Tax CPA?
 

A while back I posted a similar message in the Investment forum with little success. I will see if it’s any better here.

Looking for a local CPA. I’ve continued to use my WA CPA for the last couple years I’ve lived in TV and feel it’s time to find someone local. NOT looking for a mom and pop but a full service firm. My taxes are not overly complicated but a little more involved than an 1040EZ filing. I’ve tried couple places recommended on the other forum, only to learn the company is closed. Just want a competent CPA that will do a proper job preparing and filing my taxes. Thanks for your assistance.

Have you looked into HR Block, they have several local offices, and 1 or 2 that are available year round?

Although I have no experience with HR Block I do know of people that have used their services and they were not impressed. If I were a candidate for a very basic tax form filing, I wouldn’t hesitate to use them. I need someone that falls more into the CPA category than tax preparer.

There is a forum poster with the name Hagar, who is a CPA. I suggest sending him a private message.

however, there are several threads/posts with names of the CPAs which have been recently posted. I tried the search function for CPA and there was nothing returned. .

HRB are not CPA's.
There might be a few..................but these are part-time, somewhat trained people working during the busy season.

HRB did own McGladrey's..............but that did not last.

We like to hide.

;)

Enrolled Agents
 

Have you ever considered an Enrolled Agent? As I understand it, these are a category of tax preparers who have studied tax regulations extensively, and passed a test. I think they are recognized by the IRS as being tax professionals, with some of the same privileges as CPAs and attorneys. I used one for a few years and was satisfied with his performance. (He has since passed away, and I now use software.) I can't recommend any to you, but a computer search should find some.

Ellen Cronin
 

Ellen Cronin

I would say an Enrolled Agent is what you really need, not a CPA. HRBlock has some in TV and as a former preparer for them, I would argue that an Enrolled Agent is your BEST choice.

A search here for CPA was my first move, nothing. I did a search for Hagar, this person has not been active here for years. Still searching for a full service firm. Enrolled Agent is not really what I need. I need to develop a relationship with someone that is more than a glorified tax preparer. Need a full blown, credentialed, CPA.

Sorry to be unable to make a specific a recommendation, but googling local CPA firms yields an enormous list. If your tax situation justifies a full service CPA firm it seems like there are many choices. It is just very expensive.

Some of the confusion on this forum may stem from the fact that on one hand a full service, non mom-and-pop CPA firm is required but on the other hand the return is not overly complex.

I know this is not responsive to the request, but Turbo tax is amazing. You can do trusts, limited partnerships, S-corps, schedule C businesses, LLCs, ...I don't know what is beyond its capability.

My wife is a licensed CPA (retired), and our tax returns are almost always late. So that's not a panacea :)

A CPA is good if you have a complicated tax issue or question. But, if you hire a CPA firm to do a simple tax return, the CPA will not complete the return. It will be done by a non-professional tax preparer in the CPA's office, using a tax software program like TurboTax. If you are lucky, the CPA will spend a few minutes reviewing the completed tax return.

TurboTax is fine for Not overly complicated return. Many financial sites let you import tax information directly. You can pay extra to have live advice but it shouldn’t be necessary. The software should be 45, less if you don’t need the state return

Slickdeals: Searching for "turbotax 2024"

I am a retired CPA. I have found that the vast majority of people do not need a CPA to prepare their taxes..any competent tax preparer can do the work. The only time anyone should hire a CPA is when they have very complicated returns or need tax advice or planning during the year.

I have used Turbotax for years and it works just fine. I was not a tax specialist but any CPA will tell that once you get those initials after your name it seems all your relatives and friends seem to find you around April 15th…so prepared many returns using Turbotax.

As one poster said, most cpa firms use tax software and your return will be prepared by a non cpa.

OP…if you are happy with your prior CPA why do you feel you need a local one if your taxes are fairly simple?

What makes you feel that you need a 'Full blown, credentialed CPA' instead of an Enrolled Agent or even just a Tax Preparer? In relation to Tax there is nothing that a CPA can offer beyond what an Enrolled Agent could offer.

Hartman & O’Brien (Bill O’Brien) Lady Lake

The one and only time we were nicked by the IRS was the one and only time we hired a CPA to prepare our return. Unless you have business inventories or depreciation issues, use Villages Tax Aide. The preparers all have passed the IRS test, and the cost is nill.

Since moving to Florida 5 years ago we have been using Duggan Joiner & Co in Ocala. We are very satisfied with their service and their friendly and personable staff. (352) 732-0171

Village Tax and Accounting Services located on Rolling Acres near Home Depot in Lady Lake.

tax services
 

ELLEN CRONIN tax services 1-352-350-1951

2 G's

I am Haggar. I have been active on this forum.

My phone number is 561-968-8571.

Agree with you that some CPA's have their staff do the input. It's economics and lowers the preparation cost of the return which can be passed along to the client.
The interview with the client, the review of prior years return, the exploration of the clients needs and goals should be done by the CPA. Along with the review of the return.

Ellen Croin Tax service hwy 301

YES we need a CPA for taxes as well! Look forward to suggestions

We have been using Robert Bloom for 7 years and are happy with his services. BTW - he will come to your home, or you can go to his office at 4807 CR 466A.

Robert Bloom, CPA
(425) 941-5224

I’m very happy with Parady Financial. Been with them for 15 years. ❤️

Unless the OP is unhappy with his present CPA - tax preparer I would not change. My guy and his staff handle tax returns for people and entities in several different states. He understands the state tax laws in the states where I need to deal with taxes. He has successfully and accurately dealt with four LLCs, a C corporation and my personal tax returns. He understands the histories of my businesses, their depreciation schedules and much more. He deals with a half dozen additional K-1s I get. He knows my story and how I view things. My fear is what happens after he retires!

:22yikes::22yikes:

Happy with the annuity they put you into?

I haved used Eric and Robin Gerestemeier for several years in on 466-a east past colony

First, what makes you think an Enrolled Agents rate are lower than a CPA?
Second, I agree that a more then competent EA can do the same job as a more than competent CPA. Just competence is not good enough!
Third, there is sometimes a payroll factor (or should be) that an EA doesn't generally do.

Do not go to H & R Block, or LIberty or one of these companies. I correct too many of these returns and they don't ask questions to save a taxpayer money. They're just filling in numbers.

It was never implied that an Enrolled Agent's rates were lower.
What beyond Competence would one require that would differ from an EA to a CPA?
Payroll expertise would not be dictated by the licensing or education between EA or CPA.
Payroll issues on personal tax return are extremely unlikely.

Just filling in numbers is not restricted to H&R block, Liberty etc. You can find that level of preparation at CPA and EA firms as well.

The EA vs CPA designations are generally misunderstood. EA's are Federally licensed (by the IRS) with continuing education related to Taxation only. CPA's are licensed by State boards of Accountancy with continuing education related to general accountancy. Either one may represent in front of the IRS, neither may represent in Tax Court without further licensing.

I see a lot of businesses that report their income on a 1040 paying social security tax on their entire income. They have formed an LLC but have not elected s corp status which
Allow the owner to pay social security tax only on a salary which they be required to take under the reasonable compensation regs. Or the taxpayer may not be aware of simple Ira possibility. My job is to be pro active in helping a taxpayer save taxes and plan for the future. That should the goal of any tax preparer whether they’re a cpa, ea or work at an h & r block

Douglas Meldrum, CPA Phone 763.568.8120

While we debate the credentials of tax people, the nominee for head of IRS is less than stellar.

Trump IRS Pick Billy Long Touts Dubious Tax Expert Credential — ProPublica