CPA's are more than just individuals who do your yearly
taxes. They can advise you a long list of other services,
which may include advice on your accounting system,
financial, retirement, estate and tax planning. CPA's are
part of a business owner's professional team along with a
Banker and Lawyer.

Ask for recommendations.
Your local Chamber of Commerce will tell you the names of
CPAs who are members. When you attend any type of meeting,
or meet other business owner's, ask for CPA recommendations.

Use the 60% rule.
If you're a business owner, pick a CPA who has 60% of their
business coming from business owner's -like you! They're
more apt to keep up with the laws regarding clients they
deal with most often. If you're a corporation, make sure
that the person specializes in corporate accounting,
including financial statements, audits, etc.

Interview CPAs!
Ask what type of services they do for their clients, how
long they've been in business full time, and for referrals,
etc. Don't forget to ask to see their license. Ask them
about the benefits of choosing them over another CPA.

Rates
Ask about their rates and what those rates include. If they
have a rate chart, all the better! Also, ask what their
hourly rate is and what the cost would be to answer
questions during the year.

Ask Them About Record Keeping
Ask what computer program they prefer you use for your
record keeping and why they prefer that program. Many times,
if you use the program they suggest, it can save you some
money because they can use your data files. Some even have
programs they'll set up especially for you!

Bring Your Records To The Interview
Bring a copy of at least one year's tax return when you
interview a CPA. This way your prospective CPA can give you
educated "guesstimates" as to what their services will cost
you.

How To File
If you want to save some money, ask how they want your paper
files.... If you bring your files to them in shoeboxes (hey,
many folks do), you will pay to have all that deciphered!
You can save money if you separate the information the way
the CPA suggests.

Corporation vs. Individual
Are you interested in hiring a corporation of CPAs or a CPA
that has their own business? If you opt for the corporation,
find out if you'll be dealing with one particular person, or
will it be whoever answers the phone when you call. It's
best to have one person to build a relationship with!

When do they work?
What are their hours of operation? Make sure that you can
call them at hours that are convenient for you.

Making a Decision
Interview at least 3 CPAs. Don't rush this decision. Make
sure you have the best CPA and bookkeeper for you and your
business!

About the Author
Maria Marsala is an internationally known Business &
Life Coach-Consultant.
Subscribe to her free ezine "Helping You and Your
Business Grow" at http://www.coachmaria.com