FINDING A CPA IN ORANGE COUNTY

Before selecting a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Orange County, California for you and/or your business, there are careful considerations to keep in mind. This isn’t a service you want from just anyone you’ve found flipping through the yellow pages. You can add and subtract numbers yourself—however, it takes a creative individual to analyze the numbers and to implement the right skills in order to discover a more profitable path to run your business.

Do some research and make sure your accountant is educated and experienced in tax preparation and tax planning. Also make sure that he or she is up to date with current tax matters, for example, federal tax work. Tax laws and rules are constantly changing, for example, the amnesty program for reporting information associated with owning foreign corporations or trusts. Failure to report this can mean critical consequences for you. The Orange County CPA you choose should have access to the appropriate forms and filing requirements. When it comes to the IRS or Department of the Treasury—keep in mind that it is an artful skill that develops over years of experience. The objective of your CPA during an audit should be trying to work things out with the auditor, rather than going through the hassle and costly appeal process. A competent CPA should also be able to deal with the California amnesty period—to file information related to listed transactions—from August 1 until December 31, 2011. Make sure you review the credentials and experience of the CPA. Not only should the CPA be educated and licensed, but make sure he has the experience to back it up. Does he have personal­ experience in owning real estate, stocks businesses and other investments? Things like these speak for themselves and show that the CPA is not “all-talk.” A CPA with personal experience shows his successes in the field, and more than just memorizing a textbook.

You won’t have to worry about digging up old tax returns when working with an established CPA in Orange County, CA. Individual tax returns and other information are kept on file for many years—just in case. The CPA is also available year-round in case you have questions about your taxes, or if you’re contacted by, or need to contact the IRS or state. It is crucial that you have dedication and stability available to you year after year. Considering today’s technologies and communications, it isn’t obligatory to have your accountant nearby. Data files can easily be sent over email, fax, etc. and discussions can take place over the phone. Emails are also useful for some degree of communication—like specific questions. However, to get the best out of your CPA, you should write out your inquiries before meeting with him in person. Organizing your data, questions and concerns ahead of time will maximize the usage of your valuable time and his.