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Picking out a tax pro
By Kay Bell • Bankrate.com
By signing your 1040 form,
you agree to abide by the tax law that holds you
responsible for paying your taxes, regardless of who prepares your
return. When it comes to collecting on mistakes, innocent or otherwise,
the Internal Revenue Service looks for the taxpayer, not the person
who filled out the forms.
So before you turn your tax life over to someone
else, make sure that the preparer is right for you and will do the
right thing when it comes to filing your taxes.
Credentials count
The easiest way to ensure you have a reputable preparer is to get
one who is accredited, says Cindy Hockenberry, an enrolled agent
and spokeswoman for the National
Association of Tax Professionals. She suggests you look for
a certified public accountant, an Enrolled
Agent, or a tax attorney.
"Typically, these preparers are required
to maintain continuing education credits to maintain their designation,"
notes Hockenberry. "This is a real plus for the taxpayers because
they will have some additional security knowing the preparer they
chose is up to date on the latest tax law changes."
Dig a little deeper
Once you locate a preparer with good credentials, dig a little deeper
into his or her background. Find out how long he or she has been
in the tax preparation business, Hockenberry says, and what services
are provided.
In addition, find out if the preparer belongs
to any professional organizations. "This indicates a dedication
to their chosen profession," says Hockenberry.
Rely on references
References are easiest to check when you use a preparer recommended
by family and friends. If you select someone totally new to you,
don't be afraid to ask for references and follow up with them to
see if they are satisfied with the service.
Comparison shop
Hockenberry also recommends checking the preparer's fee before any
work is done. "This will eliminate any surprises when you go
to pick up your return," she notes, "and will also tell
you if the preparer overcharges in comparison to other preparers
in your geographic location."
Year-round accessibility
And since tax issues can pop up anytime, find a preparer who will
be around, with regular office hours, after the April deadline.
"There is nothing more frustrating for a taxpayer than when
he or she cannot reach the preparer during the year," says
Hockenberry.
Most of the large tax preparation firms have
Web sites detailing franchise locations and operation hours. If
you decide to use an independent preparer, you can search the NATP
member
database by ZIP code to find a preparer near you.
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