Compare credentials, relevant experience, fees and engagement scope. The value of preparation and planning depends on your circumstances; no particular tax savings are guaranteed. Whether you need individual filing, business tax planning, or IRS representation, this guide shows how to compare credentials, pricing, and services so you hire confidently and plan ahead.
Table of Contents
6 Checks for Credentials and Service Scope
- Credentials: check current professional licensing or enrollment and the preparer’s PTIN. A current PTIN is required for most paid federal return preparation; representation rights depend on credentials and required authorization.
- Experience: Handling cases like yours—business, rental, multi-state, or expat returns.
- Tax Planning: Year-round strategies to lower taxes, not just data entry in April.
- Technology: Secure portals, e-signature, and QuickBooks integration.
- Pricing: Compare written fees, included work, exclusions and change-work procedures.
- Communication: Confirm response expectations, meeting options and available languages.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
Tampa-area taxpayers may have federal, state and local filing obligations based on their entity and activities. Review applicable sales tax, tourist development tax, tangible personal property and licensing requirements with the responsible agency. A preparer can help review records and agreed filings; local experience does not guarantee compliance or penalty avoidance.
When a Tax Pro Is Essential
- Running a small business or S-Corp with payroll and quarterly estimates.
- Owning rental or short-term rental properties needing depreciation and 1031 exchange planning.
- Managing multi-state income, foreign accounts, or complex deductions.
- Handling IRS letters, audits, or payment plans.
How Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services Helps
We are an Enrolled Agent-led firm providing services within agreed engagements, including tax preparation, IRS representation, and bookkeeping & payroll. Confirm the specific services, frequency and responsibilities included; savings are not guaranteed.
FAQs
EA vs CPA—what’s the difference?
An Enrolled Agent is federally enrolled to practice before the IRS. A U.S. CPA holds a state-issued license. Verify active credentials and relevant experience rather than assuming that a credential establishes expertise in every tax or accounting matter. Pedro Henriquez leads our U.S. tax services as an Enrolled Agent. His CPA credential is from the Dominican Republic and does not authorize practice as a U.S. state-licensed CPA. We define the scope of bookkeeping, tax and advisory support in your engagement.
Do you offer fixed or monthly pricing?
Request a written quote identifying the included services, billing terms and exclusions. Confirm how changed facts or additional work will be priced; no particular fixed or monthly package is assumed.
Can you work remotely?
Confirm deliverables, fees, response hours and exclusions before work begins. Virtual appointments and available electronic signatures support agreed services; some documents or procedures may require additional steps.
Discuss Credentials and Your Tax Needs
Services: Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping • IRS Representation • Controller/CFO
Before engaging a provider, review the IRS guide to preparer credentials and ask who prepares and reviews the work. Credentials are one part of your comparison: also request a written scope, document checklist and fee proposal. Keep a list of missing records and questions about prior returns so the provider can assess the services needed.
Use the consultation to confirm how you will review the draft and receive completed documents. Ask whether later notice responses, amended returns or bookkeeping cleanup are included or priced separately. Record who is responsible for each next step and which information you must provide before the work can be completed.