Most accountants offer a short introductory call before you commit. It’s the best chance you’ll get to find out whether they’re right for you, so it pays to go in with a plan. Here are the questions worth asking, grouped by what they reveal.
Experience and fit
1. Do you work with many clients like me?
You want someone who regularly handles your situation, whether that’s freelancers, landlords, e-commerce sellers, medical practices, contractors or people living abroad. Ask roughly what share of their clients look like you.
2. What credentials do you hold, and who regulates you?
In the US, look for a CPA license or Enrolled Agent status. In the UK, membership of a body such as ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA, AAT or CIOT. You can check most credentials online in minutes. Our guide to accounting credentials explains what each one means.
3. Can you represent me if the tax authority contacts me?
In the US, CPAs, EAs and tax attorneys have unlimited representation rights before the IRS. Other preparers have only limited rights. If you ever get audited, this matters.
4. Which accounting software do you use?
If you already use QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks or Sage, it helps if they do too. Ask whether they’ll need access to your account.
Scope and fees
5. How do you charge?
Fixed fee, monthly retainer or hourly? See how much an accountant costs for the pros and cons of each.
6. What exactly is included in that fee?
State or local returns, quarterly estimates, year-end planning, answering questions during the year, and dealing with tax authority letters are all things that may or may not be included.
7. What would cost extra?
Ask directly about catch-up bookkeeping, amended returns, rush jobs and additional meetings. A good accountant will tell you plainly.
8. Will you send an engagement letter?
The answer should be yes. The engagement letter sets out the scope, responsibilities, deadlines and fees in writing.
Working together
9. Who will actually do my work?
At larger firms, the person you speak to may not be the one preparing your return. That’s fine, as long as you know who’s responsible and who to contact.
10. How quickly do you usually reply?
Slow communication is the most common complaint about accountants. Ask what response time is normal, and how that changes near deadlines.
11. How do you prefer to share documents?
A secure client portal is better than email attachments for sensitive documents like tax IDs and bank statements.
12. What do you need from me, and by when?
A clear list and a clear deadline are signs of an organized practice.
Advice and planning
13. Will you tell me about ways to reduce my tax?
Some accountants only file what you give them. Others look for opportunities, such as retirement contributions, business structure or timing of expenses. Know which you’re getting.
14. How do you stay up to date with tax changes?
Tax rules change every year. Licensed professionals must complete continuing education, but the best ones also follow the changes that affect clients like you.
When things go wrong
15. What happens if you make a mistake?
Ask whether they carry professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, and how they handle penalties caused by their own errors. Regulated professionals also have a complaints route through their professional body.
Listen to how they answer
The answers matter, but so does the way they’re given. A good accountant explains things clearly, admits what they don’t know, and asks you sensible questions back. Be cautious of anyone who promises a specific refund before seeing your paperwork.
Use these questions with two or three candidates and compare. You can find accountants by specialism and location on My Accounting Hub and message them directly.
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Rules and thresholds change and depend on where you live - speak to a qualified professional about your own situation.