Hobby-friendly CPA in Austin

I'm pretty shy and I don't think I can call up some random CPA's and beat around the bush about what I do until they get the gist. Anyone know of a CPA/have a CPA? Let me be very clear - I absolutely will NOT barter. I want someone who I can pay and will keep me from being from being audited.

Any suggestions or a nudge in the right directions will be very much appreciated!

Caroline,
My name is Steve Conwell. I live in Houston and I have been a member of aspd and now eccie for a very long time. I am an Enrolled Agent with the IRS. That's a cpa that concentrates on income taxes. One of my specialties is small business contractors like yourself who work for cash but would like to stay out of trouble with the IRS. If this sounds like what you are looking for, give me a call on my cell 713-320-2038 ofc 281-373-3690, fax 281-256-3916 or you can email me at steve.conwell@gmail.com. All are secure. I carry the same privilege as an attorney.
Steve

I am a tax professional (CPA) and business adviser in business for over 20 years now. Also, own and have owned several businesses myself. I have worked with providers, entertainers and establishments in the business in these areas. Please contact me and we can talk and/or meet and discuss how I can help (no charge to you if you decide not to move forward). My office is in the Central Dallas area and I do work with clients all over Texas and some in other states.

Sincerely,
R

Thanks guys!

An Enrolled Agent (EA) isn't a CPA who concentrates on Tax. An enrolled agent is anyone who can pass an exam given by the IRS. A far cry from a CPA.

The privilege given to an EA, CPA or even an attorney in tax preparation is non existent. If you want privilege, then first hire an attorney, who then hires the CPA. Even then you have limited privilege.

But, the fact is you can walk into any tax preparer with your numbers written down, say you provide massage, dog walking, security, whatever services and get your tax return prepared. Rarely will a tax preparer want to see the individual receipts, just provide a summary, advertising, travel, etc.

If you are up for some reading, go to the IRS website and look at a Publications.

One last bit of advice. There are lots of good EA's, CPA's and Attorneys who do Tax Work, but most rarely deal with the IRS. Look for someone who does a lot of work with IRS, audits, Offers In Compromise, Collections, etc. That person deals with IRS on a daily basis and knows the individual agents and officers. Stay away from those who advertise on TV, look for a small office.

Yes, I have a friend who has this experience, but my friend isn't taking new clients.

Well said, my friend. CPA's must have 150 hrs of College (Masters Degree) and then pass what used to be a 2 1/2 day exam and get one year of CPA work experience to get their liscense and 40 hours of continuing education EACH YEAR after that to keep it! I am sure there are good EAs out there but there is no education or experience requirement that I know of to be one, anyone can take the test. Look me if you head up here to Big D!
R

I have a tax and accounting background. I know a lot of CPA's and EA's, but this is the first time I've seen an EA compare himself to a lawyer.

I have awakened the cpa attorney guardians. From the lady's 1 sentence, it looked like she needed some tax help. I thought she would call if interested only. My experience is in tax law. I think I can hold my own in that area with any cpa or attorney. At any rate, I did not mean to suggest anything else.

I've never challenged someone before on this board or any other, but I did send her a PM right after your first post advising her that your comments were misleading. You may be a great tax guy, but you need to be way more careful about how you represent your credentials and capabilities (in the confidentiality sense). I am a CPA and a very experienced tax practitioner, I do know the landscape. I've worked with EA's, there are circumstances where I'm convinced they can get better results than I can. But, I will never work with anyone who should know better and who misrepresents his or her credentials or capabilities. It's out of line and you should not be allowed to hide behind some sort of "guardians" BS. You misrepresented yourself and your credentials, and and you need to be accountable for that. Sad part is that if you had not stepped over the line, you likely have the expertise to represent her well.

I've never challenged someone before on this board or any other, but I did send her a PM right after your first post advising her that your comments were misleading. You may be a great tax guy, but you need to be way more careful about how you represent your credentials and capabilities (in the confidentiality sense). I am a CPA and a very experienced tax practitioner, I do know the landscape. I've worked with EA's, there are circumstances where I'm convinced they can get better results than I can. But, I will never work with anyone who should know better and who misrepresents his or her credentials or capabilities. It's out of line and you should not be allowed to hide behind some sort of "guardians" BS. You misrepresented yourself and your credentials, and and you need to be accountable for that. Sad part is that if you had not stepped over the line, you likely have the expertise to represent her well. Originally Posted by engawg61

I do find it humerous that CPAs always seem to be up in arms when compared to EAs; and yes, it applies to me as well.

I've found that providers have to be VERY comfortable with someone, especially one of their clients, in order for them to be forthcoming with information. Let's face it, they are providing (no pun intended) their real names, social security numbers, and addresses. Not to mention how much they're really making.

I've always felt that's where CPAs tend to be more reliable than EAs. CPAs have so many guidelines and "codes of conduct" they have to abide by, not to mention the tremendous amount of education required (before and after license). And let's not forget about the CPA exam....

I've helped providers, and other hobbyists, in the past with their taxes, both current filings and tax problems. A recently retired provider had a real mess with a former client who wanted to barter with her. Turns out, the client was an EA. She asked me to review the documents prepared by the guy and, at first glance, there were staggering errors. I'm talking about name spelled incorrectly, numbers transposed on her SSN, etc. Talk about a "hack" job. We corrected everything and she was appreciative.

A bit of advice for the providers: Don't barter with someone who's assisting you with your financial affairs! Chances are, the "professional" won't take the job seriously....and, you most likely charge more per hour than they do!