We are in the midst of tax season and you’re rushing to file your tax returns. You aren’t sure if you answered the questions correctly–or at all–allowing your CPA to save you the most money.  Upon receiving your final return, you look at the growing bill each year and wonder if there was anything you could have done differently to pay less in taxes. I mean, they barely asked you any questions. If any of this sounds familiar, you may have outgrown your CPA. Here are three ways to tell it’s time to transition to a new tax professional.

Lack of proactive advice

A good tax preparer should do more than manage your books and file your tax returns. They should work with you throughout the year, providing advice on business strategy, tax planning, investment strategy, and financial optimization. If you ask them for their thoughts on a strategy you learned about on social media and they talk in circles or don’t help you implement the strategy, it’s time to find someone more invested in your financial success. Your tax bill should never be a surprise if you’ve planned for it—and mitigated it—throughout the year.

Business expansion

If your business is expanding into new states, considering a merger or acquisition, or even preparing to sell, you need a CPA with specific expertise to guide you through the process and navigate complex laws and regulations. Again, the advice should be proactive to help you avoid any pitfalls or unexpected tax consequences.

Communication

Have you ever called your CPA when you needed urgent advice or support? How long did it take for them to call you back? Perhaps you asked them a question about how to pay less in taxes by hiring your children or using the home office deduction, and they handed you the IRS instruction manual. These are signs they may not be able to keep up with your business’s needs. As the saying goes, time is money.

The tax preparer you hired when you first started your business may not be the professional you need today for your growing business. After you file your taxes, start looking for someone who can support where you are today and where you’re headed tomorrow. They should be familiar with your industry, offer a wide range of services, use the latest technology, excel in communication, and engage in proactive tax planning. Making the change is necessary to support your business’s growth and long-term success.

If you’d like to learn how I can help you save at least $30,000 in taxes this year and plan for growth, schedule a call using the link below https://calendly.com/averewealth/exploratory-call 

I’m a tax strategist and Certified Financial Planner. In 2023, I saved my clients over $800,000 in taxes.