Choosing A CPA For Business Finances
There are a number of business tax exemptions and business tax deductions that you can claim for. Does your ordinary accountant discuss all of that with you? Does he advise you regularly on your business tax planning? Taxation rules are fast changing and the only professional who keeps abreast of these changes are CPAs. They can help you get all business tax deductions and exemptions that you're eligible for. If your ordinary accountant missed out on entering a business tax exemption, then you can't expect the IRS to drop you a line about your error. This is just one of the non detectable tax flaws that you may suffer if you hire just any accountant. Your ordinary accountant may know nothing of the laws related to business such as how to convert a sole proprietorship firm into a partnership etc. This is why a CPA is much more useful for any business than any other accountant.
Your books are the basis for anybody you hire to file your returns. This is why you cannot gamble by hiring jut anybody to provide the service for a lesser cost. You can however use QuickBooks, Myob, iris or some other trusted book-keeping application. Your book-keeping could be single or double entry on the basis of your requirements. You could even hire a CPA firm that also offers book-keeping to maintain your books. Hiring a regular twelve month CPA or a CPA to only file your business tax returns is again, your choice. You must decide on this after a thorough evaluation of your business requirements. In case you choose to use a book-keeping application, then you must ask your CPA whether he uses the same application. This is to ensure that none of your data is lost during transfer.
What places a CPA above any other accountant is his CPA license. He must have a valid license. Talk to him about your requirements for the business. Then evaluate his qualifications. After speaking to all the CPAs you've listed, decide on the best man. Ask for references. The main reason for hiring a CPA is not just business tax filing. He must also actively work towards your business tax planning and benefit you. This way he is also supposed to give you tips to write off business taxes. Be very clear from the start about what you expect from your CPA to avoid confusion later.