One of the most common questions we encounter is: “What are the traits of a good tax accountant?” Given our unique position, we can offer an objective perspective on this. We've seen clients with excellent tax accountants, and we've seen others where the situation leaves much to be desired. To help you navigate this, here are three ways to analyse your tax accountant.
IN THIS ARTICLE
→ 3 Questions to Assess Your Tax Accountant
→ Are your affairs set up in the most effective structure possible?
→ Are you getting value for money?
→ Virtual CFO vs Tax Accountant
3 Questions to Assess Your Tax Accountant
1. Are your affairs set up in the most effective structure possible?
The first and foremost consideration when evaluating a tax accountant is their ability to analyse and optimise the structure of your business. A good tax accountant will review your current structure and assess its effectiveness in terms of tax efficiency. They should be knowledgeable about the latest tax laws and regulations, enabling them to recommend improvements to your business structure that align with your goals and can lead to substantial tax savings.
A competent tax accountant should be able to answer questions such as:
- Can your business benefit from restructuring to achieve a more tax-effective outcome, especially if you plan to sell the business in the future?
- Are your profits being distributed in the most tax-efficient manner?
- Would another accountant view your business structure as optimal, or are there potential areas for improvement?
Remember, the complexity of your business structure should be balanced with the overall tax benefits it provides. The right tax accountant will help you strike the perfect balance to ensure maximum tax optimisation while minimising unnecessary complexity and associated costs.
2. How proactive are they?
A proactive tax accountant is an invaluable asset for any business. Beyond simply preparing tax returns, they should actively seek out opportunities to minimise your tax liability through legal and ethical means. By staying abreast of changes in tax legislation and industry trends, they can identify strategies that align with your business objectives and help you plan for the future.
Consider the following questions when assessing the proactive nature of a tax accountant:
- How frequently do they approach you with ideas and recommendations to minimise your tax burden?
- Are they proactive in informing you about legislative changes that may impact your business and tax obligations?
- Do they provide guidance on proactive tax planning, ensuring you are paying the right amount of tax and not overpaying?
A proactive tax accountant should act as a trusted advisor, providing insights and suggestions tailored to your unique business circumstances. Their focus should be on helping you make informed decisions that contribute to long-term tax optimisation.
3. Are you getting value for money?
While cost shouldn't be the sole determining factor, it is important to evaluate whether your tax accountant provides value for the fees they charge. Value for money goes beyond just preparing financial reports or tax returns. It includes the quality of advice, understanding of your business goals, and the level of commitment they demonstrate towards your success.
Consider the following aspects when assessing the value for money provided by a tax accountant:
- Do they demonstrate a genuine interest in your business and its objectives?
- Are they knowledgeable about your industry and aware of the challenges and opportunities you face?
- Do they provide personalised advice and guidance that aligns with your business goals?
- Are the fees charged by the tax accountant reasonable and proportionate to the services provided?
Your tax accountant should be invested in your journey, passionate about helping you achieve your business goals, and committed to ensuring that you pay the least amount of tax possible without compromising compliance. Striking a balance between the value they provide and the costs involved will help you make an informed decision when selecting a tax accountant for your SME business.
Virtual CFO vs Tax Accountant
As outsourced CFOs, our relationship with you differs from that of your tax accountant, but the level of investment in your goals should be the same. Your accountant should be as passionate about helping you minimise your tax liability as you are about growing your business. However, they should also ensure that the complexity of your financial arrangements doesn't erode your bottom line due to excessive fees.
Final Takeaway
By considering these three traits — effective structuring, proactivity, and value for money—you can better assess whether your current tax accountant is meeting your needs, or if it may be time to seek a new partner in your financial journey.
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