Finding & evaluating a CPA in a small town

[SarcasticDwarf]

My taxes have finally gotten to the point where it is becoming a major hassle. I have a small sole proprietership that I have handled very casually and think I want to make it into a LLC (we are talking about <$5k/year revenue at the moment). Combine that with moving to a different state this year and a major pay increase and I think talking to a professional would help. My plan is to work with them to set up the new LLC and get guidelines on how to operate and probably prepare my taxes starting with either 2010 or 2011.

I live in a small town (<30,000 people and 125 miles to the nearest major city) so the selection is limited. I did ask a friend who recommended a friend of hers who runs her own agency. Other than the no brainer of talking with the person and determining my comfort level with them, is there any other way to evaluate them that you guys would recommend?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

As a CPA (not a tax guy, though) -

I would find one that is affiliated with a national firm like RSM McGladery. Aside from that - ask for some references and ensure they are carrying a active license.

Depending on your complexties of setting up your business you may be better off with a tax attorney.

 

[PsiStar]

You need to visit & talk with the CPAs & ask for references or at least the type of businesses they work for. It is always helpful to find someone aligned with working the books in a way that you are comfortable with. I say it like that as you already know that tax laws are subject to interpretation AND you need coaching for business decisions.

If you turn it all over to someone very conservative ... or not so business savvy, you could miss out on some very good advantages.

 

[DrPizza]

Get recommendations from other small businesses in your area who would be facing similar circumstances with their returns. We did that & couldn't be happier.

 

[paperfist]

Man what a headache it is going from a SP to LLC. That said it's pretty straight forward to file your own paperwork if you are so inclined as there's tons of books and legal sites now that make it easy.