Experience turns abstract knowledge into pattern recognition. It helps a professional notice issues sooner and anticipate what tends to go wrong.
Relevant experience beats raw years
Twenty years of simple individual returns may not prepare someone for complex partnership restructuring. Five concentrated years in a specialty may be more relevant. Ask about the kind of work, not only the calendar.
Ask about categories, not client names
A professional should protect client confidentiality. You can still ask how often they handle S corporations, inherited IRAs, multistate businesses, IRS examinations, stock compensation, or rental portfolios.
Ask what typically goes wrong
An experienced professional can usually describe recurring mistakes and decision points in your type of situation without discussing any specific client.
Ask when they refer out
Experience should make someone more—not less—aware of where specialist help may be needed.