Have you ever wondered if your accountant is truly working in your best interest—or just phoning it in until tax season ends?

Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, a business owner, or someone recovering from a tax mess caused by a previous firm, it’s important to recognize the warning signs early. At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we routinely onboard clients from other firms who say, “I just assumed this was normal… until I realized it wasn’t.”

Here are the top red flags that indicate your current CPA may be doing more harm than good—and what to do about it.

🚩 Red Flag #1: Your CPA Only Contacts You During Tax Season

A proactive advisor checks in throughout the year, especially when there are major tax law changes or opportunities to save. If your CPA goes radio silent 10 months out of the year, you’re missing planning opportunities that could save you thousands.

✅ Look for: Quarterly planning, regular reminders, or access to your advisor for financial decisions throughout the year.

🚩 Red Flag #2: They Don’t Return Calls or Emails Promptly

Communication isn’t just professional—it’s critical. If your accountant takes days or weeks to respond (or ignores you altogether), it’s a sign that they’re overwhelmed, disorganized, or not prioritizing your account.

✅ At Polaris, we have systems in place to respond within 24–48 hours, even during peak season.

🚩 Red Flag #3: They Can’t Explain Your Tax Return Clearly

If your CPA throws numbers at you without walking you through what they mean—or why they matter—you’re being left in the dark. You deserve to understand your return and how decisions affect your bottom line.

✅ We explain every tax return in plain English and include a projection for next year.

🚩 Red Flag #4: You Keep Owing the IRS With No Strategy

If you’ve been surprised by tax bills or IRS notices year after year, and your accountant never suggests how to fix it—it’s time for a new approach. Lack of planning is the #1 silent profit killer.

✅ We provide optional tax projections so you know where you stand before filing season.

🚩 Red Flag #5: They Don’t Offer Year-Round Tax Planning

The difference between a tax preparer and a tax advisor is planning. If your CPA doesn’t offer or even discuss strategies like:

  • S Corp tax optimization
  • Retirement planning (Solo 401(k), SEP-IRA, Backdoor Roth)
  • Quarterly tax reviews
  • Entity structure evaluation

…then you’re probably paying more in taxes than you should.

✅ See: Tax Planning for High-Income Earners in Plantation

🚩 Red Flag #6: You Have No Access to a Secure Client Portal or Mobile App

Still emailing documents? Still signing forms with pen and paper? If your CPA isn’t using modern, secure systems, it increases risk and slows down your response time.

✅ Polaris clients use the TaxDome Client Portal App—chat, e-sign, upload, and manage everything from your phone.

🚩 Red Flag #7: You’re Afraid to Ask Questions

If you feel dismissed, rushed, or intimidated when you ask questions, that’s a cultural problem. Tax is complicated—you deserve an advisor who educates, not condescends.

✅ We take the time to explain every strategy—and document it so you never feel unsure.

🔁 What You Can Do If You See These Red Flags

The good news? You can switch accountants at any time, even mid-year. And in many cases, your new firm can help you:

  • Pull IRS transcripts to assess the situation
  • Fix prior-year issues
  • Implement a tax plan moving forward

📌 Learn more here: If Your Old Tax Preparer Just Rebranded, Here’s What You Deserve to Know

Want a Second Opinion?

Polaris Tax & Accounting offers a free initial consultation to review your prior return and assess whether better options are available.

📍 Based in Plantation, FL, we help individuals and businesses across South Florida and nationwide switch to a proactive, year-round approach.

👉 Schedule a consultation today  if something doesn’t feel right.