Any suggestions on what to look for in an accountant? I have never had one and wonder if there is any advice out there in picking one?

Thanks,
Jody

Jody - I called a friend, who is a small biz owner herself, and asked who she used. I trust her judgment with people. I had him do my personal taxes this year to see if I liked him, and plan to use him for my personal and biz taxes next year. So, I'd contact any small biz owners you know and trust, and ask who they use.

Good luck!

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Gladys Strickland
GS Business Resources

I agree with Gladys. Contact the biz owners you know first.

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Carolina Bookkeeping & Business Services
Melissa Kennedy

Thanks for the advice I have met with one so far but think I need to shop around a bit....

The one I use is also a registered IRS agent. I would have gone with them anyway, because I know people who have used them for years, but an "in" with the IRS was icing on the cake as they say.

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Kathy
www.theofficevirtuoso.com

I guess the one I met with is an auditor as well, is that kind of the same thing?

My suggestion is to ask, ask, ask.
And ask people who have had special needs or were in trouble. Most people don't know how incompetent their accountant is until they are audited.

Every accountant is so different. Some are hard to reach, some are accessible. Some specialize is different areas. Some are by the book and some dip below those grey areas. Some are too risky. Some only want your money and you are herded through like cattle. Some are on their own, or part of larger firms. So really shop and interview them.

I recommend CPAs to my clients since they have not only the education, but certification AND malpractice insurance.

Only CPAs are auditors. But if they are from a large firm, they may have most of their experience in auditing and not tax.

A registered agent has no special in with the IRS. It does not take much at all to become one. One agent will be incredibly good and competent and the next could put you in jail. That happens with CPAs too, but not as often.

Once you find a good one, build a long term relationship. Just like your doctor.
Good luck!