INSIGHT

5 Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Current Tax Preparer 

Edmond Zhou • January 28, 2026

Services: Private Client Services

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Tax season shouldn’t feel like a scramble. Yet for many people, it does. Often, the issue isn’t just about taxes themselves. It’s about whether your tax preparer is truly serving your evolving financial needs. 

As your life changes, whether through career advancement, investment growth, major purchases, or retirement planning, your tax situation becomes more complex. The person who helped you file a simple 1040 five years ago may no longer be equipped to handle where you are today. 

So how do you know when it’s time to make a change? 

Top Signs You’ve Outgrown your Tax Preparer 

This article will walk you through five clear signs that you’ve outgrown your current tax preparer and need someone who can grow with you. 

1. You Only Hear from Them Once a Year 

Does your tax preparer disappear after April 15th, only to resurface the following tax season? If so, you’re missing out on valuable year-round support. 

Tax preparation shouldn’t be a once-a-year transaction. Your financial life doesn’t pause between filing deadlines, and neither should your tax strategy. Major life events, like getting married, buying a home, changing jobs, or receiving an inheritance, all have tax implications that need to be addressed when they happen, not months later. 

A good tax preparer stays engaged throughout the year. They check in proactively, answer questions as they arise, and help you make informed decisions in real time. 

“The best time to call your CPA is before you make the decision, not after,” says Edmond Zhou, a Partner in BPM’s Private Client Services Group. “By the time clients come to us after executing a transaction, their options are limited. Some mistakes can be corrected, but it’s almost always more expensive to fix than prevent—and certain tax consequences are permanent. When clients involve us proactively, we can help structure decisions to optimize their tax position and avoid pitfalls that could have lasting financial impact.” 

2. There’s No Planning Happening 

Here’s a critical distinction: tax preparation and tax planning are not the same thing. 

Tax preparation is backward-looking. It’s about reporting what already happened. Tax planning is forward-looking. It’s about strategically positioning yourself to minimize your tax burden in the years ahead. 

If your tax preparer only asks for your documents, runs the numbers, and files your return without discussing strategies to reduce your future tax liability, you’re not getting the full picture. 

Are they talking to you about: 

• Roth conversions? 
• Tax-loss harvesting?
• Estate planning? 
• Estimated tax payments? 
• Retirement contribution strategies? 
• How to structure income from side businesses or rental properties? 

If these conversations aren’t happening, you’re leaving money on the table. 

3. They Don’t Ask About Your Life Changes 

Did you get a promotion with stock options? Start a side business? Move to a different state? Have a child? If your tax preparer isn’t asking about these changes, they’re not paying attention. 

Life changes trigger tax implications. A good tax preparer doesn’t wait for you to volunteer this information, they actively ask questions and probe for updates that could affect your tax situation. 

When someone takes a hands-off approach and simply processes whatever documents you send, they can’t provide the tailored guidance you need. Your taxes should reflect your unique situation, not a cookie-cutter approach. 

4. You Don’t Understand Your Return 

Do you know why you got a refund or owed money? Can you explain the deductions on your return? Do you understand how your withholding affects your take-home pay? If the answer is no, your tax preparer isn’t educating you. 

You shouldn’t feel confused about your own finances. A good tax preparer takes time to explain your return in plain language, walks you through the key numbers, and helps you understand the “why” behind everything. 

When you understand your taxes, you can make better financial decisions throughout the year. You’ll know whether to adjust your withholding, when to make estimated payments, and how different choices will impact your bottom line.  

5. Your Situation Has Become More Complex 

Maybe when you started working with your current tax preparer, you had a straightforward W-2 and a standard deduction. That was enough back then. 

But now things look different. Perhaps you have: 

• Multiple income streams 
• Investment accounts with dividends and capital gains 
• Rental property 
• A small business or freelance work 
• Kids heading to college 
• Aging parents you support financially 
• Estate planning considerations 

If your financial situation has evolved but your tax preparer’s services haven’t, you’ve outgrown them. Complexity requires someone who can navigate the nuances and find opportunities you didn’t even know existed. 

Learn more about our Private Client Services

Making the Switch to BPM   

Recognizing these signs is the first step. The next step is finding a tax preparer who views your financial success as a partnership that can grow along with your needs.  

At BPM, we believe tax preparation should be just one piece of a comprehensive approach to your financial life. We provide year-round support, proactive tax planning, and personalized strategies that adapt as your life changes. Our team takes time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and ensure you feel confident about every decision. 

To schedule a consultation and discover how strategic tax planning can make a real difference in your financial future, contact us.