Why you should use a CPA for your annual tax return

I am not a CPA, so this is my disclaimer on this topic. I am a certified bookkeeper and an Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor. I have been in this business for a very long time and have helped and worked with many, many businesses.

One area where you should not skimp when it comes to your record keeping is hiring a professional. I have seen some businesses that spend so much money on what I determine to be unnecessary items and then when it comes time to file their return, they use their own software or hire "the guy next door" who knows a little about accounting. I even had a client who hired a man who said he was an accountant and he sure charged enough; but come to find out, he was not an accountant or a CPA. He was thorough, but he was an older gentleman and still did all of his records on the old green grid sheets. If there was a long way to do it, he did it and charged for it. He did not attend any of the conferences or take any of the classes needed to keep up-to-date on taxes. He was very behind the times.

I eventually convinced this client to hire a CPA. Not only did his costs annually go down, but the CPA saved him money by helping him use some of the tax advantages for his business that the client was unaware of. Additionally, when tangible tax time rolled around, the CPA helped my client fill out his return and saved a ton of money, since the old (faux) accountant was listing items annually that were no longer in the building. He just kept re-filing an old tax listing for the tangible return.

So, if you are unhappy with your CPA, find one that fits your needs. Now is a great time to interview one and find the one you like. There are so many different types of personalities out there and you can find one that works well with you. But hire a CPA, you will not be sorry getting a true professional.