Dentaltown is the leading online community for dentists and dental professionals around the world.  We have included topical questions and answers from Dentaltown here for your review.

QUESTION: 

I've had the same CPA for about 10 years.  I'm usually happiest with him when I don't have to pay in.  This year I'll have to pay, and I'm not pleased, but that's life.  I just wish I had planned for it.    

But maybe I shouldn't "wish"?  Does your CPA get on your case to plan for the year?  Or do you have to ask him?  Should I HAVE to ask him?    It never ceases to amaze me how he can be "surprised" at how the year ended up, even without big changes.  

Does your CPA do more hand holding as the year goes on?  

Is November a bad time to switch CPA's?   How do I find one?

ANSWER:

Your point is extremely valid and in fact Leslie Shiner (picked by the AICPA as one of the top practice advisory speakers) stated that recent industry surveys show the number one reason why small business owners leave their accountant was "did not give proactive advice, only reactive" and the top three reasons an owner chooses an accountant are "expertise, responsiveness and proactive strategic advice."

So Jay, thank you for bringing up a very hot topic in our industry and your question is right in line with speaking for the masses, whether you knew it or not.

So what does this mean?

You have a choice to make. You can stay with the status quo or you can make a change. If you do make a change you may want to know that your peers are doing so by first seeking someone that has your industry experience "expertise", second they are looking for someone that works with them on an ongoing collaborative basis "responsive", and third offers planning opportunities through out the year "proactive strategic advise".

There are several very capable CPA firms that can take your practice to the next level and do everything you are looking for - many right here in Dental Town. These firms will more than pay for themselves in tax savings, quicker retirement goals, quality of life/work, and piece of mind knowing you have control of both the operation and financial sides to your practice.

Here are the slides from her presentation last week.







PS - any day is a good day for change or make a decision, it's the first day of the rest of your future.