In this article
Experience & Fit
- How long have you been working with businesses like mine? Tenure with your specific business type and size tells you more than years in practice overall.
- Do you have experience in my industry? Industry-specific quirks — depreciation, job costing, multi-state sales tax — are faster to navigate with someone who's seen them before.
- What size clients do you typically work with? A firm built around larger corporate clients may not prioritize a small account the way a small-business-focused practice would, and vice versa.
Services & Fees
- Which services are included, and which cost extra? Get specific — "tax prep" can mean very different scopes of work between firms.
- How do you structure your fees? Hourly, flat-fee, and retainer models all exist; ask which applies and get an estimate in writing.
- Will I get a written engagement letter? This should describe scope, fees, and responsibilities on both sides — treat its absence as a caution flag.
Communication & Technology
- How quickly can I expect a response? Ask specifically about routine questions versus urgent ones, and whether that changes during busy season.
- Who will actually be handling my account? Confirm whether it's the person you're talking to or a staff member you haven't met yet.
- What software or client portal do you use? Worth knowing before you're mid-project and discover a mismatch with your own systems.
- How do you handle document security? You'll be sharing sensitive financial and personal information — a reasonable question deserves a clear answer.
Deadlines, Representation & Growth
- What happens if I get an IRS notice? Ask whether that's included in your engagement or billed separately.
- Can you represent me before the IRS if needed? Confirm this directly rather than assuming — it depends on licensing and the specific engagement.
- How do you support businesses as they grow? A good answer signals whether this could be a long-term relationship or a one-off transaction.
You don't need to ask all thirteen in one sitting. Even five or six of these, asked directly, will tell you most of what you need to know about fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to ask these questions before becoming a paying client?
Yes — a professional worth hiring expects and welcomes these questions during an initial conversation.
What if a CPA seems annoyed by direct questions about fees or process?
That reaction itself is useful information about what working together might be like.
Should I ask the same questions to a bookkeeper as a CPA?
Many apply to both, though representation before the IRS and licensing questions are specific to CPAs.
Content on Local CPA Service is provided for general informational purposes and should not be considered accounting, legal, investment, or tax advice. Requirements vary based on individual circumstances and applicable law. Consult an appropriately qualified professional regarding your specific situation.
