What Makes Finding a Reliable Tax Professional So Challenging?

Finding a reliable tax professional can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially during the frantic pace of tax season. In this critical time, the value of an adept accountant becomes more apparent than ever, transforming them into the veritable "popular kids in school," as Shannon so aptly puts it.

The question begs, then, why is this search so fraught with challenges, and how do you find the right match? Here's what to consider when looking for a tax pro who isn't just a number cruncher, but a cornerstone contributor to your financial journey.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The first hurdle is our natural tendency to prioritize convenience. It's tempting to stick with the family accountant or the neighbor down the street because, well, it's the path of least resistance. However, Shannon reminds us that an easy choice isn't necessarily the best one. A tax professional's value extends far beyond mere proximity or family ties—they need to encapsulate everything from aligning with your risk tolerance to meeting (and setting) clear communication expectations.

**Identifying the Right Qualifications**

Another complication lies in determining what makes a tax professional "good." To demystify this, you must decipher what is important to you and your business. Do you value quick communication? Do you need guidance that transcends annual tax preparation and includes strategic planning? As Shannon points out, identifying your needs is akin to selecting from a complex menu; be explicit about which dishes will satiate your financial appetite.

**Industry Tendencies**

Accountants often gravitate towards their profession due to their love for the numerical and systematic, yet many may lack the proactive communication skills that business owners yearn for. Amidst the busiest time of year, your desire for updates may feel like nagging to an already overtaxed pro. This disconnect can often lead to frustration on both ends.

Nevertheless, Shannon illustrates how this doesn't have to be the status quo. Modern accountants can—and should—implement tools to provide clients with automatic updates about the status of their returns, akin to knowing your place in line at the DMV. Tax pros who harness these tools are more likely to deliver the transparency and peace of mind that clients desire.

**Breaking Transactional Norms**

The core of the issue, Shannon argues, is the transactional nature of the traditional accountant-client relationship. Many accountants are accustomed to being "order takers" rather than advisors. They are assured a steady stream of business due to the necessity of their services. However, what customers really seek transcends a once-a-year interaction.

Business owners need to realize they're purchasing more than a completed tax form; they're seeking a partnership with ongoing support. As such, both parties—tax professionals and business owners—must elevate their communication to ensure mutual understanding and satisfaction.

**The Solution Lies in Clarity**

The most effective way to find a tax professional who aligns with your expectations is clarity in communication from the outset. Approach the relationship with zero assumptions and express your needs frankly. Are you looking for tax planning advice? Regular business health check-ins? Assurance of compliance with regulations? Clarify your objectives from your initial inquiry.

For accountants, this is an opportunity to step outside the comfort zone of order taking. It's time to adopt a sales mindset, understand their client base profoundly, and recommend solutions that cater to the complexities unique to each business owner.

Lastly, resources like Shannon's "Money Pro Matchmaker" guide can be invaluable. This tool can aid entrepreneurs in asking the right questions and setting expectations when choosing their financial allies.

In the art of finding the ideal tax professional, it's clear that the difference-maker isn't just expertise—it's communication. By fostering transparency and understanding, both accountants and business owners can form robust partnerships that lift the veil of complexity off financial management, making pursuing financial growth not only achievable but also surprisingly enjoyable. So dive in, get specific, and Keep What You Earn.

What you'll hear in this episode:

03:27 Find a partner who can articulate tax issues.
08:46 Developing sales skills improves communication and trust.
12:29 Mismatched expectations can lead to mislabeled services.
16:11 Podcast aims to simplify complex business concepts.

If you like this episode, check out:

Best Practices to Collect Cash from Customers Faster

How to Generate Cash Without Increasing Price

Want to learn more so you can earn more?

Try Kajabi free for 14 days here: https://app.kajabi.com/r/zGmoZA9E/t/tsfmvbq4

Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes

Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team

Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ

Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/

The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.