What to look for in a good tax accountant
Taxes can impact your business far more than just once a year. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or growing company, hiring the right tax accountant is essential to staying compliant, minimizing liabilities, and planning for future growth.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key traits to look for in a tax accountant, the essential skills they should have (based on Indeed’s insights), how they benefit your business, and common questions business owners ask when searching for the right fit.
Why Hiring a Tax Accountant Matters
A skilled tax accountant does more than just prepare your return. They can:
Ensure compliance with IRS regulations
Identify deductions and credits you may miss
Help plan ahead strategically to minimize tax burdens
Represent you before the IRS, if needed
Improve your financial clarity year-round
The right professional can save you time, reduce errors, and even uncover ways to strengthen profitability. Because when your financials are accurate and proactive, you’ll make smarter decisions—not just worry about filing on time.
What to Look for in a Good Tax Accountant
1. Credentials and Qualifications
A good tax accountant should have the proper credentials to back up their expertise. Some certifications to consider:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): A licensed professional with broad knowledge of tax laws, auditing, and financial reporting.
Enrolled Agent (EA): A federally authorized tax practitioner who can represent taxpayers before the IRS.
Tax Attorney: Especially useful for complex tax or legal issues.
Always verify their licensing status and check if they are in good standing with professional boards.
2. Industry Experience
Different industries have different tax rules, and your accountant should understand the nuances of your field—whether you’re in construction, e-commerce, manufacturing, or professional services. Their familiarity with your industry can make a big difference in identifying relevant deductions and compliance issues.
Ask:
“Have you worked with businesses similar to mine?”
3. Proactive Tax Planning
The best accountants don’t just wait for the year-end—they plan ahead. Look for someone who:
Meets with you quarterly
Estimates your taxes ahead of time
Advises on decisions to improve your tax outcome
This proactive approach helps avoid surprises and supports smarter business moves—like strategic purchases or timing of income.
4. Communication and Availability
Taxes are complex. You want an accountant who:
Explains things in plain English
Responds promptly to questions
Keeps you informed about filing deadlines and law changes
If they’re hard to reach, or you feel lost when working with them, that’s a red flag.
5. Transparent Fees and Services
Before you commit, clarify how the accountant charges—hourly, per project, or flat-rate. Understand what’s included (consultation, filing, audit representation) and ask for a breakdown.
Transparent pricing and clear scope of services matter.
6. Use of Technology
Modern accountants leverage technology to be more efficient and accurate. Ask if they use cloud-based systems, software like QuickBooks Online, secure portals, and integrate with your bookkeeping.
A tech-savvy accountant can provide faster responses, real-time insights, and better accessibility.
7. Reputation and Reviews
Check their reviews, ask for references, and see how past clients describe their experience. A solid reputation often correlates with reliable service.
8. Ethical Standards
Because accountants handle sensitive data, integrity is non-negotiable. Choose a professional who adheres to ethical standards, protects your data, and values honesty and confidentiality.
Essential Skills for a Tax Accountant
According to Indeed’s guide on essential tax accountant skills, the role requires both hard skills and soft skills:
Soft skills:
Effective communication: Ability to explain complex tax laws clearly.
Problem-solving: Coming up with solutions for complex tax situations.
Attention to detail: Even small errors can lead to big problems.
Time management: Especially critical during busy tax seasons.
Hard skills:
Proficiency in accounting software: Familiarity with tools like QuickBooks or Excel.
Knowledge of tax laws and regulations: Vital for compliance and advisory.
Financial analysis: Understanding financial statements and deriving insights.
When you interview or evaluate an accountant, ask about how they apply these skills.
Q&A: Common Questions About Finding a Tax Accountant
Q: Do I need a tax accountant if I use software like QuickBooks?
A: Yes. Software helps record transactions, but a tax accountant helps with accuracy, compliance, and optimization — especially where deductions, depreciation or complicated credits are involved.
Q: How often should I meet with my tax accountant?
A: At least quarterly is recommended. Regular check-ins help with forecasting taxes and avoiding surprises.
Q: What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and a tax accountant?
A: A bookkeeper handles daily record-keeping. A tax accountant interprets those records for tax strategy, planning, and compliance. Both are important, but serve different roles.
Q: Should I hire a local accountant or a virtual one?
A: Both work—choose what aligns with your workflow. Local can bring face-to-face access; virtual often means flexibility and lower overhead.
Q: Can a tax accountant help me during an IRS audit?
A: Yes. A CPA, EA, or tax attorney is authorized to represent you before the IRS and guide you through audit processes.
How Brecken Business Solutions Can Help
At Brecken Business Solutions, we understand that every business has a unique tax-situation and financial story. Because of this, we provide more than just tax filing — we provide strategic financial support.
We offer:
Year-round tax planning (not just April)
Business-structure review and optimization
Integration with your bookkeeping systems
Assistance with audit preparation and representation
Clear explanations so you understand your numbers
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to new levels, we’ll help you stay compliant, find tax-saving opportunities, and stay confident in your financial decisions.
Call to Action
If you’re ready to elevate your tax strategy and partner with an accountant who sees your business beyond just a tax return, contact us at Brecken Business Solutions today and let’s start building your financial foundation for success.
