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Before Hiring a Return Preparer…Tax season is less than two weeks away. This is the time when you should be looking for a return preparer to handle your tax return. Before you hire a return preparer, consider the following:
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Finding a Return Preparer:
• The best resource to use when finding a legitimate and professional return preparer is the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.
• You can conduct an online search of this directory for return preparers in your area. The directory includes CPAs, enrolled agents, and attorneys with their specific qualifications and credentials. It is available at the IRS website – IRS.gov.
• Using this directory will help you to avoid scam return preparers that try to defraud taxpayers by filing erroneous tax returns.
• Avoid return preparers that base their fees on the percentage of your tax refund or arrange to have your refund transferred to their account.
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Hiring a Return Preparer:
The majority of return preparers are honest professionals. However, you must be cautious when seeking someone new. Before you hire a return preparer, check the following:
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Personal Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
The IRS makes it mandatory for all practicing return preparers to have a valid and current PTIN.
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Contact Information
Scam return preparers disappear, leaving their clients in deep trouble with the IRS. Make sure you have the complete contact information of your return preparer, including his/her office address, phone numbers, PTIN, fax number, etc.
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History
A return preparer that has been in business for a long time and has returning clients is a better choice than someone without any history. If you can, check their years in service, the number of staff members, and the name of the owner.
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Customer Complaints
The Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission are reliable resources to look for customer complaints.
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Fees
Never agree to fee based on the percentage of the refund. Inquire about hidden fees or any extra fee that may be requested by the return preparer later.
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