It’s tough to know what to look for when searching for an accountant to do your taxes. Your choice is critical to your financial well-being, so it’s important to do your homework and make an informed decision.

Budgeting in the Fun Stuff suggests criteria to keep in mind when going accountant hunting:

* His references check out. You want to find an accountant that others rave about. You can pre-screen this step by taking recommendations from friends. If an accountant is slow to provide a list of clients who vouch for him, move on.

* He’s a CPA. The Certified Public Accountant credential is ideally a sign that he knows what he’s talking about and has practical experience. There are perfectly good accountants who aren’t CPAs, but there’s little reason to settle for less.

* He cares about you, or can at least fake it. Sit down for an initial meeting to get a feel for his personality. If he’s checking messages while you talk and quick to usher you out the door, he probably doesn’t have the time or will to focus on doing his best work for you.

Essential Tips to Hiring the Right CPA [Budgeting in the Fun Stuff

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