How can I find accountants in the southeast who are specifically knowledgeable about agricultural estate tax?

Question

How can I find accountants in the southeast who are specifically knowledgeable about agricultural estate tax?

Answer 1

I would use the National Association of Enrolled Agents search function.

An enrolled agent is a tax preparer who has passed the IRS battery of tests.  They are the only ones who have - Tax Attorneys and CPAs aren't even tested by the IRS unless they also want to become an EA.  So an EA is the only person that has proven to the IRS to be an expert in tax matters.

The EA professional society, the NAEA, has a search engine so you can find their members by city, state, and field of specialization.

You can find it at:

https://portal.naeacentral.org/webportal...

You can select the specialization of farms or of estates and trusts (and a ton of others).  In your case, I would select estates and trusts.

Answer 2

I would check with any land grant colleges in your area.  MSU in Lansing Michigan runs an annual tax school that focuses on farming issues.  Their web site has a way to find accountants who have taken their school. http://www.canr.msu.edu/taxschool/

You might try Googling "Farm Tax School" plus your state or a nearby state.

If you know farmers, ask them for accounting referrals.  Any tax preparer who does farm returns should be able to handle the estate taxes, or know someone who does.

You should probably look for someone who is an enrolled agent.

The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation certifies small business accountants with the ABA or Accredited Business Accountant designation.  ABA's specialize in small business accounting, while CPA's (Certified Public Accountants) are trained in GAAP which public corporations are required to follow.  Some CPA's prefer to work with small businesses.  Look for an ABA or CPA.

You could call an accounting organization in your area.  

The National Society of Accountants should be able to help you find a local association.  Or Google CPA's or Independent Accountants.