Things as important as your business or personal finances should not be taken lightly. Just as you surround yourself and rely on your family and friends to support you in solving problems, the advice of a financial expert is essential in running your business.
Every penny you earn, spend and invest carries tax obligations that can be difficult to understand without proper advice. To build an effective tax strategy, choose a tax advisor to help you plan and execute strategies that will allow you to make the best decisions and save a lot of money.
It can be a challenge to find someone you can trust and who cares about you and your future. Most people meet with a tax advisor once or twice a year, however, a good tax advisor will suggest regular meetings to review the objectives of your strategies.
In this article we will discuss the characteristics that a good financial advisor should have. With this information you will be able to guide you and find the right person for you.
Look for a Tax Advisor with High Experience and Tax Knowledge
One of the main characteristics you should look for in a financial advisor is their education. This can make all the difference in saving you money. Unfortunately, there are tax preparers out there who offer to help you with your returns, but come tax season, they disappear.
A financial advisor should know and fully understand the laws, deductions and tax credits that affect each person’s finances. For any person these topics are complicated and boring and it is necessary to have a qualified person to make your life easier.
It is a good idea to have a certified public accountant since they specialize in tax preparation and planning in addition to other services that will help you with your accounting throughout the year. CPAs are trained as they have gone through a series of tests and continuing education to stay up to date on tax regulations. This ensures that you are working with a professional with the necessary licenses to practice their profession effectively.
Make Your Tax Advisor Available Year-Round
Tax preparers usually work part-time and disappear once they file your tax return. A tax professional will give you the confidence you need to call or consult with them at any time of the year. It is also important that your financial advisor clearly answer all your tax questions. A good financial advisor will not let you off the hook in the most complicated tax moments; on the contrary, he or she will make the task of complying with your obligations easier and simpler to understand.
Remember that your financial advisor must adapt to you, to your needs and times, since this person will have access to your most sensitive and personal information. There will be no person more reliable than the one who always answers your questions and calls regardless of the season of the year.
Choose a Tax Advisor Who Suggests Meeting With You Regularly and Periodically
Most business owners meet with their financial advisor a couple of times a year. Generally these meetings occur shortly before tax returns but this is not enough.
A good financial advisor should seek to meet with you on a regular basis in order to discuss goals and updates as your business grows. With this the advisor can create new strategies to support your financial dream.
Fiscal strategies are not fixed. Adjustments are required as your business and life goals change. Meetings with your financial advisor also serve to inform you of tax law changes and updates.
Choose a Tax Advisor Who Will Help You Create Long-Term Strategies
In your search for a tax advisor, make sure he or she is passionate about his or her work. Remember that you will need to work closely with him or her to create strategies that work for you and your money.
A tax advisor should not only help you plan immediate strategies but also help you create long-term strategies to meet your goals. This process can take several months as you have to define your goals and explore different opportunities to come up with the best plan for saving money. It is important that your financial advisor ask questions and review your current situation and where you would like to be in the next 5, 10 or even 50 years. This way the advisor will be able to evaluate all the opportunities to assist you in building your wealth.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tax advisor can ensure you save thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Whether you need a financial advisor to help you with your business finances or your personal finances, it’s an important decision that you’ll need to make carefully. Evaluate different options and analyze the characteristics of each tax advisor you interview.