5 questions to ask when choosing a cpa firm
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5 Questions to ask when choosing a CPA Firm
Choosing a CPA firm is a serious money decision. The right team can protect your income, lower your stress, and keep you out of trouble with the IRS. The wrong one can cost you sleep, time, and cash. You deserve clear answers before you hand over your records.
This blog walks you through five direct questions to ask any Savannah tax preparer or CPA firm before you sign an engagement letter. Each question helps you test their experience, their honesty, and their fit for your needs.
You will learn how to spot red flags, how to confirm real credentials, and how to judge if their service model matches your life and business. By the end, you will feel prepared to choose a CPA firm with steady confidence instead of guesswork.
1. Are you licensed, and what are your credentials?
You should start with proof. Ask if the firm is licensed as a CPA firm in your state. Then ask which staff hold CPA licenses and which do not. Some offices mix licensed CPAs with unlicensed tax preparers. That can affect quality.
Here is what to request.
- State CPA license number for the firm
- Names of the CPAs who will touch your return
- Any extra training in tax, audit, or financial planning
You can confirm a CPA license through your state board of accountancy. You can also review IRS guidance on choosing a tax return preparer at this IRS resource. If a firm hesitates to share license details, treat that as a warning.
2. What experience do you have with people like me?
Every family and business has different needs. A firm that works only with large companies may not fit a young family. A firm that focuses on retirees may not fit a growing shop or contractor.
Ask direct questions:
- How many clients do you serve with my type of income?
- Do you handle both individual and small business returns?
- Have you helped clients through IRS letters or audits?
You should listen for clear examples. For instance, how they helped a small business set up books. Or how they guided a new parent through child tax credits. You want proof that they understand your stage of life and your kind of stress.
3. How do you set fees, and what will my total cost be?
Money talks. You need to know how the firm charges before you share a single document. Some firms charge a flat fee per return. Other firms charge by the hour. Some charge extra for calls, planning, or IRS letters.
Ask for a written fee schedule. Then ask for a plain language estimate for your situation. Here is a simple comparison table you can use as a guide when firms explain their fees.
|
Fee Type |
How It Works |
Questions To Ask
|
|
Flat Fee Per Return |
One set price for the full tax return |
What does the fee include. Are state returns extra |
|
Hourly Billing |
Charge based on time spent |
What is the hourly rate. Is there a minimum charge |
|
Per Form Pricing |
Fee increases with each tax form |
Which forms do you expect I will need |
|
Year Round Package |
One fee covers tax prep and planning during the year |
How many check ins are included. Are calls extra |
Never agree to a fee based on a promised refund size. The IRS warns against that practice because it can lead to false returns. A good firm prices by work, not by refund.
4. How will we communicate, and who will be my main contact?
Money questions can feel heavy. You need a firm that will answer you with patience and speed. Clear contact rules prevent confusion later.
Ask these three points.
- Who will be my main contact during tax season?
- How fast do you answer emails or calls?
- Do you offer video meetings or in person visits?
You should also ask how you will share documents. Many firms now use secure online portals. The Federal Trade Commission explains why secure data sharing matters for identity safety at this FTC guide. You want a firm that protects your Social Security number, bank data, and business reports.
If the firm only accepts paper dropped at a front desk, ask how they lock and store those records. Your money story deserves strong protection.
5. What support do you give after my return is filed?
Your relationship with a CPA should not end when you sign the tax return. Life events keep coming. Marriage. A new child. A side job. A home sale. A move across states. You need a firm that stays with you when things change.
Ask about support after filing.
- Will you explain my return line by line if I ask?
- If I get an IRS notice, will you help me respond?
- Do you offer tax planning during the year?
A firm that stands by its work will answer yes to each question. It will also explain what is included in the base fee and what costs extra. You should not face a letter from the IRS alone. Your CPA firm should guide you through that storm.
Red flags to watch for when you choose?
As you ask these questions, watch for signals that something is wrong. Some signs are clear.
- They refuse to sign your return as the paid preparer
- They will not share a license number or full name
- They rush you and push you to claim credits you do not understand
- They promise a big refund before they see your records
You should trust your instincts. If you feel pressure or confusion, step back. You can always seek a second opinion from another CPA firm.
How to move forward with confidence?
When you find a firm that answers these five questions with clarity, you gain more than tax help. You gain a steady partner for your money life. Before you sign, take three final steps.
- Read the engagement letter from start to finish
- Confirm the fees and what is included in writing
- Store copies of all signed returns and key emails
A strong CPA firm respects your questions. It also respects your time, your family, and your future plans. With the right questions, you take control of the process and protect what you work for every day.
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