7 Key Qualities to Look for in an Enrolled Agent or CPA in Lakeland, FL

The right Enrolled Agent (EA) or CPA does more than file a return—they reduce risk, plan proactively, and keep your books tax-ready all year. If you’re in Lakeland, FL (or nearby), use this checklist to evaluate expertise, security, and fit. At Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services, we pair monthly bookkeeping with quarterly planning and year-end filing for individuals and small businesses. Explore our Tax Preparation, Accounting & Bookkeeping, and Business Consulting.

The 7 Qualities That Matter Most

1. Verified credentials & scope. EA/CPA with active PTIN and experience in your return types (1040, 1120S, 1065, multi-state, real estate, trades, e-commerce).
2. Year-round planning cadence. Monthly close, quarterly estimates, and annual strategy—not just April filings.
3. Security & compliance. Secure portal, MFA, encryption, engagement letter, privacy policy, and documented review workflow.
4. Clear, fixed-fee pricing. Transparent scope (states/schedules, e-file, notices) plus defined response times.
5. Local fluency. Familiar with Central Florida industries and common issues (multi-state remote work, sales tax, S-Corp reasonable comp).
6. Decision-ready reporting. Monthly P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow with variance notes and KPI dashboards.
7. Proactive communication. Dedicated contact, portal messaging, and SLAs for questions and notices.

What Working With Us Looks Like

Monthly

• Reconcile bank/credit cards; review coding for tax readiness; lock prior periods.
• Publish financials with variance notes; maintain W-9/1099 tracking and sales tax (where applicable).

Quarterly

• Calculate and file estimated taxes with safe-harbor checks and cash-flow forecasting.
• Adjust payroll/entity items (e.g., S-Corp officer comp); KPI dashboard review.

Annually

• Prepare and e-file 1040 / 1120S / 1065 as needed; coordinate business & personal returns.
• Year-end planning: depreciation, timing strategies, elections, and entity changes.

Smart Questions to Ask Any EA/CPA

• Will you review last year’s return for missed opportunities?
• How do you handle notices and representation if the IRS/state contacts me?
• What’s included in your fee and what counts as an add-on?

What You’ll Get Working With Us

• Accurate books and reconciliations—every month.
• Quarterly vouchers, reminders, and safe-harbor targeting.
• Return prep (1040/1120S/1065) plus 1099 e-file and notice support.
• Executive dashboard: margins, cash runway, A/R & A/P, and tax-ready KPIs.

 Book a 30-Minute Consultation

FAQs

Do you work with Lakeland clients remotely?

Yes—secure portal, e-sign, and e-file. We also offer phone/video consults with defined response-time SLAs.

Can you review last year’s return for missed savings?

Absolutely—carryforwards, elections, depreciation, QBI, and credits are common areas we optimize.

What records do you need to start?

Prior returns, W-2/1099s, bank/credit statements, QuickBooks access, and any IRS/state notices.

Ready to choose the right EA/CPA in Lakeland?

We’ll put your planning, filing, and books on rails—so you save more and stress less. Schedule Consultation