CPA Questions

P075: /tax-answers/cpa-questions/

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H1

Top CPA Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Accountant

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ANSWER SECTION

Before hiring a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), ask about their fee structure, experience with your specific tax situation, and service scope. Key questions include: How do you charge (hourly vs. flat fee)? What are your credentials? Do you offer year-round tax planning? Will you represent me if I'm audited? The right CPA provides value beyond simple tax preparation through proactive advice and IRS representation rights.

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H2: Questions About Fees and Pricing

1. What is your fee structure?

• Hourly rates typically range $150-$400+ depending on location and experience
• Flat fees are common for standard returns: $200-$500 (individual), $500-$1,500 (Schedule C business)
• Ask what services are included and what triggers additional charges

2. Are there additional fees for e-filing or state returns? Most CPAs include federal and one state in base pricing. Additional states usually cost $50-$100 each.

3. Do you offer payment plans? Some CPAs allow payment over time, especially for complex returns requiring multiple sessions.

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H2: Questions About Credentials and Experience

4. Are you a licensed CPA? Verify through your state board of accountancy. CPA designation requires education, exam passage, and ongoing continuing education.

5. What experience do you have with my specific situation? Small business owners need different expertise than W-2 employees. Ask about their client base and specialization areas.

6. Do you have a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number)? All paid tax preparers must have a PTIN issued by the IRS.

7. What is your continuing education focus? Tax laws change annually. Active CPAs complete 40 hours of CPE (Continuing Professional Education) yearly.

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H2: Questions About Services and Availability

8. Do you offer year-round tax planning or just preparation? Proactive CPAs provide quarterly check-ins and strategic planning, not just annual filing.

9. What is your availability during tax season? Ensure they can meet your deadlines. Some CPAs stop accepting new clients after March 1.

10. Will you represent me if I'm audited? CPAs with unlimited representation rights can handle IRS audits. This is a key advantage over uncredentialed preparers.

11. How do you communicate with clients? Email, phone, portal, or in-person? Clarify response time expectations.

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H2: Questions About Technology and Security

12. What tax software do you use? Professional software (Drake, UltraTax, ProConnect) offers better diagnostics than consumer products.

13. How do you protect my data? Look for encryption, secure portals, and written data security policies.

14. Can I access my tax documents online? Secure client portals allow year-round access to prior year returns.

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H2: Related Tax Questions

For salary and compensation information about the accounting profession, see our guide on how much do CPAs make with 2025 data by state and specialty.

Learn about the difference between tax preparers, CPAs, and tax strategists in our tax strategist guide.

For self-employed tax filing options, review our business tax resources to understand when professional help becomes valuable.

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