One out of two Canadians hire an accountant for income tax services
VANCOUVER, Feb. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - The Certified General Accountants of Canada (CGA-Canada) today launched the Need an Accountant website, the first searchable, national directory of CGA public practice professionals.
The Need an Accountant website offers a convenient, comprehensive and free online service to easily locate certified general accountants (CGAs) in communities across Canada. This new tool makes it easier for users to compare professionals by using the industry sector or services offered search criteria to assist in deciding which firm to work with. At the same time, the search directory gives public practice firms an opportunity to promote their businesses to potential clients.
"We are pleased to launch this site and bring value to the public and our members," says Anthony Ariganello, CGA-Canada's President and CEO. "Taxes represent one of the many services, including assurance, that CGAs provide and now there is a tool to help individuals and businesses find the right professional in time for tax season."
A survey1 commissioned by CGA-Canada found that one in two Canadians hired a professional accountant to prepare their personal income tax return. Three in ten affirm that they completed their own, while two in ten report that they enlisted the help of a friend or relative.
"With so many Canadians looking for accounting services, we saw an opportunity to increase accessibility to CGAs across Canada and provide information on tax resources available to both businesses and the general public," Ariganello continued.
Canadians using the search tool can select a location, an industry or an area of expertise and obtain the chosen accountant's office coordinates, driving directions and map. These details can then be directly emailed to a user's mobile phone.
Also available in time for tax season, CGA-Canada offers a tax portal with a list of professional development courses offered by PDNet, essential tax resources such as the 2011/12 Personal Tax Planning book, a printable, at-a-glance 2012 calendar of important tax dates, and tax news and tips.
To find an accountant, visit http://www.needanaccountant.org/
To browse Canadian tax resources, visit http://www.cga-pdnet.org/en-CA/pd/Pages/taxes-in-canada.aspx
1 A survey regarding Canadian views on Tax Simplification was completed by Nanos Research in June 2011.
Note to editors: CGAs in your area are available for interviews. A list of Top 10 tax tips and copies of the Personal Tax Planning Book can also be provided.
About CGA-Canada
Founded in 1908, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada serves 75,000 Certified General Accountants and students in Canada and more than 90 countries. Respected accounting and financial management professionals, CGAs work in industry, finance, government and public practice. CGA-Canada establishes the designation's certification requirements and professional standards, offers professional development, conducts research and advocacy, and represents CGAs nationally and internationally.
For more information on CGA-Canada visit:
www.cga.org/canada
www.facebook.com/cgacanada
www.twitter.com/cgacanada
Angela Salehi
Communications Advisor
Telephone: 604-605-5138
Email: [email protected]
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