Making the Right Move

If you're looking to switch from online tax software to an actual tax preparer or from preparer to preparer, make sure you do some thorough homework. Check reviews, rely on recommendations and most importantly - make sure they are registered and reputable!

"A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well." ~ Jeff Bezos

Here are 7 things to keep in mind when choosing your tax professional:

1) Ask questions.

Every preparer is different. Some have specialties in certain areas, whereas others specialize in more uncommon situations. Make sure you find someone who specializes in the areas you need help with the most. Also remember, just because they may not specialize in the exact areas you need help with does not mean they are not good at their job. The tax code is a monster and very few of us can do it all.

2) Interview at least 3 people/ businesses.

Why go with the first choice? It's always better to make sure you have made the best option for your specific tax situation. In this case, "date around" and make sure you have the best fit for your tax circumstance. One way to know you have found the right fit is that you're so impressed, you will share their information with your friends and family.

3) Set aside time to research.

Go through their website and Facebook business pages. Browse the content they post and take a look to see how they interact with their clients and other business owners in the same or different industries. It's not a competition, it is a service to meet each individual's tax needs. Also very importantly, make sure their credentials are up to date on the IRS site.

4) Are they good at communicating with you?

Does the person get back to you in a timely manner? Especially during tax season, tax preparers are extremely busy and have deadlines to meet, but our number one priority should be customer service for our clients. Communication is the key to a good business relationship. A handy rule of thumb is for a business to reply to you within 24 hours of initial contact. It demonstrates an excellent line of communication.

5) Compare pricing and quality of work. Do they offer you exceptional service even during a consultation? Are their prices comparable to their competitors? If they're overcharging, you might not be valued as a client but rather just another number on their list of clientele. If they're undercharging, they may not have as much confidence in their work. Finding a combination of reasonable pricing and expert work may be the most difficult part on this list to achieve.

6) Observe business operations.

Do they have a system established or are they winging everything? Does the office or presentation of the business come across as professional? Will they be easy to find when you need help? Look for signs of licenses, trademarks with the ® symbol on their advertising, solid and professional websites and social media pages. This shows how serious they are about staying in the business. How often do they post on social media? What's their response time on Facebook messenger? These are all relevant as to how they will treat you as their client.

7) Make sure you feel like a priority.

Any business that treats their clients with respect will be successful. One of the positive signs of a tax business that cares about their clients is that they stay open during the off season, which for most people is May - December. Do they stay current on tax laws, and are they always improving their skill level to accommodate new clients? An educated and experienced tax preparer makes them a professional and everyone wants to work with a professional.

"Service, in short, is not what you do, but who you are. It's a way of living that you need to bring to everything you do if you're to bring it to your customer interactions."

~ Betsy Sanders

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