The most common reason to engage a CPA is for tax preparation. The BEST reason to engage a CPA is to plan your tax affairs in advance. At the very least, the major occurrences in your life need planning — marriages, divorces, buying and selling homes, investing, planning your estate, retiring — all these have tax opportunities and tax traps.

Ask your friends, your attorney or your financial planner. Ask the recommended CPA for a brief get-acquainted appointment. Is this a person you feel at ease with? Ask about credentials — how long has the CPA been certified? How long has the CPA been practicing in the tax field? (Many CPAs' experience is in areas other than tax.) How much experience does the CPA have with clients like you?