You can check up on NYS accountants by visiting the NYS Education Department's web site . In addition to license information, the NYS SED will tell you if there were any recent disciplinary actions against the licensee. I tell you with great pride that if you search my record with any licensing agency or professional organization you will not find even the slightest blemish after 24 years of practice as a CPA in NYS . After the initial quality screening, you should next try to find a tax accountant you can develop a personal rapport with. Trust is crucial in developing a successful relationship with an accountant.
People often confide in their accountant to a greater extent than they do in their doctor.
We learn the intimate details of your lives each year when we gather all the personal information required to prepare your taxes. I've had clients tell me things that they never even told their spouses. Remember, you can't lie to me because that would probably be against your best interest. Besides, I'd probably figure out the truth when I looked at the numbers. The point is, you need an accountant you will feel comfortable with.