Questions to Ask Before Hiring a CPA Firm in Matthews, NC

David Wurst
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Jun 02 2026 19:59

When you're choosing a CPA firm, it’s worth slowing down and asking a few smart questions up front. Here’s a quick summary of the most important things to evaluate before you commit: local accessibility, service scope, licensed CPA oversight, clear communication, and dependable year‑round support.

Individuals, self‑employed professionals, and small business owners in the Charlotte metro area often discover that working with a truly local CPA—like David N. Wurst, CPA, PA in Matthews, NC—feels far more personal, more consistent, and more helpful than national tax chains or software‑only solutions. Below are the key questions you should ask any prospective CPA firm before deciding whether they’re the right fit.

1. Are They Local, Accessible, and Easy to Reach When You Need Help?

Even in a digital world, most people still prefer having a real, local point of contact—especially when it comes to taxes, bookkeeping, payroll, or IRS notices. Local accessibility means you can call the office directly, schedule an appointment without jumping through layers of customer service queues, and talk to a consistent team that actually remembers your situation.

That’s one of the reasons many people choose a local CPA in Matthews, NC instead of a national chain. At David N. Wurst, CPA, PA, everything runs through one Matthews office, making communication genuinely simple and personal. You can learn more about the firm here: About David N. Wurst, CPA, PA.

2. Do They Offer the Services You Need Today—And the Ones You’ll Need Later?

Some tax offices only handle basic tax prep. Others focus strictly on business accounting. A full‑service firm should support you as your needs grow—whether you're an individual needing annual tax preparation or a small business owner who also needs bookkeeping, payroll support, business tax planning, QuickBooks help, or ongoing financial guidance.

When you're evaluating a Matthews CPA firm, ask for a clear list of services. Look for things like:

  • Personal tax preparation and tax planning
  • Self‑employed or contractor tax support
  • Small business accounting and bookkeeping
  • Payroll setup or outsourcing
  • Business tax services and year‑round consultations
  • QuickBooks setup, cleanup, and support
  • Help responding to IRS or NC state notices

You can explore the full list of who the Matthews office works with here: Who We Serve.

3. Will Your Work Be Reviewed or Prepared by a Licensed CPA?

This is a big one—and it’s something many nationwide tax chains can’t guarantee.

A licensed CPA has years of education, rigorous exam requirements, and ongoing professional standards designed to protect taxpayers. CPAs are trained to think beyond data entry: they help you plan strategically, avoid costly errors, and navigate complex situations with confidence.

David N. Wurst, CPA, PA is a licensed North Carolina CPA firm with CPA oversight at every level of service. When you're evaluating any firm, don't hesitate to ask:

  • Who will actually prepare or review my return?
  • Is the work overseen by a licensed CPA?
  • How long has the firm served clients in this area?

4. How Do They Communicate—and How Often?

Taxes and accounting shouldn’t feel mysterious. A good CPA firm communicates clearly, answers questions in plain English, and explains what’s needed and why. Look for signs of strong communication, such as:

  • Direct phone and email access to the local office
  • Staff who respond promptly during tax season and off‑season
  • Clear instructions for documents, deadlines, and next steps
  • A friendly, approachable tone that simplifies your to‑do list

Reviews can be extremely helpful here. See what local clients say about working with David N. Wurst, CPA, PA in Matthews: Client Reviews.

5. Do They Provide Year‑Round Support—or Just Seasonal Help?

Some tax offices open in late January and close as soon as April ends. That’s perfectly fine for very simple returns, but it doesn’t help much if you receive a letter from the IRS in July or need small business bookkeeping help in October.

A year‑round Matthews CPA office gives you peace of mind. Whether you're an individual needing tax planning, a self‑employed professional managing estimated taxes, or a small business owner navigating payroll or QuickBooks issues, support shouldn’t disappear after tax season.

When interviewing firms, ask:

  • Can I contact you anytime during the year?
  • Do you help with mid‑year business questions or IRS notices?
  • Do you offer planning meetings outside of tax season?

6. Why Do People Prefer a Local CPA Firm Over National Tax Chains?

Local firms stay connected to the community—they know the regional tax landscape, the types of businesses operating in the Charlotte metro area, and the North Carolina‑specific tax issues that national chains sometimes overlook.

Common reasons clients choose a local CPA in Matthews, NC like David N. Wurst, CPA, PA include:

  • Personalized attention from a small, consistent team
  • Licensed CPA expertise (versus seasonal data-entry-only tax staff)
  • Better long‑term relationships and ongoing support
  • Easier communication and quicker response times
  • Familiarity with local business needs and North Carolina tax rules

Many taxpayers feel more relaxed working with the same team year after year—especially when they can simply call the Matthews office directly and talk to a real person who already understands their situation.

7. Why Not Just Use Software?

Tax software is great for very simple returns. But software can’t interpret unusual or evolving tax situations. It can’t guide a new small business owner through quarterly estimated taxes, help a contractor sort out 1099 income, explain bookkeeping best practices, or troubleshoot QuickBooks issues.

A CPA firm can do all of that—and also help you avoid IRS red flags, plan ahead, and stay organized year‑round. Many individuals and small business owners save both time and stress by partnering with a local Matthews accountant who actively supports them throughout the year.

FAQ

What documents should I bring to my first meeting?

Bring last year’s tax return, W‑2s or 1099s, business records if applicable, and any IRS or state letters. A local CPA can walk you through anything else needed.

Does a CPA handle both individual and small business taxes?

Yes—firms like David N. Wurst, CPA, PA support individuals, the self‑employed, and small business owners with tax prep, planning, accounting, and QuickBooks help.

Do I need year‑round accounting support or just tax prep?

If you own a business, year‑round bookkeeping and support often prevents expensive errors and makes tax time smoother. Individuals typically benefit from tax planning during the year as well.

Can a CPA help with QuickBooks setup and cleanup?

Absolutely. Many small businesses rely on CPAs to get their QuickBooks file organized, fix past issues, and train staff on best practices.

Is local CPA support better than going to a seasonal tax chain?

For most people—yes. A local CPA provides licensed expertise, long‑term support, and a direct relationship you won’t get from seasonal, high‑turnover tax locations.

If you’re comparing CPA firms in the Charlotte metro area, we’d be happy to help you get started. Contact the Matthews office of David N. Wurst, CPA, PA today to discuss your tax or accounting needs and schedule an appointment.