Tax season brings challenges for many, especially those with complex financial situations like equity compensation, multiple income streams, or significant investments. From identifying deductions to ensuring compliance, navigating tax complexities can quickly become overwhelming.
At some point, it makes sense to work with a tax advisor—someone who can provide personalized guidance, streamline the process, and help you make smarter financial decisions.
However, not all tax advisors are the same. They vary in expertise, specializations, and how they work with clients. Asking the right questions upfront is the key to finding the right fit. Here are five essential questions to help you choose a tax advisor who meets your needs.
Table of Contents
- How do you evaluate a tax advisor’s expertise and specialization?
- What range of services can a tax advisor offer?
- How do you evaluate a tax firm’s reputation?
- How will you communicate with your tax advisor?
- How much should you pay a tax advisor?
1. How do you evaluate a tax advisor’s expertise and specialization?
Every individual and business has its own characteristics and needs, with tax circumstances varying widely. The first answer you need from any potential tax advisor or accountant should be regarding their experience in your particular area of need. Find out if they focus on small businesses, startups, equity compensation, or specific industries, and if not, if they might be able to refer you to the firm best suited to meet your needs. Some platforms, such as Harness, maintain networks of vetted tax advisors with expertise in a variety of fields, making it easy to get introduced to specialists when needs arise.
Some tax advisors specialize in tax planning, while others may concentrate on auditing, financial consulting, or simply annual tax filing. If you’re a small business owner, for example, you’ll benefit from a tax advisor with an in-depth understanding of business deductions, payroll taxes, and cash flow management. Needless to say, the more aligned a tax professional’s experience is with your specific circumstances, the better their tax advice will be.
The certification question
There are several accounting certifications that signify certain areas of expertise. As a result, it’s important not to assume that simply because a tax professional holds a certification that their services are right for you.
Some of the more common certifications and designations for tax professionals include:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): CPAs possess broad accounting knowledge, including auditing, taxation, and financial reporting, and have met the requirements of their state to carry the designation. It’s always a good idea to check that a CPA’s credentials are still valid before deciding to work with them.
Enrolled Agent (EA): EAs are federally authorized tax practitioners who can represent taxpayers before the IRS. They are particularly useful for individuals and businesses with complex tax situations, such as international tax.
Tax Attorney: Tax attorneys specialize in legal tax issues, including court representation, estate planning, business entity setup, and international tax law. They’re a good choice for clients needing attorney-client privilege or handling legal disputes. Before choosing to work with a tax attorney, check the status of their ability to practice by searching their name in the American Bar Association online directory.
Non-Credentialed Tax Preparer: Non-credentialed tax preparers handle basic tax preparation for less complex situations. They offer general guidance on deductions and credits but lack advanced certifications and have limited IRS representation rights. Consider these limitations before working with a non-credential tax preparer.
While certifications are an important factor, membership in professional associations can also signal additional education and ethical standards. Organizations like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), or local Chambers of Commerce often require members to adhere to rigorous ethical standards and ongoing education requirements.
Along with a tax advisor’s area of professional expertise, it’s also beneficial to understand how they leverage technology to streamline communication and collaboration. Ask what kind of software tools or platforms they use to manage documents, track progress, and stay in touch with clients—especially during busy periods like tax season. Having a system that provides secure, real-time access to your information can make a huge difference in efficiency and peace of mind.
As part of evaluating expertise, consider whether they have experience with the specific complexities of your situation. For instance, if your finances involve K-1 forms from partnerships, equity compensation, or real estate investments, inquire about the advisor’s capabilities and expertise in these areas. A tax professional well-versed in such complexities will be more equipped to navigate nuances and help you optimize your financial outcomes.
2. What range of services can a tax advisor offer?
As a potential client, start by knowing what you are looking for. Are you looking for someone to handle basic tax preparation and filing, or do you need comprehensive and year-round guidance and support? If you require auditing services, financial planning, and strategic tax advice, for example, you may need a tax professional and a separate financial advisor.
If your needs are simpler, however, a tax firm that focuses solely on annual tax returns might suffice. While basic services may be appealing, it’s worth considering future needs should your situation evolve.. Switching tax advisors later can be a potentially disruptive process, not to mention costly, and choosing a firm that can scale its services with your needs is often a wise decision.
Service customization
No matter how complex or varied your situation may be, it is important to work with a tax professional or tax advisory firm that offers services tailored to your needs. Ask a tax professional how they can adapt their offerings to fit your personal financial goals, or those of your business, depending on your filing needs.
One-size-fits-all tax approaches rarely work when dealing with complex financial situations. If you have equity compensation in a startup, for instance, you’ll need a tax accountant who understands Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), and the tax implications of exercising stock options.
Beyond this, firms that offer cloud-based solutions and client portals allow real-time access to data, making collaboration smoother and more transparent. Ask if the firm uses these types of tools and how they can integrate them with your existing systems.
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3. How do you assess an accounting firm’s reputation?
When entrusting someone with your financial information, you want to feel confident they’re reliable, competent, and ethical. Start by researching a tax firm’s reputation through online reviews, testimonials, and referrals. Pay attention to recurring themes in reviews, whether positive or negative. Look for consistent feedback on responsiveness, accuracy, communication style, and the ability to provide strategic advice. Online reviews can be helpful, but you should understand if the review is verified and if the reviewer received an incentive to provide the feedback.
Reputation matters, and it’s important not to shy away from asking directly for references. A reputable tax professional will be able to provide contact information for satisfied clients who can vouch for their services.
Of particular interest should be the firm’s ability to meet deadlines, their attention to detail, and how they handle unexpected issues. Did the tax advisor go above and beyond to identify tax-saving opportunities and resolve challenges?
In addition to formal references, you should also consider the firm’s longevity. A firm with a long track record may have the experience and stability to handle your needs effectively. Conversely, newer firms may offer more innovative approaches. Either way, due diligence on your part helps ensure you choose an accountant or other tax professional who’s both competent and professional.
4. How will you communicate with your tax advisor?
Your CPA should not only be responsive but also be able to explain complex financial concepts in a way you understand. Some tax advisors prefer to offer easy-to-grasp explanations, while others may use more technical language.
Choose a tax professional who matches your preferred style. If you want concise updates on a regular basis, you should make that clear—and be sure your accountant is willing to provide them.
Just as importantly, you need to find out if you will have a dedicated point of contact, or whether you’ll be dealing with multiple team members. Knowing who to reach out to is an important part of the equation that can dramatically streamline the tax process.
Within this, you need to inquire about typical response times. During tax season, for example, prompt answers can make the difference between hitting deadlines and facing penalties.
A proactive partner
An effective tax advisor doesn’t simply wait for you to ask questions—they offer insights and strategies throughout the year. For example, they might inform you about new tax incentives, changes in legislation, or recommend adjustments to your financial approach based on market conditions.
Technology can also play a key role here. Many firms, like Harness, use web-based client portals or secure messaging platforms to manage their communications. Ask a prospective tax accountant if they offer these options and how they ensure the security of your information.
5. How much should you pay a tax advisor?
While cost is always a major consideration when choosing a tax advisor or CPA, it’s important to focus on value rather than just price. The two aspects are, of course, intrinsically connected, and a proper analysis of both needs to be done to arrive at a meaningful decision.
When evaluating a tax firm’s pricing structure, find out if they charge hourly rates, fixed fees, or operate on a retainer basis. While an hourly rate might work for simpler tasks (like basic tax preparation or one-time consultations), if you require ongoing support or have complex financial needs, a retainer or fixed-fee arrangement may be more cost-effective.
Fixed-fee pricing structures give you a clearer pricing picture from the outset and help you avoid surprise charges. However, be sure to gain clarification on precisely which services are included in the fee, as unexpected add-ons can quickly inflate costs. If you need tax planning, payroll services, or financial consulting, for example, verify that these services are part of the package.
Read our article on the Average Fees for Tax Advisors in 2025
Understanding value
Above all, value is the most important factor to keep in mind. While a lower-cost tax advisor may initially seem more appealing, it’s crucial to assess their ability to meet your needs effectively. Some lower-cost tax professionals might excel in handling straightforward tax situations and still provide accurate, reliable service. On the other hand, lower fees could sometimes correlate with limitations in expertise or missed opportunities for optimizing your financial outcomes.
Similarly, higher fees don’t automatically equate to superior service. While experienced CPAs often charge more due to their specialized knowledge and ability to handle complex situations, it’s essential to ensure their offerings align with your needs and justify the cost. Paying more can be worthwhile when the tax advisor provides measurable benefits, such as strategic insights that reduce tax liabilities, improve compliance, and enhance long-term financial planning.
Conducting a cost-benefit analysis can help you determine whether a tax advisor’s pricing structure is reasonable. Compare their fees with the tangible and intangible benefits they provide, such as potential tax savings, personalized financial strategies, and peace of mind. Request examples or case studies to understand how they’ve helped other clients achieve financial success, and be wary of promises that seem too good to be true.
Ultimately, focus on finding an accountant whose expertise, approach, and fees align with your unique circumstances and goals. Whether their cost is high or low, the right tax professional will deliver value by tailoring their services to your specific needs.
Find your tax advisor at Harness
Choosing the right tax advisor is more than just minimizing tax liabilities and maintaining compliance. It is also about forging a meaningful partnership that drives your financial growth. In fact, an effective advisor can be an ongoing strategic ally.
At Harness, we can help you find the right tax advisor for your unique needs. From annual tax prep and filing to year-round needs, tax professionals on the Harness platform can provide support in a wide array of areas to help you meet your tax and financial goals. Get started today.
Tax related products and services provided through Harness Tax LLC. Harness Tax LLC is affiliated with Harness Wealth Advisers LLC, collectively referred to as “Harness Wealth”. Harness Wealth Advisers LLC is a paid promoter, internet registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This article should not be considered tax or legal advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult a tax and/or legal professional for advice specific to your individual circumstances. This article is a product of Harness Tax LLC.
