions that saved an individual client thousands. Knowing they have a track record of delivering results can put your mind at ease.
8. Are You Comfortable Handling Complex Issues?
Not every financial situation is straightforward. If you’re dealing with something more complicated—like an IRS audit, back taxes, or international income—you need a CPA who’s comfortable navigating those challenges.
Ask them directly about their experience with issues like these. Have they represented clients during audits before? How do they approach resolving tax disputes? Their confidence and knowledge in these areas will give you peace of mind, especially if your finances are a bit more complex than the average person’s.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Hiring a CPA is more than just ticking boxes—it’s about finding someone who understands your goals and can guide you toward them. Asking these eight questions will not only help you narrow down your options but also ensure you hire a CPA who truly fits your needs.
Think about it: your finances are a major part of your life. Do you feel comfortable handing them over to just anyone? Taking the time to ask the right questions now can save you a lot of stress—and potentially a lot of money—down the line. When you find the right CPA, it’s like adding a trusted partner to your financial team. Who wouldn’t want that?
