Why Would a CPA Call Me? And What Should You Do?
Understand why a CPA may contact you and how to effectively manage these professional communications.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed financial professional who provides a range of services, including tax preparation, financial planning, and business consulting. CPAs are regulated by state boards of accountancy and adhere to specific ethical and professional standards. Receiving a call from a CPA is a common occurrence, often indicating a normal aspect of managing your financial affairs or exploring professional services.
Calls Related to Existing Client Engagements
CPAs frequently initiate contact with their existing clients for various reasons, for information exchange and service delivery. They may call to gather necessary documents for tax preparation, such as W-2s, 1099s, or K-1s. Clarification on financial statements or details supporting tax deductions is also a common reason for outreach. These requests ensure accuracy and compliance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations.
CPAs provide updates on ongoing work, such as tax return status or audit notices. Regular communication helps keep clients informed about their financial progress. CPAs also reach out to schedule meetings for reviewing completed financial reports or discussing year-end tax planning strategies, which can involve assessing estimated tax payments or potential deductions. Furthermore, calls may pertain to advisory services, offering guidance on financial planning, business operations, or compliance with new regulations. These interactions are expected as part of the professional relationship, ensuring that financial matters are handled comprehensively.
Calls for New Client Opportunities
CPAs often make calls to individuals or businesses who are not yet established clients. One common scenario involves following up on an inquiry, such as through a website form or phone call. Such calls are direct responses to expressed interest in their services.
Another reason for a CPA to call is a referral from an existing client or professional contact. These referrals are built on trust and often lead to productive initial conversations. CPAs also engage in professional outreach, sometimes based on publicly available information like new business registrations, to introduce specialized services that might be relevant to the individual’s circumstances. While less common for direct unsolicited calls to individuals for general tax services, some CPAs network and offer their expertise through business groups or industry events, which can lead to direct outreach. These initial contacts are focused on exploring how the CPA’s services can meet the potential client’s specific financial or business needs.
Understanding Unsolicited or Unexpected Calls
An unsolicited call from someone claiming to be a CPA requires careful consideration to ensure legitimacy. Verify the caller’s identity by asking for their full name, firm name, and contact information. A legitimate CPA will readily provide this information. Question any caller who pressures for quick decisions or demands immediate payment; these are common red flags for fraudulent schemes.
Before sharing sensitive personal or financial information, verify the caller. Cross-reference the CPA’s firm name and phone number with public records or the firm’s official website. Many state boards of accountancy offer online license lookup tools to verify a CPA’s active license status and check for disciplinary actions. Call the firm back directly using a phone number from their official website or a state board directory, rather than a number provided by the caller. If uncomfortable or suspicious, decline to share information until you can verify the caller’s identity and purpose.