What distinguishes a good tax consultant?
April 24, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Koch
Dear Tax Advisor,
My name is Dietrich Strauss and I am looking for a competent tax advisor to assist me with my tax matters. I am a self-employed entrepreneur and have had negative experiences in the past with an unreliable tax advisor. They did not adequately inform me about my tax obligations, which resulted in errors in my tax return that cost me a lot of money.
As a result of these experiences, I am now looking for a tax advisor who is reliable, competent, and trustworthy. I am interested in knowing what quality criteria distinguish a good tax advisor and what I should look for when making a selection. I want to ensure that my new tax advisor earns my trust and advises me professionally to avoid future mistakes.
What experiences and qualifications should a good tax advisor have? How can I ensure that the tax advisor understands my individual needs and responds optimally to them? Are there specific certifications or memberships that I should look for when selecting a tax advisor?
I would appreciate it if you could provide me with your assessment of what I should particularly consider when choosing a tax advisor and how I can find a reliable and competent expert for my tax matters.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Dietrich Strauss
Dear Mr. Strauss,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the selection of a competent tax advisor. I am sorry to hear that you have had negative experiences with an unreliable tax advisor, but it is good that you are now actively looking for a trustworthy expert who can advise you professionally.
A good tax advisor is primarily characterized by his qualifications and experience. Ideally, a tax advisor should have a degree in business administration with a focus on tax law or a comparable education. Furthermore, extensive professional experience is advantageous in order to build up a broad expertise. Make sure that the tax advisor regularly participates in further education to always be up to date with the latest tax legislation.
Another important criterion is the trustworthiness of the tax advisor. You should be able to rely on the fact that your sensitive tax data is treated confidentially and that the tax advisor acts in your best interests. A good tax advisor should also be able to understand your individual needs and address your specific tax concerns. They should be able to explain to you what tax obligations you have as a self-employed entrepreneur and help you avoid mistakes.
When choosing a tax advisor, you can also look for specific certifications or memberships. A tax advisor who is a member of a professional association such as the German Tax Advisors Association is subject to certain quality standards and ethical guidelines. Certifications such as the "Tax Advisor Seal of Approval" or the "Quality Seal of the German Tax Advisors Association" can also be an indication of the seriousness and competence of a tax advisor.
To find a reliable and competent tax advisor, I recommend looking at several candidates and having personal conversations. This way, you can check if there is chemistry between you and the tax advisor and if they understand your concerns. Ask for references and talk to other clients about their experiences with the tax advisor.
I hope this information helps you in selecting a suitable tax advisor. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist you.
Best regards,
Ingo Koch
