Looking for a highly recommended CPA (firms ok) (broker, attorneys)

[warriorfan63]

Any highly recommended CPAs to handle complicated personal finances including but not limited to complicated estates?

Thanks

[metalmancpa]

You just need to do a little research first, then go "interview" a few CPA's to see who you are comfortable with.

The bigger firms may be more expensive, but there's no guarantee they will know anything more than a local CPA. I'm interviewed several times a year. I just tell a prospective client what I do and don't know personally, but also let them know I have a circle of CPA's and attorneys to bounce ideas off of to come to a proper solution. At the end of the day clients hire me out of trust. Trusting me to hav their back, save them taxes, but most importantly guide them.

My advice - never go to a CPA who seems to know-it-all. We CPA's can't - the tax laws change too much, and there are many issue as with estates and trusts that cross both financial and tax and legal boundaries.

Good luck.

[Jkgourmet]

Metalmancpa offered some excellent advice.

I'll add a little bit. I think you'll need two separate CPA's - one for your personal returns, another for tge estate (and I'm guessing trust) returns. Ay this point in our overly complicated tax code, CPA's are specializing like physicians.

I would assune you have an estate attorney. That is where I would begin asking for referrals. Note that there really is no need for the CPA to be local - so much can be done via the internet. But in the same state is advisable.

[warriorfan63]

I've worked with a CPA for years but the firm is moving more commercial and leaving their non-commercial - paying - clients hanging for weeks. I'm ready to move on and there are so many firms and even personal CPAs out there.

I do have many recommended individuals and firms and have started reviewing them too.

[metalmancpa]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

Metalmancpa offered some excellent advice.

I'll add a little bit. I think you'll need two separate CPA's - one for your personal returns, another for tge estate (and I'm guessing trust) returns. Ay this point in our overly complicated tax code, CPA's are specializing like physicians.

I would assune you have an estate attorney. That is where I would begin asking for referrals. Note that there really is no need for the CPA to be local - so much can be done via the internet. But in the same state is advisable.

I would suggest against two CPA's. When you separate yourself into a couple of pieces, it makes it much more difficult to properly plan for taxes and estate & financial planning. Of course you want a CPA who prepares estate returns. The CPA should work in conjunction with your attorney, and also review all trust and estate legal documents. Over the years I have found errors in trust documents (not purposeful) that don't take into consideration tax aspects and can put you in a disadvantageous tax situation. Whoever your CPA is, make sure they are in direct contact with your attorney and broker if you have one.

It is true you don't need to have a local CPA. I have several out-of-state clients and am forward thinking with paperless and portals. But some clients still want those sit down in person meetings. I have done a long distance Skype meeting with a client to appease their fears and to make it feel more personal (they can see me).

Originally Posted by warriorfan63

I've worked with a CPA for years but the firm is moving more commercial and leaving their non-commercial - paying - clients hanging for weeks. I'm ready to move on and there are so many firms and even personal CPAs out there.

I do have many recommended individuals and firms and have started reviewing them too.

That happens. Many CPA's niche themselves and wash their hands to certain aspects of their practice. With my firm, I outsources financial statement preparation to another CPA so I don't have to take the burden of time and cost of peer review.