Finding a Tax Service: Now is the Perfect Time

When April 16th rolls around, the last thing you want to think about are taxes. But the truth is that the weeks following April 15th are the ideal time to think about how you're going to handle your taxes next year, particularly if you're looking for a new tax service.

A wise person does his holiday shopping early and avoids the last-minute blitz. The same wisdom holds true for people shopping for a new tax service. The months after April 15th are the perfect time to set yourself up for next year. Accountants are done with their busy season, and you're done scrambling to the post office. If you're looking for a new tax service, here are some tips to keep in mind during your search.

Act on referrals

Ask your friends, family, and co-workers who they'd recommend for tax services. If they're happy with the quality of work from their current accountant, add that name to your list. Nothing says quality like a satisfied customer.

Make sure it's a good match

Pair up with an accountant who has experience handling your type of situation. If you're a self-employed carpenter, you don't want someone who specializes in preparing taxes for Fortune 500 executives. Inquire about his area of expertise during your initial phone call. This can be an effective way to pre-screen your prospective list.

Do a face-to-face

Now that the tax service is done with tax season, someone at the company will be able to take an hour to sit down for an interview with a prospective client. At the interview, ask as many questions as you can. You'll want to know about the accountant's experience, background, methodology, and fees. You'll also want to know what he'll do in the event of an audit.

Is the tax service provider interested in you?

After you've asked your laundry list of questions, a good accountant should fire back at you just as many. If the accountant seems relaxed, patient, and really gets to know you, you've probably found the right person. If she checks her watch and tries to wrap up the meeting as soon as possible, take your business elsewhere.

Trust your instincts

If you find that most of the accountants you've interviewed have similar qualifications, base your decision on your gut. This is the person you'd be working with on some very important and sensitive matters. You'll want to feel comfortable with your final decision.

Being relaxed during the search for a new tax service provider is the key to making a good decision. When you're calm, you tend to be rational and reach sensible conclusions. That's why the weeks following April 15th are the ideal time to find a new accountant. Don't wait until March to begin a frantic last minute search for a new tax service. Pick up the phone and start today.