Finding CPA for Special Needs Trust Tax Planning/Preparation

[Michael16]

I'm the trustee on a Special Needs Trust (SNT) established in 2024. The legal side of the trust is taken care of by our special needs and estate planning attorney but I'm in need of a qualified CPA to prepare and file the SNT tax returns.

I've had little success finding a CPA that specializes in SNTs. Can anyone provide advice on how to find a qualified CPA in my state that understands the nuances of SNTs for tax planning and preparation?

[rjs]

Ask your attorney to recommend a CPA or an Enrolled Agent (EA) who can handle the taxes for your Special Needs Trust.

Do you know anyone else who has a Special Needs Trust? Ask them who they use for taxes.

You might need a firm rather than an individual practitioner.

[Michael16]

Thanks for this.

I've asked our attorney who recommended a group, but I've called twice now and they've yet to return my call.

I've read about filings for SNTs and for our situation it doesn't sound terribly complicated (since it's a grantor SNT, I could probably do it myself, but I'd feel better having a professional guide me through at least the first year). I could also use someone with a deeper understanding of coordinating the SNT with an ABLE account and other special tax planning considerations.

It's been tough separating the wheat from the chaff when it comes to CPAs.

[BillM223 · Accepted solution]

You might look at your state's society of CPAs (in Texas, it's the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants); they may be able to give you a list of CPAs who claim expertise in this area. They might not be able to recommend a single best one, but it may turn out that you have only one such firm in your area (which would solve your problem).

[Michael16]

This is really helpful. I've searched firms and advisors using my state's society of CPAs and found a few that look promising. I appreciate the suggestion.