When you’re helping someone whose mental or physical health is declining, they often try to retain as much independence as they can and continue to do as much for themselves as they can. This may include continuing to handle their taxes themselves – whether this is using an online tax preparation platform or interacting with their tax advisor. This can be problematic for several reasons.

Accounting professionals offer a wide range of services, and the way they deliver those services varies just as dramatically. Taxes and financial decisions can be intimidating under the best of circumstances. When you’re not happy with your accountant, it’s hard to know whether the problem lies with your provider or simply a difficult situation. How can you tell if you’re getting the best value from your CPA?

Choosing an accountant involves a number of steps to ensure the right match. The process often starts with referrals from friends and colleagues, but it shouldn’t stop there. Whatever your situation, you’ll have the best chance of finding a great fit if you vet potential providers through the lens of three basic questions.