The right tax accountant in Tampa can help assess eligible options and filing obligations; tax savings are not guaranteed. Whether you’re an individual, landlord, or small business, this guide shows how to evaluate credentials, services, pricing, and technology so you hire confidently—and file with fewer surprises. We serve Tampa and nearby areas like Downtown, Channelside, Westchase, Carrollwood, Wesley Chapel, and St. Petersburg.
Table of Contents
6 Factors to Compare Before Hiring an Accountant
- Experience: Returns like yours (S-Corp, rentals, multi-state, expat).
- Credentials: Enrolled Agent (EA) &/or CPA for IRS representation and planning.
- Services: Tax prep, year-round planning, IRS representation, bookkeeping, payroll.
- Technology: Secure portals (e-sign, document upload), cloud bookkeeping.
- Pricing: Transparent quotes, bundles, and monthly packages.
- Communication: Confirm response expectations and available languages.
Local Knowledge and Accountant Scope
Filing obligations depend on the entity, activities and location. Taxable transient rentals may involve state sales tax and county tourist development tax administered separately. Review current agency instructions; local experience does not guarantee compliance.
When a Tax Pro Is Essential
- Running a small business or S-Corp with payroll & quarterly estimates.
- Owning rentals/STRs, depreciation, cost segregation, or considering a 1031 exchange.
- Receiving 1099-K/NEC, gig income, or multi-state/foreign income and assets.
- Handling IRS letters, payment plans, penalty abatement, or audits.
How Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services Helps
Our U.S. tax services are Enrolled Agent-led. Pedro Henriquez holds a CPA credential in the Dominican Republic, which is not a U.S. state CPA license. The engagement defines our tax, bookkeeping and business advisory services. We help review legal entity structure and federal tax classification. An LLC is a state-law entity that may be taxed as a disregarded entity, partnership or corporation; an eligible LLC may elect S corporation treatment. Our services include tax preparation for individuals and businesses, and integrated Controller/CFO support—so your bookkeeping, payroll, and taxes stay aligned year-round.
FAQs
EA vs CPA—what’s the difference?
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax professional who specializes exclusively in tax matters and has the authority to represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in all tax-related issues. In contrast, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) provides a wider array of accounting services that go beyond just taxes, including auditing financial statements, offering comprehensive financial planning, and delivering expert consulting services. Our firm provides Enrolled Agent-led U.S. tax support, bookkeeping and business advisory services. Pedro Henriquez holds a CPA credential in the Dominican Republic; he does not hold a U.S. state CPA license.
Do you offer fixed or monthly pricing?
Request a written quote identifying fees, deliverables, deadlines and exclusions. Confirm how additional work or changed facts will be priced; a particular fixed or monthly package is not assumed.
Can you help with past-due taxes or audits?
We can review notices, discuss available payment-plan or penalty-relief options and provide agreed IRS representation after authorization. Eligibility, terms and relief depend on applicable requirements and IRS decisions; approval or debt reduction is not guaranteed.
Prepare for Your Accountant Consultation
Before choosing an accountant, gather your prior return, any agency notices, a list of income sources and the questions you want answered. Business owners can also bring current bookkeeping reports, payroll summaries and an explanation of missing records. Share sensitive documents through an agreed secure portal rather than an ordinary contact form.
Ask the accountant to identify who prepares the work, who reviews it and which services require a separate engagement. Confirm the documents you must supply, the anticipated timeline and how you will approve a return before filing. Keep a written record of unresolved questions so the next appointment has a clear purpose.
You can verify professional designations using the IRS guide to preparer credentials. A credential is one part of the decision; relevant experience and a clear scope matter too.
Get Started Today
Services: Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping • IRS Representation • Controller/CFO
