6 Great Tips For Selecting A Professional Tax Preparer

If the thought of sitting down with a file box of receipts, a calculator, and a blank 1040 fills you with dread, it may be time to contact a professional. But how do you choose?
Here are some questions to ask, before turning over your documents to a tax preparer.

• What credentials do you have? This includes degrees, certifications, and memberships in national organizations. Every person who prepares taxes for a fee is required to be registered, and will have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. Your paid preparer is required to sign your return and include their PTIN. If your preparer is not willing to do so, do not file with them.
• How long have you been preparing taxes? While everyone was new at some point, do you want to entrust your taxes to a person who just finished their certification classes? Particularly if you have a complex return, you will want someone with experience, who has a broad understanding of tax law.
• How do you determine your fee? Understand that the more forms needed to complete your return not only increases the time spent, but also the cost of preparation and filing. Also, arriving to your appointment prepared, with copies of relevant documents organized, will result in a lower fee than if your preparer needs to sort through a shoebox of random papers. Be sure that your preparer gives you a copy of each form being filed before you leave. Keep in mind that the level of education of your preparer will also impact the fee. Never hire a preparer who works for a percentage of the return.
• Are you available year-round if I have questions? Although the first quarter of the calendar year is typically thought of as tax season, issues crop up throughout the year that need to be dealt with, and you will want someone who is knowledgeable and able to answer your questions as needed. This will also reduce your stress levels come tax season next year, because you won’t have waited until the last minute.
• What happens if I’m audited? Will your tax preparer be available, and legally permitted, to represent you, either by mail, phone, or in person, as needed? Has your preparer been through many audits? While it can be comforting to have someone who knows the ropes, if they’ve been audited several times, they may not be careful enough with their deductions. Keep in mind, you are ultimately responsible for your return.
• How much experience do you have filing my type of claim? This is especially important if you have special requirements, such as living in a different state than you work, owning a small business, or having moved recently. Are there any new tax laws that will impact your return? A paid tax preparer should be aware of these.

We know that tax season can be stressful. Whether it’s organizing and digitizing your files, scheduling appointments, or planning a post-tax getaway, Reston Concierge is here to help.