Did you know that this tax season, Americans filed their 2020 tax returns at an earlier pace than previous years? Whether you need to file simple income tax returns as an employee or corporate tax returns as a smart business owner, you should find the best tax advisor to work with.

Would you like to find an accountant who can handle your taxes this year? Here are some of the things to look for in a tax accountant to complete your returns before the tax season deadline.

Verify a CPA License

When searching for an experienced accountant, you should always request a CPA license. CPA stands for a certified public accountant, and it means that the accountant has passed their CPA exam and earned accreditation.

Along with 150 hours of courses required to obtain a CPA license, a certified public accountant usually has more experience and knowledge working within federal and state tax codes. They can also step in if you get audited by the IRS.

Consider Their Rates

When you do your tax planning, accountancy rates are an important aspect of your overall cost. While many online do-it-yourself services charge a flat fee, some accounting firms charge hourly rates, depending on how complex your tax situation is.

On top of your regular tax return, a tax preparer may also charge for additional forms that need to be filed. You can meet with them ahead of time to get an estimate if you are not sure how much the total preparation will cost you.

Ask for Recommendations

For financial matters, you can always turn to trusted friends and colleagues for solid recommendations. You should ask around to see if there are any reputable accounting firms or independent tax consultants that people close to you rely on every tax season.

The internet is also a great tool for viewing many businesses at once, and you can also look at ratings and reviews. It is easy to view tax accountants in your area, then go from there to see how other customers rate their services.

Look for a Specialty Accountant

To get the best tax consultant for your specific situation, you may need to find an accountant that has a certain area of expertise. For instance, you may not need a tax advisor for your individual return forms, but things can get more complicated with investment income or businesses.

When you search for the best certified public accountant, you can ask them what their expertise is. It is always better to pay more to get quality work that will not be audited by the IRS.

Find the Best Tax Preparer for You

You should not have to worry about finding the best tax preparer to complete your tax return every year. With these tips, you can discover the best tax advisor for your personal or business needs.

Want to learn more about managing your money in time for tax season? Check out the Finance section of our site for all of the advice you will need.