Three Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Accountant

Don't let the financial-planning panic overwhelm you next April, too.

Did you decide this was the last year you'd have the hair-tearing, math-heavy, where-is-the-bottle-of-wine-to-calm-my-nerves weekend sorting through your financial life?

You're not alone.

Now that tax season is over, it's a good time to start looking for an accountant. Here are three tips to help your relationship with your tax professional or certified accountant.

1. Hello? Yes, it's me, I had a question.

Choose a professional who returns your calls promptly.

Sure, cut them a little slack during the heaviest weeks of tax season. Generally speaking, however, you want someone who welcomes your calls.

Seems obvious, right? You'd be surprised. It took me three pros to find one who was willing to talk with me at length.

2. You're the pro; I'm in the minor leagues.

Hiring a numbers professional doesn't get you off the hook.

To really maximize your use of (and relationship with) your tax professional, make sure you are as educated as a non-pro can be on topics relating to your specific situation. This allows you to say, "I've read about XYZ approach and think it sounds appropriate. What do you think?"

Don't care to be that proactive? Make sure you find someone you can trust, and read up on any unusual recommendations.

You shouldn't blindly sign something when your "professional" says, "I think we should structure this as a Ponzi..."

This is doubly important if your pro also sells investments.