Time to Get Your Taxes Done -- Where to Find a CPA

The New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJSCPA) offers its free Find-A-CPA Online Referral Service to help you find CPAs who have distinguished themselves by joining the New Jersey Society of CPAs. You can use this service to locate a CPA in the New Jersey area based on location, services provided, industries served, size of firm and even foreign languages spoken.

And remember, CPAs are not just tax preparers. CPAs act as advisors to individuals, businesses, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations and government agencies on a wide range of financial matters. Today, many individuals turn to CPAs for help with both their tax preparation and personal financial planning. Increasingly, people rely on CPAs for assistance in building college funds, planning for retirement and creating estate plans.

Business owners and managers of various profit and nonprofit organizations have traditionally depended on CPAs for auditing services and advice on developing effective accounting systems, maximizing operating results and resolving various management problems. In addition, CPAs assist businesses in designing and installing data processing and management information systems.

What makes a CPA different from a regular public accountant?
Those who are able to call themselves "CPAs" have met stringent education and experience requirements and passed a rigorous two-day exam. They must perform their work in accordance with high-quality technical professional standards and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. Individuals have worked hard to obtain the "CPA" designation, and they are committed to working even harder to deliver the value that it conveys.

What do CPAs charge?
CPAs normally base their fees on the time required to perform the services you request. There are no "fee schedules" common to the profession. Fees depend on the type of services you require, the prevailing costs in the community, the CPA's level of expertise and the complexity of your work.

Talk frankly with your CPA about fees. Find out how much you will pay to have work performed by a staff accountant who is under the supervision of a CPA, a higher-level employee such as a supervisor, or perhaps even a partner of the firm.

For more information, visit MoneyMattersNJ.com.