Home & family
No accountant, lawyer or advisor? What to write instead
Most people don't have one. That's useful to know too.
The template asks for your accountant, lawyer and financial advisor. Many people don't have any of them, and writing "None" is a real answer. It tells your family they won't find a professional who already knows your situation.
What helps in their place
- Who does your taxes: yourself with software (and which one), a tax prep chain, or a friend
- Where past tax returns are kept
- Any lawyer you've used before, even once, for a house closing or a will
- Any bank or brokerage contact you've spoken with
Where families often find help later
- Probate court self-help centers, which many counties run for free
- Legal aid offices, for people with limited income
- Your state bar association's lawyer referral service, which often offers a low-cost first meeting
- IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), which prepares returns for free for people who qualify
Good to know
If you write "None" now, you can come back and add a name if you ever hire someone.