My family has had a run of luck and will be having a significant jump in our yearly income, part of which will be 1099 status. We have come to the realization that finding an accountant may be a good idea. So what I need to know is how does someone find an accountant that is trustworthy and looking for your best interests? What questions will I need to ask this person when I am evaluating them? Is it a good idea to ask for recommendations from current clients? I have never needed to use an accountant except to write up my taxes and I really
need some good doper input.
You may want to look for a tax attorney or a certified financial planner rather than an accountant. I think recommendations are always best, if you know someone that already uses their services.
I always paid my accountant “per visit”. Some accountants (attorneys, CFPs, etc.) want a monthly fee, I wouldn’t go that route unless you run a retail business or something that needs monthly attention (employees). Generally, as an individual, you will need “quarterly” attention. Ask what their fees are, shop and compare. Also, I tend to favor calm and laid back financial people, I avoid financial people that seem nervous, pushy, cocky, or in big hurry.
My accountant was recommended by a friend about eight years ago and I love him. I’ve found myself thinking that it’s great that he’s a couple of years younger than me so he may be working as long as I need him.
Here’s the rub. A few years after the referral, the friend made a point of warning me about how awful the guy had become. Seems that in the meantime he had done some really bad work for someone else. Go figure!
Didn’t change my opinion, however. I’m still with him, still happy.
Thank you very much for the advice. I knew this would be the best place to find the answers I needed. I am sorry I did not respond quicker, new job ate up my spare time.
