Choosing Your Accountant

1. Talk to your property manager and ask about a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) experienced in Non-Resident tax issues. A CPA is similar to a Certified Chartered Accountant in the U.K.
2. Talk with other property owners.
3. Speak to the Chamber of Commerce and ask for their recommendation.
4. Schedule a consultation with the CPA firm to insure adequate experience, good communication skills, and appropriate credentials. Beware that in Florida anyone can offer bookkeeping, tax, and consulting services with no credentials whatsoever. Protect your investment by only using licensed Certified Public Accountants. The designation represents extensive education and professional testing in all areas of accounting, auditing, business law and taxation.
5. Many non-residents start off in the US with a purchase of rental property. The next step is often the purchase of a business. Be certain that your CPA has experience in and is qualified to provide small business acquisition and start-up consulting tailored to non-residents.