How do you find a CPA or EA?

[Like2Plan]

I might need some professional assistance this year for a couple of specific tax problems. One is related to DH's old employer understating his income on a W2.
Old employer assured DH that a corrected W2 had been mailed over a week ago. I have tried not to stress over it too much because there is not much I can do. (On the other hand, I have little faith that the new W2 will be correct).

Since I can't do our taxes until we get this information, I googled the topic What to do if your W2 is wrong and you can't get it fixed. The Ask answer suggests form 4852 (and because it is an unusual tax situation, it might be a good idea to get the help of an Enrolled Agent, a CPA or a tax attorney. )

So, I was wondering how do you find a good CPA or EA?

I tried the Society of CPAs (for VA) and it only returned 1 name in my area. The address looked like a home address instead of a work address. (That seem dodgy to me).

I tried the Society of Enrolled Agents (for VA)--I was able to find more names in my area (only 1 with a CPA--with a work address)--so, a little better results. And, I'm not sure what an Enrolled Agent is.

[Diolla]

I don't know how to find a CPA or EA, although I would not count out one with a home address many work out of their home offices, get a reference or two from them, Tax prep is a seasonal business and working without a permanent business address reduces overhead (and your cost). A CPA with an office probably does other things and just does taxes on the side or for their business customers.

An EA is an Enrolled Agent and is someone who is licensed to represent you in front of the IRS. They usually only do taxes because that is their specialty. CPA's do business bookkeeping and financial statements etc. as well. In fact many do not know taxes as well as EA's or registered tax preparers.

A substitute W-9 is not that big of a deal if you have the last pay stub from the former employer. You can use the information from that to fill out the form.

[Like2Plan]

Diolla,
Thx for the info.

[sandrark]

We found ours through word-of-mouth. DH owns his own business, so we asked other business owners and professionals who they used.

We wanted an EA for the tax representation piece; DH does his own books, so no need for the CPA part.

For other services, in recent years we've used Yelp - the comments are typically helpful, and it gives us a few names to start the winnowing process with.

[Like2Plan]

sandrark,
Thx, I'll give Yelp a try. I hadn't thought of Yelp for finding professional services, though I have used it for restaurants (and found some new favorites as a result. )