Hi,

We had a visiting physician-specialized accountant give us a talk and offer her services. After several e-mails with her, she says she can obtain $12k-$15k worth of deductions from a two-resident childless couple, which is slightly above the $11.4k standard deduction.

I do not own a home and do not have any other large deductions. She plans to deduct ~$3500 auto / person + $2000k books, as well as others. I am in the 25% fed + 9% state bracket.

She is charging $400. If I can at least break even using her services, then I'd do it, as it will be a learning experience for how I should be changing my future behavior to obtain maximum deductions.

Before I sign the papers, does her offer + projected deductions sound reasonable?

If the CPA you are hiring will do nothing more than fill out your tax forms, I think $400 is a lot to pay.

If the CPA will be building a long-term relationship with you, begin educating you on smart moves to help you minimize your taxes over time, and make an effort to teach you tax planning strategies and techniques in addition to completing your paperwork, then $400 is a fair fee.

Zip Code: 01801

Mr. Schwartz, do you exclusively work with physicians? Do you have any recommendations for CPAs who only work with physicians that is located in the central NJ area? (I am a NJ resident).

The best place to find a listing of all of the CPAs who are members of The MDTAXES Network is www.mdtaxes.com/offices.html. You can find the contact info for 3 NJ CPAs on that page.

Please let me know how it works out if you end up having your taxes done by one of the MDTAXES CPAs.

Zip Code: 01801