Tax Tip - 2009 Tax Tip #6 - Choosing a Tax Preparer


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1/11/2010 - 2009 Tax Tip #6 - Choosing a Tax Preparer

Eight Tips to Help You Choose a Tax Preparer

The IRS urges people to use care and caution when choosing a tax preparer.　 Remember, you are legally responsible for what’s on your tax return even if it was prepared by an another individual or firm.

Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. However, unscrupulous tax return preparers do exist and can cause considerable financial and legal problems for their clients.　 Therefore, it’s important to find a qualified tax professional.

The following tips will help you choose a preparer who will offer the best service for your tax preparation needs.

1. Check the person’s qualifications Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics.

2. Check on the preparer’s history Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the state’s board of accountancy for CPAs or the state’s bar association for attorneys.

3. Find out about their service fees Avoid preparers that base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.

4. Make sure the tax preparer is accessible　 Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after April 15, in case questions arise.

5. Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return Most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items.

6. Never sign a blank return Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.

7. Review the entire return before signing it　 Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.

8. Make sure the preparer signs the form　 A paid preparer must sign the return as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return.　 The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.

You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888.　 Download Form 3949-A from IRS.gov or order by mail at 800-829-3676.　　　　　　

Links:

· Form 3949-A Information Referral (PDF 94K)

Where Do You Report Suspected Fraud Activity?

Source - www.IRS.gov

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For questions concerning this article and/or its contents listed herein, contact Lesemann & Associates, PLLC CPAs.

For assistance in tax planning and preparation of your Federal & State Income Tax Returns, please email Lesemann & Associates, PLLC CPAs (Info@LesemannCPA.com) or go to our Contact Us page. We will respond as soon as possible to your questions.

If you are looking for an experienced CPA firm in Charlotte NC, Lake Norman NC, Huntersville NC, Cornelius NC, Davidson NC, Mooresville NC, surrounding cities or even South Carolina, please contact Lesemann & Associates, PLLC CPAs.

CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: IRS regulations require us to advise you that, unless otherwise specifically noted, any federal tax advice in this communication (including any attachments, enclosures, or other accompanying materials) was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties; furthermore, this communication was not intended or written to support the promotion or marketing of any of the transactions or matters it addresses.