What's the difference between tax planning and tax preparation?
Tax preparation is filing the return for a year that's over. Tax planning looks ahead, so next year's return comes out better: which accounts to use, when to take income, and which deductions to set up. Some advisors do both; many plan and work with your preparer.
What's an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax specialist licensed by the IRS who can prepare returns and represent taxpayers before the IRS, like a CPA can. EAs focus only on taxes.
How do I check a financial advisor's record?
Look them up on the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site (IAPD), linked from each advisor here, or on FINRA BrokerCheck. Both show where they've worked, their registrations and exams, and any customer complaints or disciplinary actions.
What does fee-only mean?
A fee-only advisor is paid only by their clients, through a percentage of the assets they manage, a flat or subscription fee, or an hourly rate. They don't earn commissions on products they sell. "Fee-based" is different: it usually means fees plus commissions.
What is a CFP® professional?
Someone certified by the CFP Board after finishing college-level coursework in financial planning, passing the CFP® exam, gaining years of relevant experience, and agreeing to its ethics standards, including acting as a fiduciary when giving financial advice.
What is a fiduciary?
An advisor who's legally required to put your interests first. Registered investment advisers owe their clients a fiduciary duty under federal law. Brokers follow a separate "best interest" rule when recommending investments. Ask whether an advisor is a fiduciary for all your accounts, all the time, and get the answer in writing.
How are financial advisors paid?
Usually one of four ways: a percentage of the assets they manage each year, a flat or subscription fee, an hourly rate, or commissions on the products they sell. Some combine them. Each one changes what you pay and can change what they recommend.
What is Form ADV?
The form every registered investment advisory firm files with the SEC or its state. Part 2, the brochure, explains in plain language the firm's services, fees, conflicts of interest and disciplinary history. You can read it on the SEC's IAPD site.
How do I choose the right financial advisor?
Check their record, read their firm's brochure, and ask how they're paid. Then ask who they usually work with, what's included, and how often you'll talk. A first meeting is usually free, and it's fine to talk to more than one advisor.
