How to Choose a Tax Advisor or Accountant for Physicians
Key takeaways
- Look for experience with physician contracts, practice entities, retirement plan design and multi-state returns.
- Know the credentials: CPAs, enrolled agents and tax attorneys can represent you before the IRS; a tax strategist focuses on planning.
- Ask for a written plan and an estimate of savings before committing.
Types of tax professionals
- Certified public accountant (CPA): state-licensed; prepares returns, can represent you before the IRS, and may offer planning.
- Enrolled agent (EA): federally licensed by the IRS for tax preparation and representation.
- Tax attorney: handles legal structuring, controversy and estate matters.
- Tax strategist or planner: focuses on proactive planning and often works alongside a preparer.
You can check a CPA's license through the state board of accountancy, and an enrolled agent's status through the IRS.
What matters most for physicians
- Experience with your income type: W-2, 1099, partner K-1 or practice owner.
- Knowledge of retirement plan design, including 457(b) and cash balance plans.
- Comfort with multi-state returns for locums, telehealth and commuting physicians.
- Familiarity with the state PTET and your state's professional entity rules.
- A planning process with projections and written recommendations, not only returns.
Questions to ask
- How many physicians or dentists do you work with, and in which specialties?
- Will I get a written tax plan, and how often will we meet?
- Who prepares and who reviews my return?
- How do you coordinate with my financial advisor and attorney?
- How are your fees set?
How GenWealth 360 works
GenWealth 360 is a tax strategy firm in Long Beach, California focused on physicians, dentists and medical practice owners, working with clients across the United States. Request a consultation to see whether our planning process fits your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Do physicians need a specialized CPA?
Not necessarily, but physicians benefit from an advisor experienced with physician contracts, practice entities, retirement plan design and multi-state issues.
What is the difference between a CPA and a tax strategist?
A CPA is a licensed accountant who may prepare returns and represent you. A tax strategist focuses on planning. Many physicians use both, coordinated.
Get a tax plan built for your situation
GenWealth 360 builds proactive, tax-first plans for physicians, dentists and medical practice owners in all 50 states. Start with a conversation about your income, entity and goals.
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Sources
This article is for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal or investment advice. Tax law changes often and its application depends on your facts. Figures reflect 2026 rules as published by the sources listed above. Consult a qualified professional before acting. See our editorial policy.