First tax season tips

[Clayton Crawford]

Hi BP! I'm wondering if anyone can share some tips and/or advice regarding questions to ask the CPA as A real estate investor in their first tax season?

I basically have no idea what it should look like on the other side of this thing, and I'm wondering what a newbie might bring to the table to ensure the CPA has the best tools.

Also, are there any red flags we should look for upon meeting with a CPA? Things telling us that this CPA may not be the type of accountant that we're looking for?

Or, am I just worrying too much? I can't help but think, if the first one is not the one I'm looking for, then I'll have to wait a whole year to start looking again.. and what if the mistakes are vert costly? 

Thank you so much for your time and any advice! Feel free to ask your own follow up questions on this thread, as they may help us all out!

[Daniel Hyman]

Clayton Crawford

You might want to start with questions such as:

- In general, how do you view yourself as being helpful to someone in my particular situation?

- What percentage of your client base are real estate investors?

- How would we be communicating? By phone, email, in person?

- What is your fee structure?

I think the main thing is to find someone with a good reputation in the real estate industry and that connects with your personality type. Look for someone who will keep you compliant, save you money, and will be a trusted advisor for years to come.