Published: Sunday, December 7, 2008
Tips for choosing a tax preparer
As the financial crisis continues to play out, the ongoing uncertainly has underscored the need for many of us to get our financial houses in order.
Indeed, the slumping economy has made many of our personal finances more complex this year than they were in the past. As a result you may be thinking about looking for a tax preparer.
It's never too early to plan, so you may want to start asking around for references. As you start your search, we offer some tips from the Internal Revenue Service on how to choose a tax preparer:
1. Avoid preparers who market themselves as being able to obtain a larger refund than other firms.
2. Stay away from preparers who guarantee results or base fees on a percentage of the refund.
3. Understand that a preparer will ask for receipts and ask plenty of questions to determine your eligibility for certain deductions. So don't be put off.
4. Determine the preparer's credentials: Is the person an enrolled agent -- a tax law specialist -- a certified public accountant or a tax attorney? Only preparers with these certifications can represent taxpayers before the IRS.
5. Choose a firm where you know exactly who will be preparing your return and that it won't be delegated to a junior staffer.
6. As a final safeguard, check with the Better Business Bureau or other regulatory agencies, such as the state bar association, to determine if the person has any history of questionable conduct.
Associated Press
Indeed, the slumping economy has made many of our personal finances more complex this year than they were in the past. As a result you may be thinking about looking for a tax preparer.
It's never too early to plan, so you may want to start asking around for references. As you start your search, we offer some tips from the Internal Revenue Service on how to choose a tax preparer:
1. Avoid preparers who market themselves as being able to obtain a larger refund than other firms.
2. Stay away from preparers who guarantee results or base fees on a percentage of the refund.
3. Understand that a preparer will ask for receipts and ask plenty of questions to determine your eligibility for certain deductions. So don't be put off.
4. Determine the preparer's credentials: Is the person an enrolled agent -- a tax law specialist -- a certified public accountant or a tax attorney? Only preparers with these certifications can represent taxpayers before the IRS.
5. Choose a firm where you know exactly who will be preparing your return and that it won't be delegated to a junior staffer.
6. As a final safeguard, check with the Better Business Bureau or other regulatory agencies, such as the state bar association, to determine if the person has any history of questionable conduct.
Associated Press
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