subject: Treat Your Accountant As Your Top Associate [print this page] People engage the services of accountants expecting them to reduce their taxes. Once you decided you need an accountant, get the one who can give you the best service.
Treat Your Accountant As a Friend and Associate
Accountants can be classified into two types. There is the passive one who will do nothing, and would rather wait to get the necessary information so he can do his job. Then there is that one who will request your presence to fill in forms about innumerable matters. You need this second type. To get the best result, you would want a really business-like accountant. The competent accountant will want to start early so he can do a good job of reducing your taxes. They don't relish the prospect of cramming to prepare your taxes to beat the deadline. They would want to meet you immediately to gather necessary information so that they can do a thorough job and fulfill the task you hire them for to your satisfaction. Only when they are fully briefed and possessed with all the data will they counsel you on ways of cutting down your taxes.
Accountants are no different from others; they are ordinary mortals like you and me. So set an example and go through the motions of attending to your tax matters immediately. These guys are professionals so follow their counsel, otherwise you might find yourself in trouble with no one else to blame. Now, you should not dilly-dally if you want to take full advantage. They are there so you can save thousands of money, so make their job easier and follow their recommendations.
Having said all that, where to get this professional accountant? Perhaps you can ask from people you know, and there's always the 'net. The best way to know if you have the right person is to meet them. At the first opportunity, tell them to explain what their plans are about your tax payments. Should they express some ideas or suggestions without prior reference to the state of your finances, chances are they are not the right persons for the job.
There are two steps you've got to do to get the most from your tax advisors. One, get the most professional one. Two, obey their instructions to the letter.
