A CPA is more than just a person who does your taxes. In this Money Matters Report, Time Warner Cable News’ Tara Lynn Wagner explains why you might want to make them a more vital member of your team.

Don't think of visiting your tax preparer as an annual chore to be checked off your to-do list. Instead, think of the classic line from Casablanca "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

That is because if you use a good CPA, he or she can do a lot more for you than just fill out your return.

"They are proactive versus reactive. You can do all kinds of planning with your CPA: tax planning’ financial planning, estate planning, retirement planning," says Alan Kahn, CPA at AJK Financial Group.

Granted for many people, the first contact they have with a CPA is simply to find someone to file their return and Untracht Early CPA Barry Kleiman says they are more than up to that task.

"As professionals we are always keeping up on our continuing education, things that are new in the law," he says.

They will also be there for you down the line, to represent you in the event of an audit.

"Gather all the documents for the client, with the client's help if needed, present it, either meet or present it to the auditor, explain what needs to be explained," says Kleiman.

However, CPA Alan Kahn looks even further into the future. He sees tax preparation as a gateway to a bigger discussion. For instance, a CPA might ask if you contributed any money to an IRA.

"If you did not, he can prompt you to consider that and he can also talk about retirement planning,” says Kahn. “Or if you own your business, he can help or discuss with you setting up a retirement plan for your business and possibly saving more taxes."

He says they can also talk about other important documents that do not necessarily fall under their umbrella, like whether or not you have a will or a healthcare proxy.

"The CPA doesn't prepare those documents but that CPA can become your quarterback to help you or lead you to the right individuals, whether it’s an attorney or someone else, to help prepare those documents and solidify your financial future," says Kahn.

And wouldn't that be a Hollywood ending.