How to Choose the Best Preparer for Your Income Taxes

Each year, it seems as though all of the laws pertaining to taxes become more convoluted and impossible to understand. If you are filing anything other than a 1040-EZ form, you might need the help of a tax preparer. If you make a mistake on your taxes, it could become a costly problem financially and legally.

 

Having a tax preparer can make things much easier, but you need to use caution when you are choosing someone to help you, even when you have referrals.

When you are looking for help with your taxes, the Internet is a great way to start your search. You will be able to find all of the tax specialists in your area, and you can learn about each of the preparers before you call one. Learn as much as you can about the preparer through their site and other links on the web. If they have a blog or articles on their site, read them to get a better feel for the tax preparer’s specialties. You must also check to see if he or she has any complaints lodged against them.

To make sure that the tax preparer is able to file your taxes, they need to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN. Check to see that the preparer is working to the letter of the law and has all of the licensing requirements to prepare your taxes.

The cost is also going to be important. You need to make sure that you know what the fees are going to be for your taxes. Check to see what the preparer includes in the cost, and whether you’ll be billed separately or if the tax preparer will take his or her charges directly out of your tax refund.

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