accounting certification? How often do i have to renew my cpa test?
I'm planning on takeing the CPA exam in the next 6 months and was wondering how often i need to take that test to renew my accounting certificate? 1 year, 2 year 5 years or is that one test I take good for my life?
The standards vary from state to state but in general, once you pass the CPA exam you don't need to take it again. However, you will have to take continuing education courses to keep your license current.
How much does your CPA charge for doing your self employed tax return?
My CPA charges me about $350, but had to charge me $500 this year because I had to deal with a short sale and he said he had to do extra forms and also do extra research. Did I get ripped off?
It is very common in the tax industry to charge by the amount of work that goes into a return. The more complex the return the more that will be charged.
What is the best way to hire an internal CPA for a small business?
We are a small business that provides financial services and have a need for a CPA but been having trouble finding one. Where do resources should I use to find one?
There are lots of recruitment agencies that might be able to help you - per the first answerer.
Here is another one http://www.teamexec.com.au/
I have no connection or receive any commission from them. I think they "specialise" in looking after small businesses. (I think)
I think recruitment is a tricky process. Have you been trying to advertise? Maybe the job is not described properly in the ad? That could be a turn off. Maybe the job ad is too vague. Different accountants have different skills and specialisations - if it's too vague I personally would just move on to the next ad, rather than trying to figure out what that vague ad is trying to say.
If you don't know whether the job is too vague or not - yeah - maybe a recruitment agent can help. Maybe. It's probably best to use the agent that someone else that you know have previously used.
How do I find a CPA to Endorse my application?
I have passed the CPA exam and have practical experience, but I do not work for or with a licensed CPA. Maryland requires my license application to be endorsed by a licensed CPA. Anyone been in this situation or have any advice?
I'm not sure about Maryland, but in CA and a lot of other states, you have to work under or with a licensed CPA after passing the exam for so many hours (usually around 500 or so). Then, they sign off that you've worked those hours in the required areas. It's not just a signature- it's being endorsed that you've performed the work under their supervision.
So, unless Maryland has some very different licensing requirements than any state I know of, my advice to you is to get a job with a CPA firm (or a private company with a CPA in the accounting dept.) Then you'll have to do at least the minimum required hours of work under their supervision before you can get licensed.
Good luck to you, and congratulations on passing the exam. :0)
What undergraduate major do you need to be to become a cpa?
If I want to become a cpa, do I need a major in business or accounting? Right now I'm majoring in sociology and plan to minor in accounting. I just plan to get a bach degree in sociology and go get my MBA. But if I want to become a CPA, is a undergrad degree in business/accounting a must?
Every state is different on their requirements to become licensed, but as another answerer said, I do not believe any state specifically requires an accounting degree. Most require a "bachelors degree with XX number of hours in Accounting courses" or something along those lines. Florida is like that, my bachelors degree was in Finance - I just took the extra Accounting courses needed for the CPA exam.
you can check state requirements here:
http://www.beckercpa.com/state/index.cfm
Ideally, the best place to check is with your state's board of accountancy, but since it's so hard to get answers from BOA, maybe you can go here and ask someone who's already done the leg work for you:
http://cpanet.com/CPA_forum/default.asp
that is a forum full of folks currently taking the exam. There's even a separate section for "state-related questions."
Good luck! I swear there were times when I thought figuring out the states requirements to be a CPA was more difficult than the exam itself!
What is the cheapest way to get a CPA designation in NYS?
I have a bachelors degree in Business/Finance and an MBA and wanted to go back to school to get my CPA. What is the most cost effective way to do this in NYS? What are the minimum requirements? I don't want to do a stint in public accounting? Do I have to?
You can read the requirements by following the link below. You'll need to take the exam, pass it, get the experience and pay some fees
What are the advantages of using a CPA over using tax software or a tax preparation service?
Do you get more money back using a CPA or not? What advantages do they offer? Are they worth the money?
First off not every CPA prepares Tax Returns. CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant, and like attornies or doctors they deal with certain specialties. If you want a professional tax preparer who is up to date with the latest tax laws and is used to dealing with the specifics of your financial picture look for a CPA that specializes in Tax Preparation or find an EA (Enrolled Agent) who is licensed to prepare taxes and defend you in the event of an audit, CP2000 letter, or other tax concern. Tax software is very generic and only useful for a very basic tax return unless you are able to keep up with tax law changes yourself. Not much better would be a retail tax outlet like H&R Block who on the whole are less concerned with accuracy and more concerned with getting you in & out quickly with a refund rather you are due one or not.
If a CPA makes a mistake on your tax return, should he issue a refund?
I had a CPA prepare my tax return. We gave the information late minute but he did a good job. However, I received a letter from a state agency saying a county tax was not paid. CPA admitted he did not pay enter that tax on the state tax return . The tax owned is less than $500. Should the CPA issue a refund for this services? For how much?
He should pay the additional interest owed if any, but not the tax itself.
How difficult is it to pass the CPA exam without having majored in accounting?
I have a BS in Business Administration plus plan to take over 24 extra hours (junior college classes) in accounting. Ideally, I could study on my own from there to pass the CPA exam. Is this possible/realistic?
Yes, possible. At the end of the day the knowledge that you acquired depends on your own determination on top of what sort of information that you have received. Ie, back when there's no internet, finding information is harder that it's now. You basically depends on books/ notes & it's not easy to find them as well.
Nowadays, you can search for resources (incl solved problems), bookmark them & starts reading & do the exercise yourself. That's the only way of really acquiring a knowledge. You see/ read, you'll forget. You do, then you remember.
How does one obtain the work experience needed for CPA certification?
i'm pursuing my associates degree in accounting. id like to eventually be CPA certified. Do you work a job specifically tailored for those who are pursuing the certification, kind of like training? im confused, because ive poked around the web a bit and it seems like you have to already be CPA certified.
yes, planning on going to grad school after my 2 yrs 
You have to work under the supervision of a public accountant in order to get the experience for the CPA. You will also need to get a bachelors since you won't have the full 27 hours of accounting from getting an associates degree. You can email me at myennui08@yahoo.com if you want more info, I'm trying to get mine as well.