If you are self-employed, a small business owner or a busy, hard working professional, then you should almost certainly consider hiring a reliable tax accountant to assist you. It’s one of those things that many people put off for ages or worry will cost them more money than they can afford, when in actuality, it can actually save you money!
It’s scary though, we can appreciate that. And of course, it can be incredibly overwhelming, given just how many tax accountants there are out there, each claiming to be more suitable than the other. Where to begin? Well, the first step is accepting that you could do with the help. There’s no shame in it, it’s quite simply, the smartest move. Why waste your time and energy on something which can be handled more efficiently, by the professionals? This will give you more time to focus on your business, or your work. Time is our most precious commodity, and by hiring a reliable tax advisor you can save yourself a lot of it; and yes, while making more money. Here’s how to find a tax advisor:
1 – Understand Why You Need a Tax Accountant First
It might sound silly, but first of all, you should take some time to think about what it is that you actually need help with. This will make it much easier for you to narrow down the search and end up working with someone that is perfectly suited to help you with your specific requirements. Here is a list of things that motivate people to hire an accountant:
- Preparing your own tax reports on time can be stressful and confusing
- The desire to ensure that your tax returns are entirely accurate
- You are in need of detailed and expert tax advice for the future
- You are in a complex tax situation and feeling overwhelmed by the changes
- You’re investing money, you’ve started a business or you’re renting property to someone
- You are currently facing a tax problem and require professional assistance to help
Whatever the case, hiring an accountant could be one of the smartest moves you’ve made for a long time. But just be sure not to rush in. Take your time and consider your options carefully so that you can maximise the benefits.
2 – Referrals Are Always A Great Place to Start
When you type “reputable tax accountants” into Google, or another similar search phrase, you will be inundated with websites. A great thing to do is to ask around with your friends, family members and colleagues to see who they might recommend. Or alternatively, turn to social media and see if anyone you know has had any dealings with a particular company.
3 – Shop Around and Do Your Research
You don’t have to settle for the first accountant that comes along. You should never feel obligated to join anyone. If you feel comfortable and have a strong connection with somebody, that’s a good sign, but you should still endeavour to follow up any referrals and check if they’re the real deal before going ahead.
4 – Will You Require Other Services in the Future?
You have to be realistic about what you’re going to need in the future. While there are benefits to working with an accountant who specialises in a particular field, it’s also handy to work with a company that can offer a wide spectrum of services to you.
5 – Embrace Digitalisation
You must find out how your prospective accountant operates and whether they have embraced technology. There are many accountants who like to operate using traditional methods, however you should look to work with a firm which has the latest in technology. There are some magnificent pieces of software out there which allow the client ease of access and the ability to check their account at any time, from their mobile phones. Find out how your accountant will keep you up to date and make an informed decision from there.
There is much to consider before going ahead, but provided you follow these simple steps, you shouldn’t have much of a problem. The fact is that most accountants will be competent enough to help you, but the question is whether or not you want an impeccable accountant that could potentially help you grow your business to great heights. Take your time, be realistic about what you need and ultimately, go with your gut!
