Hiring a CPA is a serious step. You trust this person with your money, your records, and your peace of mind. Before you sign an agreement, you need clear answers. You should know how a CPA will handle your taxes, your daily records, and your long term plans. You also need someone who understands your city and your type of work. For example, if you run a small business and need bookkeeping in Irvine, the wrong choice can create stress, penalties, and lost time. The right questions protect you from confusion and regret. This guide walks you through five direct questions that reveal skill, honesty, and fit. You will see what to ask, what to listen for, and when to walk away. You deserve a CPA who respects your effort and treats your money with care.
1. Are you licensed and in good standing?
Your first step is to confirm that the person is a real CPA. You can check with your state board of accountancy. Many boards offer free online searches.
Ask these three things.
- Are you licensed as a CPA in this state
- Has your license ever been suspended or limited
- Do you carry professional liability insurance
Then verify the answers. A clean record shows care and respect for rules. A history of complaints or discipline should cause concern. You are trusting this person with your family’s future. You deserve honesty from the start.
2. What experience do you have with people like me
CPAs work with many types of clients. Some focus on large companies. Others focus on families, retirees, or small shops. You need someone who understands your life and your pressure points.
Ask these questions.
- What share of your clients are like me in size and type
- How long have you worked with those clients
- Can you describe three common problems you solve for them
A good CPA will give clear, concrete examples. You should hear about issues that sound familiar. For example, late payroll tax deposits, missed child tax credits, or confusion about college costs. If the answers feel vague, you may not be a priority for that firm.
3. How will you work with me during the year
Taxes are not only about one deadline. Your choices in spring, summer, and fall shape your refund or your bill. You need a CPA who stays in contact and explains things in plain words.
Ask three key questions about service.
- How often will we talk each year
- Who will I speak with most of the time
- How fast do you reply to calls and messages
Also ask how you will share documents. Many firms use secure online portals. Some still use paper. You should pick a system that you can use with ease.
The Internal Revenue Service explains common record types and how long to keep them in its guide on recordkeeping at IRS Recordkeeping. You can use that guide to ask your CPA how they will help you store and track those records.
4. How do you set your fees
Money talk can feel tense. It still needs to happen early. You should know how the CPA charges you and what is included. Surprise bills drain trust.
Ask these questions in clear terms.
- Do you charge by the hour or by the project
- What is your rate for extra work
- What could raise my bill during the year
The table below shows a simple sample of fee styles. These are examples, not quotes.
| Service type | How fee is set | What you need to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Individual tax return | Flat fee | What forms are included in this price |
| Small business tax return | Flat fee with add ons | What counts as an add on task |
| Bookkeeping support | Hourly | How many hours do clients like me use each month |
| Tax planning meeting | Hourly or package | Do you provide a written plan at the end |
Ask for a written fee schedule. Ask how often rates change. Clear fees prevent strain on your home budget and your nerves.
See also: Business Success Course Online: Building the Skills and Mindset for Long-Term Achievement
5. How will you help me plan ahead
Good CPAs do more than fill out forms. They help you plan so you can keep more of what you earn and avoid trouble. Planning is especially important if you own a small business, have side income, or support children or aging parents.
Ask these three questions.
- Will you review my prior returns and explain any missed chances
- Will you suggest steps I can take before year end
- Can you help me set up better recordkeeping for next year
A strong CPA will talk about safe ways to lower taxes, such as retirement savings, education credits, and clean records. They will not push you toward risky schemes that sound too good to be true. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and seek a second opinion.
Putting it all together before you decide
Once you ask these five questions, compare your notes. Look for three signs.
- Clear answers without pressure
- Experience that matches your life
- Fees and contact rules in writing
You are not just hiring a number expert. You are choosing a long term guide for your money life. Take the time to ask firm questions. Walk away if the answers are weak, rushed, or confusing. Your family, your work, and your peace of mind are worth that effort.
