| Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs) are more | | | | keeping |
| than just individuals who do your yearly taxes. They | | | | Ask what computer program they prefer you use for |
| can advise you on a long list of other services, which | | | | your record keeping and why they prefer that |
| may include advice on your accounting system, | | | | program. Many times, if you use the program they |
| financial, retirement, estate and tax planning. CPAs are | | | | suggest, it can save you some money because they |
| part of a business owner's professional team along | | | | can use your data files. Some even have programs |
| with a banker and lawyer. Here are some suggestions | | | | they'll set up especially for you.o Bring your records to |
| on choosing the right one for you and your business.o | | | | the interview |
| Ask for recommendations | | | | Bring a copy of last year's tax return when you |
| Your local Chamber of Commerce will tell you the | | | | interview a CPA. This way your prospective CPA can |
| names of CPAs who are members. Also, when you | | | | give you educated estimates as to what their services |
| attend any type of meeting, or meet other business | | | | will cost you.o How to file |
| owners, ask for CPA recommendations from them. Or | | | | If you want to save some money, ask how they want |
| if that doesn't work for you start your research at a | | | | your paper files. If you bring your files to them in shoe |
| Accounting organization websiteo Use the 60% rule | | | | boxes - hey, many folks do - you will pay to have all |
| Pick a CPA who has 60% of his or her business | | | | that material organized and deciphered! You can save |
| coming from business owners such as yourself. A | | | | money if you separate the information the way the |
| CPA is more apt to keep up with the laws specific to | | | | CPA suggests.o Corporation vs. individual |
| clients they deal with most often. If your business is | | | | Are you interested in hiring a corporation of CPAs or a |
| incorporated, make sure that the person specializes in | | | | CPA that has his or her own business? If you opt for |
| corporate accounting, including financial statements and | | | | the corporation, find out if you'll be dealing with one |
| audits.o Interview CPAs | | | | particular person, or will it be whoever answers the |
| Ask what type of services they do for their clients, | | | | phone when you call. It's best to build a relationship with |
| how long they've been in business full time, and for | | | | one person.o When do they work? |
| references. Don't forget to ask to see their license. | | | | What are their hours of operation? Make sure that |
| Ask them about the benefits of choosing them over | | | | you can call them at hours that are convenient for |
| another CPA.o Rates | | | | you.o Making a decision |
| Ask about their rates and what those rates include. If | | | | Interview at least three CPAs. Don't rush this decision. |
| they have a rate chart, all the better. Also, ask what | | | | Make sure you have the best CPA and bookkeeper |
| their hourly rate is and what the cost would be to | | | | for you and your business. Build long term relationships |
| answer questions during the year.o Ask about record | | | | with both. |