November 5
June 10
Key Qualities of a Suitable Tax Advisor
Searching for a qualified tax advisor can be an onerous task. The number of options grow significantly during tax season as independent preparers and planners set up to take advantage of the demand. How do you separate those who claim to be qualified from the professional tax advisors?
Knowing which questions to ask is critical in finding the best tax advisor for you. Unsure of where to begin? Listed below are six qualities to keep in mind when searching for tax advisor.
Industry Experts
Each industry involves different tax regulations and opportunities for deductions. Given the complex and always-changing tax climates, why should you settle for a general tax advisor? Whether you are a doctor, restaurant entrepreneur, or own a small business, there is a trained tax advisor suited for your specific needs.
Up-to-date on tax laws & trends
Canadian tax laws are constantly changing, so it is vital to work with a tax advisor who is knowledgeable of the current regulations. A good firm will have its team undergo training and professional development throughout the year to stay up-to-date on the shifting tax landscape.
A quality tax professional will also take into account emerging business trends and their implications for your taxes. Perhaps your dental office offered a Groupon deal for new patients this year? Your tax advisor should know how to prepare these types of transactions.
Qualified & Experienced Tax Advisor
Plenty of financial planners claim to be qualified to prepare your taxes, but do they have the proper training and experience to back up their credentials? When searching for a tax advisor, don’t be afraid to ask questions: How many years of tax experience do they have? What areas and industries do they specialize in?
Accessible
Finding a qualified advisor is important, but so is one who will answer your phone call when you have a question. When you look for a tax professional, try to get a sense of how highly they value your business. No matter how large your return or small your business, your advisor should make you feel like the important client you are.
Transparent
Filing taxes is a complex process. If your advisor fails to take the time to explain the steps, important details can be lost in the ambiguity. It is a good idea to ask your advisor the following questions, making sure you understand and are comfortable with their answers:
- “How are your fees determined?” This means how much they charge, by which method they charge (hourly or by commission), and which services are included in the fees and which come at an extra cost.
- “When will I receive a copy of my return?” If they can’t give you an estimated time frame, continue your search.
- “Can you explain your privacy policy?” A legitimate tax advisor should be able to explain how your privacy is protected. If they hesitate at this question, consider this a “red flag.”
Already looking ahead to next year
A quality tax advisor not only prepares your current tax return, but helps you strategize your accounts for the years to come. Look for an advisor who understands your goals and is genuinely interested in your continued success.
June 10
When to Hire a Tax Accountant for your Personal Tax Return
Like many working professionals today, you may feel undecided about hiring an accountant for your next personal tax return. Perhaps you are persuaded by the convenience of a professional taking care of your taxes, but also feel you can handle the task on your own.
Just because you can file your own taxes does not necessarily mean you should. The good news is you are not alone in the uncertainty. Continue reading to learn about the particular situations when hiring a professional accountant for your personal tax return may be in your best interest.
You are self-employed
Filing a personal tax return becomes much more complex when self-employed earnings are involved. Which deductions can be claimed? How do you best separate personal expenses from work? Allowing a professional to file your taxes not only eases the burden, but can also assist you in organizing your files for next year.
Your family structure has changed
Did you get married or divorced this year? Perhaps you welcomed a child into the family? These major life changes can result in significant implications for your next personal tax return. Marriages and separations often involve the transferring of funds and assets, which must be noted on your return. And as you continue to grow your family, further tax credits may become available to you.
You are planning ahead for retirement
A good tax accountant can also help you manage your money in planning for the future. You’re working hard for your retirement–why lose more income than necessary come tax season? Learn how to invest your earnings wisely and take best advantage of your RRSP contributions for your golden years.
You purchased, sold, or renovated property
Did you renovate or buy a new home this year? Did you sell an investment property? A trained accountant will help you take advantage of tax credits and minimize the capital gains on your sales, while assisting you in planning for the years to come.
Rental properties are also considered personal income and must be included on your personal tax return. Whether you operated at a profit or a loss over the year, a tax accountant can identify opportunities for reducing your taxable income.
You don’t have the time to do it right
Let’s face it, we all have something better we can be doing instead of filing our taxes. As the Canadian tax laws are constantly shifting, staying up-to-date on regulations is critical. A qualified tax accountant is aware of the current laws and credits to maximize deductions and ensure the most successful return possible.
Unlike tax preparers who are often disappear at the end of tax season, a qualified tax accountant will be with you all year. In the unlikely event of an audit, you can rest assured knowing your accountant will stay by your side.
