Estate tax is one of those things many people don’t think about until they absolutely have to. Maybe someone close to you passed away, or perhaps you’re planning your own estate to make sure your loved ones aren’t left with a financial mess. Either way, hiring the right estate tax accountant is a serious decision—and not one you want to rush.
At Donna L. Stern, C.P.A., we’ve worked with high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and families who are navigating complex estate situations. If you’re in that same boat, here are five essential questions to ask before signing anything with an estate tax accountant.
-
What Kind of Experience Do You Have With Estate Tax Cases Like Mine?
Let’s get one thing out of the way: not all accountants are estate tax experts.
Just because someone has “CPA” after their name doesn’t mean they’ve handled the kind of estate situation you’re facing. Maybe you’ve got property in multiple states. Or maybe you’re dealing with family trusts, large charitable donations, or business succession plans. These things aren’t just line items—they can make or break an estate plan.
What to listen for: Look for specific examples, not just vague reassurance. A seasoned estate tax accountant should be able to talk about their experience with similar estates, tax strategies they’ve used, and common pitfalls they’ve helped clients avoid.
-
Can You Walk Me Through How You Work With Clients?
Estate planning and estate tax preparation are not one-time conversations. You’re not just dropping off a stack of papers and waiting for a call. A quality accountant should offer a structured, clear process—and they should be able to explain it in plain English.
Ask them how often they’ll communicate with you, what documents they’ll need, and how they handle updates to the estate or changes in tax law.
-
How Do You Stay Updated on Changes in Estate Tax Laws?
Tax laws don’t just change—they evolve. Estate tax laws especially can vary from year to year, and they can be wildly different depending on the state. One year, a specific deduction is available; the next, it’s gone.
That’s why it’s important to hire someone who doesn’t just know the laws—they stay on top of them.
Tip: Ask if they attend tax law seminars, are part of professional associations, or subscribe to legal/tax journals. You want a professional who takes continuing education seriously, especially in a specialized field like this.
-
What’s Your Fee Structure? Are There Any Additional Costs I Should Know About?
It’s perfectly normal for a top-tier estate tax accountant to charge premium rates. What’s not okay is being surprised by hidden fees later on.
Some accountants charge by the hour, while others use a flat fee for estate work. It’s smart to ask what’s included in that price. Will they be working with your attorney? Do they offer ongoing support if questions come up after the filing? Will there be extra charges for multiple filings or revisions?
A clear answer upfront can save you stress (and money) later.
-
How Do You Coordinate With Attorneys or Financial Advisors?
Estate planning often involves more than just your accountant. You might also have an estate attorney, a financial advisor, or even a trust officer. The best estate tax accountants know how to work as part of a team.
Ask how they coordinate with other professionals. Are they comfortable joining strategy meetings? Will they handle communication, or prefer you relay messages back and forth?
Bottom line: You want someone who can play well with others—especially when it comes to managing your financial legacy.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Wait Until It’s Urgent
Many people wait until there’s a major life event—an inheritance, a death, or a large financial move—before looking for estate tax help. By then, you’re often in damage control mode.
If you have significant assets or a complex family structure, it’s worth finding the right accountant before you need one. That gives you time to plan properly, ask the right questions, and feel confident about the future.
What Sets Donna L. Stern, C.P.A. Apart?
We understand that when you’re dealing with estate tax matters, you’re not just dealing with numbers—you’re dealing with legacy, family, and sometimes grief. Our clients come to us for more than just compliance. They come for strategy, insight, and peace of mind.
With over 40 years of experience in high-level estate and tax work, we’ve seen it all: multi-state estates, family business transitions, trusts with unique stipulations—you name it.
When you work with us, here’s what you can expect:
- Customized strategies tailored to your specific estate.
- Clear, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
- Ongoing support—because estate planning doesn’t stop at one conversation.
- Teamwork with your attorney or financial planner to ensure every piece fits together.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an estate tax accountant is a big decision. You’re trusting someone with sensitive financial information and asking them to guide you through some of the most complicated parts of the tax code.
It’s worth taking the time to ask the right questions, listen closely to the answers, and trust your instincts.
If you’re ready to talk about your estate tax needs, or just want a second opinion, Donna L. Stern, C.P.A. is here to help.
Need help with estate tax planning?
Contact Donna L. Stern, C.P.A. today for a private consultation. We work exclusively with clients who need personalized, expert-level estate tax services.