Chapter 31

Ten Interview Questions for Tax Advisors

IN THIS CHAPTER

Bullet Educating yourself so you know what to ask

Bullet Being prepared to question tax preparers

When you believe that your tax situation warrants outside help, be sure to educate yourself as much as possible beforehand. The more you know, the better able you’ll be to evaluate the competence of someone you may hire. That’s why you should read the portions of this book that apply to your tax situation even if you’re determined to pay for help.

Remember When all is said and done, make sure that you feel comfortable with a tax advisor. We’re not suggesting that you evaluate an advisor the way you would a potential friend or spouse! But if you’re feeling uneasy and can’t understand what your tax advisor says to you in the early stages of your relationship, trust your instincts and continue your search. Remember that you can be your own best tax advisor — finding out the basics will pay you a lifetime of dividends and can save you tens of thousands of dollars in taxes and tax advisor fees!

Make sure that you ask the right questions to find a competent tax practitioner whose skills match your tax needs. We recommend that you start with the ...

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