Re: Can you use out-of-state accountants?

"Scott T. Jensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> What I'm wondering is if accountants for a business must be ... or
> should be .... in the state that business is in.  In other words,
> could an accounting firm adequately handle the books if they're in a
> different state?

I don't see why not, at least for a non-certified accountant. Handling the 
books is a fairly straightforward task, suitable for a bookkeeper. When 
handling tax issues it helps of course if they are familiar with the 
state's tax laws. If you're hiring a CPA, which I believe are credentialed 
within their state, reciprocity laws may exist, allowing them to be 
considered credentialed in other states.

>  Or is there some reason why you should only look for
> an accounting firm within your own state?  State tax laws perhaps?  If
> it matters, I'm in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Check out this site, which seems to provide information on who may be 
considered a CPA in Wisconsin:

http://www.drl.state.wi.us/Regulation/applicant_information/dod139.html