Why do you need a tax professional? Managing taxes during retirement will be the single most 

important factor in determining your ultimate lifestyle. In addition to a financial planner and estate 

planning attorney, a qualified tax professional is an integral part of any planning team.

1. Ask for references. Have you ever stopped to think about how you picked your doctor or 

mechanic? Chances are you chose them because a friend or family member recommended 

them based upon a positive experience. The same should be true of your tax professional. 

Often times, people are afraid to ask for advice from those closest to them when finances 

are involved, but picking the right tax professional is too big of a decision, so “do your 

homework” and ask around.

2. Check for credentials. Not all tax preparers are CPAs. In fact, in many states, anyone can 

prepare tax returns and call themselves a tax professional. Most serious tax professionals 

will either be a CPA or an EA (Enrolled Agent). However, this does not necessarily mean that 

they are competent enough in the retirement area to assist you. 

3. Ask about experience. In most cases, you would opt for experience over a novice. Do 

you really think your choice of a tax professional is that different? Sometimes, there is no 

substitute for experience. Ask your tax professional about cases similar to your own, how 

often they deal with them and how they typically handle them. 

4. Ask about education/training. When most people think “CPA,” they think tax expert. But, 

the rules governing retirement accounts are highly complex and are constantly changing. If 

your tax professional is serious about this area of retirement planning, they will make sure to 

stay up-to-date on the latest tax law changes. Make sure to ask about the last conference or 

continuing education class they have attended on retirement planning.

5. Ask about continuity. Planning to maximize your retirement distributions and transfer your 

wealth is not a one-time deal. Some of your most important decisions may not be made for 

years, or even decades. If you don’t expect your tax professional to still be working, you may 

want to ask what type of plan they have in place to make sure you will still receive the high 

level of advice you deserve when you need it the most.