How to Choose a Tax Professional

Many people today choose not to do their own tax returns. You have to remember that no matter who does your taxes you are still responsible. However most tax preparers are honest and reliable in their profession. Choosing one is not that difficult and won’t take that long.

• Ask friends and business associates. Many times great tax preparers are right where you live and you would never find them. Start out by asking your close friends and associates to see whom they use.


• Once you have located a preparer check their qualifications. Just because someone has done taxes for a long time doesn’t mean they are qualified to do them. Question to see what education they have and any professional associations they may belong to. Ask for references. A new law in 2011 means they all have to have a preparer tax identification number, do they?


• Find out what the fee will be. There are large differences between tax preparer’s fees everywhere. Do not let them base a fee on what you get back or because they say they can get you a larger refund.


• Never sign a return that isn’t filled out completely. If your preparer ever asks you to sign anything that isn’t completely filled out you should be looking for a new one immediately.


• Make certain they sign and use their new preparer tax identification number. It is now a law that they have to sign the form and put their PTIN on the form. They must also provide you with a copy of your return.


• Check prior to signing. Look the return over very carefully and ask as many questions as you can prior to submission to the IRS. Be comfortable with it and when you are, then sign it.