Tax pros advise starting tax prep early to maximize savings, assure
accuracy
Midlands Business Journal, October 14, 2011
If you aren’t getting your records in order soon, it may be
too late – as tax planning isn’t just a process that occurs when
people start to think about filing tax returns. It should be
year-round and starts with finding professional partners you gel
with. “You’re not just looking for someone to take over the
accounting – you are looking for someone that will be a key
advisor to your business,” said Chris Carlson, manager of the
Aureus Group , a C&A Industries recruiting division, which
specializes in placing finance and accounting professionals.
“They will be giving you advice about an area of critical
importance – your money.” “Don’t wait for an upcoming deadline
to begin looking for an accounting. The worst time to shop for
an accountant is during the busy season – January to April.”
Considerations when selecting such a professional include:
identify the scope of the work required of an individual or
form; solicit referrals from other owners or business resources;
conduct focused interviews, asking oneself, “Does he/ she
specialize in businesses like mine? Does he/she “get” my company
and its needs? Will the partner delegate the work to new staff?”
Carlson also urges obtaining at least two references from former
employers or clients and checking up; also, verify education and
credentials. “The length and success of the candidates’
relationship s are good indicators of your future experience,”
Carlson said. Also on the savings front, Aureus Group’s Carlson
stressed the more legwork organizations do in-house means less
expense associated with tax preparers’ time.