Hiring the Right CPA

 The right CPA (Certified Public Accountant) can be very helpful when you file your tax return.  Did you know that CPAs are required to continuously update their level of knowledge to maintain their license?  Did you know their continuing education requirements include areas other than just income tax?
For example, I complete an average of two weeks per year of continuing education in tax, accounting, finance, insurance, pensions, computer applications, and law, in addition to hundreds of related articles I read each year.  The continuing education along with a CPAs network of consultants provides a vast knowledge base for you to draw on when you work with your CPA.
A CPA can help you:
•Prepare your tax returns.
•Respond to the Internal Revenue Service & State Tax Authorities
•Increase your net income
•Manage your cash flow
•Increase your net worth
•Plan for the future
•Help you understand your options
A CPA can help you through decisions with:
•Managing your business
•Understanding the tax implications of a Partnership, LLC, S-Corp or C-Corp
•Pension plans, 401k or IRA
•Starting a business
•Buying or selling a house
•Deciding on your employer’s benefit / cafeteria plan options
•Investing for future needs such as a house, kid’s education,
retirement or other needs.
•Renting your house
•Making or receiving a large gift
•Decisions regarding an inheritance or other large sum of money
•Relocating
Hiring the right CPA is also important.  Make sure you have a good fit.  You need to feel comfortable discussing your financial situations.  You also need to feel confident that you are receiving good advice.  Like the quality of a doctor’s bedside manner, a CPA who communicates well with you is very important.
Jerald Schneider is a Certified Public Accountant providing tax, accounting and financial advice for more than 25 years.  He can be reached at 661-297-1072 or by e-mail at jerald@jeraldschneider.com.