We all know what assume means. “Do you remember the old episode of tv’s ODD COUPLE when Felix explains to Oscar what happens when you assume? We all must know by now that when you assume you make an ass of u (you) and me!” Robert Flach has this excellent post this morning where he also answers the question of what’s the difference between a return prepared by a CPA and one prepared by him (answer: about $100).
There are several good CPAs that I know who specialize in tax (for example, bloggers Joe Kristan and Kerry Kerstetter are CPAs). I also know several CPAs who won’t prepare a tax return. In fact, I prepare the returns for at least two licensed CPAs. I believe the key to finding a good professional tax preparer is finding someone who fits your needs and, if it’s important, specializes in what you do. Kerry Kerstetter has this post about selecting a tax preparer. I also wrote a guest post for the TaxGuy about what to look for in selecting a professional tax preparer.
If you are considering using a professional the time to conduct your search is now. In about a month successful professional preparers will start to get swamped. This should be a long-term relationship so take the time to do it right.