1. Check the Preparer’s Qualifications. Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications on IRS.gov. This tool can help you find a tax return preparer with the qualifications that you prefer. The Directory is a searchable and sortable listing of certain preparers registered with the IRS. It includes the name, city, state and zip code of:
2. Check the Preparer’s History. Ask the Better Business Bureau about the preparer. Check for disciplinary actions and the license status for credentialed preparers. For CPAs, check with the State Board of Accountancy. For attorneys, check with the State Bar Association. For Enrolled Agents, go to IRS.gov and search for “verify enrolled agent status” or check the Directory. 3. Ask about Service Fees. Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of their client’s refund. Also avoid those who boast bigger refunds than their competition. Make sure that your refund goes directly to you – not into your preparer’s bank account. 4. Ask to E-file Your Return. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. Paid preparers who do taxes for more than 10 clients generally must file electronically. The IRS has safely processed more than 1.5 billion e-filed tax returns. 5. Make Sure the Preparer is Available. You may want to contact your preparer after this year’s April 18 due date. Avoid fly-by-night preparers. 6. Provide Records and Receipts. Good preparers will ask to see your records and receipts. They’ll ask questions to figure your total income, tax deductions, credits, etc. Do not use a preparer who will e-file your return using your last pay stub instead of your Form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules. 7. Never Sign a Blank Return. Don’t use a tax preparer that asks you to sign a blank tax form. 8. Review Your Return Before Signing. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions if something is not clear. Make sure you’re comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it. 9. Ensure the Preparer Signs and Includes Their PTIN. All paid tax preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN. By law, paid preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN. Be sure you get a copy of your return. 10. Report Abusive Tax Preparers to the IRS. Most tax return preparers are honest and provide great service to their clients; however, some preparers are dishonest. Report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS. Use Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. If you suspect a return preparer filed or changed the return without your consent, you should also file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit. You can get these forms on IRS.gov at any time.
14 Comments
5/17/2016 06:16:04 pm
Wow, I never thought about the advice that you shared about not signing a blank return. That seems like a great idea for someone new to taxes like me. I often feel out of my element when it comes to this complex process so I will be sure to find an expert to help me with tax services in the future. 11/4/2016 02:29:00 pm
I think it's interesting advice to make sure that your tax preparer offers e filing. I guess that I thought that that was the normal way to file taxes today. The comment that the IRS has processed 1.5 billion e filed tax returns makes me think that that is a really safe way to do it. It is also helpful because it is an instant delivery to the IRS. It still may take them a while to process it, but you will know that it got there on time and didn't get lost. I like that you point out that it is important to read over everything before you sign it. I can see why this would be useful to make sure that there are no mistakes before submitting it. My brother is able to claim himself on his taxes next year for the first time. I'll have to make sure he looks over everything before submitting them. My wife has always done our taxes and I think that hiring some professionals this year would be really helpful for her. You talked about making sure that your tax services are able to help beforehand, and how you want to avoid someone who is offering last minute help. I'm going to have to make sure that we're prepared when tax time comes with a good service to help us be squared away with everything! Thank you so much for talking about how you can use the IRS directory when looking for a qualified tax preparer. I can see that doing this can help you understand the qualifications needed for an accountant to work and know what to look for when looking for one. It is important to remember that taking the time to understand your needs and to get all your documents ready can help you save a ton of time when getting your taxes done. 2/28/2018 08:00:33 pm
I appreciate how you said that a tax preparer should have a history of education, qualifications, and experience. I also like how you mentioned that they should be able all your questions about prices and fees. My husband and I are looking into tax preparation services because we could use the extra help from a skilled professional. 5/2/2018 11:40:50 pm
I like your advice to check the qualifications and credentials of the tax preparer so that you can choose the one you prefer, such as if they're a CPA. Once you've determined the kind you need, it would probably be a good idea to check out their official website to learn more about their qualifications and skills. Their website could also tell you about their tax services so that you can ensure they can provide the work you require. 6/1/2018 10:49:57 am
My husband and I have been having some trouble keeping our finances straight, and we're looking to hire someone to help us plan our finances. Your article had some great tips for choosing a tax preparer, and I really liked your point to make sure you choose a person that offers an e-file of your return for easy access and review. Thanks for the helpful post, we'll be sure to keep this advice in mind when hiring a financial planner for our needs. 7/19/2018 08:51:17 pm
Thanks for the tip about asking if the tax preparer does e-file returns since the IRS has process over 1.5 billion e-filed tax returns so it would easily be done. My husband and I just got married in the spring so we wanted to find an accountant that could help us with our taxes when we have to file them since we'll have to do them jointly now. We'll have to ask around and find a preparer that does e-files so we'll know it will get to the IRS quickly and will be processed smoothly, that way we won't have to worry about filing our joint taxes. 8/15/2018 03:54:26 pm
I have been looking into getting a tax preparation service for some assistance. It would be helpful to have some insights into qualities of a good preparer. Checking the PTIN of the preparer will be a great way to check their credibility. 1/16/2019 10:30:44 am
My husband and I didn't get as much back on our tax return last year as we thought we would, so this year, we want to hire a professional that will get us the return we deserve. Your article had some great tips for choosing someone like this, and I liked how you said to thoroughly read our tax return before signing it, and to ask questions if something isn't clear. We should only sign the return if we're comfortable with it, and we'll keep this in mind when choosing the tax preparer best for our needs. 4/25/2019 06:14:46 pm
The other day my sister told me that she is looking into getting a tax prep service. She wants to get her taxes done right this year. It might be wise for her to get the preparer's PTIN to make sure that they are a legit service. Leave a Reply. |
Pat Kolodziej
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