Taxes can feel confusing and heavy. You should not face them in silence. When you sit with your accountant, you deserve clear answers that protect your money, your time, and your peace of mind. Many people walk into that meeting unsure of what to ask. They leave with unfinished worries and missed chances to save. This does not need to be you. By asking a few direct questions, you can understand how your return is prepared, what risks you carry, and how to plan for next year. Some tax specialists in Simi Valley welcome sharp questions because they show you care about your future. Others may rush through the meeting. You can slow the process and take control. The right questions will expose any weak spots, reveal hidden costs, and help you decide if this accountant truly stands on your side.
Why your questions matter
You trust your accountant with private details about your work, your family, and your money. You still carry the legal blame if something goes wrong on your return. The IRS makes that clear in its Taxpayer Bill of Rights. You have the right to clear answers. You also have the duty to read and understand what you sign.
You can protect yourself and your family when you:
- Ask how your return is prepared
- Ask what support you will get if the IRS contacts you
These questions work for wage earners, small business owners, retirees, and young adults filing for the first time. They help you judge if this person should stay in your life or if you need to walk away.
Question 1. How do you prepare my return and check for mistakes?
This question shows how carefully your accountant works. You want a clear, step by step answer. You also want to know who touches your data.
You can ask follow up questions.
- Do you use tax software or prepare by hand
- Who enters my numbers
- Who reviews the return before I sign
- Do you keep my documents in paper files, digital files, or both
Then you can listen for red flags. You should feel concern if the accountant says the process is a secret. You should walk away if you hear that no one checks the return before you sign. You carry the risk for any mistake, even if your accountant caused it.
You can compare two common types of preparation.
| Preparation method | What you should expect | Risk for you |
|---|---|---|
| Solo preparer with no review | One person collects your data, enters it, and files the return alone | Higher risk of missed forms, wrong numbers, or lost credits |
| Preparer plus second review | One person enters data. A second person reviews for errors before filing | Lower risk. Better chance to catch missing documents or bad math |
You can also ask how they protect your Social Security number and bank details. The Federal Trade Commission explains common tax scams and identity theft in its guide on keeping your personal information secure. Your accountant should show clear respect for your privacy.
Question 2. How do you charge for your work
Money talk can feel tense. You still need to push for plain answers. Your family budget depends on it.
You can ask your accountant to explain:
- Whether they charge a flat fee or by the hour
- What is included in the base fee
- What costs extra, such as state returns or extra forms
- When payment is due
Then you should ask one more clear question. You should ask if the fee is tied to the size of your refund. The IRS warns against refund based fees. That kind of pay can push some preparers to claim credits you do not qualify for. That can lead to audits, penalties, and stress for you and your family.
You can use this simple table to compare options when you call around.
| Fee style | What it means for you | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat fee | You pay one set price for the work | Ask what the fee covers. Check for add on charges |
| Hourly fee | You pay for the time spent on your return | Ask for a written estimate and a cap before work starts |
| Refund based fee | Fee is a percentage of your refund amount | High risk choice. You should avoid this model |
You should ask for the fee in writing before you hand over any documents. A trustworthy accountant will not resist that request.
Question 3. What support will you give if the IRS contacts me
This question tests loyalty. It also tests skill. Anyone can press the file button. Not everyone will stand by you if the IRS sends a letter.
You should ask:
- Will you explain any IRS letters I receive
- Will you talk with the IRS on my behalf if needed
- Do you charge extra if I am audited
- Will you help fix mistakes on a return you prepared
You should also ask how long they keep copies of your returns and documents. This matters if you need proof of income for a loan or school aid. It also helps if you need to amend a return years later.
See also: 3 Signs Your Business Needs A Professional Bookkeeper
How to use these questions with your family
You can use these questions as a shared checklist. You can bring your spouse, partner, or adult child to the meeting. You can talk through the answers together at home. This builds trust inside your home and with your accountant.
You can also teach teens and young adults to ask these same questions at free tax clinics or campus help centers. These habits will protect them for life.
Next steps before your next tax meeting
You can prepare by writing these three questions on one page and taking it with you. You can listen for clear and calm answers. You can walk away if you feel rushed, confused, or pressured to sign before you are ready.
Your tax return carries your name. Your questions carry your power. Use both with care.
