Many people hire a professional when it’s time to file their tax return. If you pay someone to prepare your federal income tax return, the IRS urges you to choose that person wisely. Even if you don’t prepare your own return, you’re still legally responsible for what is on it.

 

Here are ten tips to keep in mind when choosing a tax preparer:

 

1. Check the preparer’s qualifications.  All paid tax preparers are required to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN. In addition to making sure they have a PTIN, ask the preparer if they belong to a professional organization and attend continuing education classes.  Thomas Fortuna, The Tax Guy continually takes classes to learn tax changes.

 

2. Check the preparer’s history.  Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the preparer has a questionable history. Check for disciplinary actions and for the status of their licenses.  The Tax Guy has a 100% clean record!  Call 203-684-3512 or email Tom@TheTaxGuy.us for an appointment today.

 

3. Ask about service fees.  Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who say they can get larger refunds than others can. Always make sure any refund due is sent to you or deposited into your bank account. Taxpayers should never deposit their refund into a preparer’s bank account.  At The Tax Guy, all refunds go directly to the tax payer. 

 

4. Ask to e-file your return.  Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. Any paid preparer who prepares and files more than 10 returns for clients generally must file the returns electronically. IRS has safely processed more than 1.2 billion e-filed tax returns.  At The Tax Guy, electronic filing is FREE! Call 203-684-3512 or email Tom@TheTaxGuy.us for an appointment today.

 

5. Make sure the preparer is available.  Make sure you’ll be able to contact the tax preparer after you file your return – even after the April 15 due date. This may be helpful in the event questions come up about your tax return.  Unlike storefront tax services, The Tax Guy is open YEAR ROUND.  No disappearing act on April 25!

 

6. Provide records and receipts.  Good preparers will ask to see your records and receipts. They’ll ask you questions to determine your total income, deductions, tax credits and other items. Do not use a preparer who is willing to e-file your return using your last pay stub instead of your Form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules.

 

7. Never sign a blank return.  Don’t use a tax preparer that asks you to sign a blank tax form.

 

8. Review your return before signing.  Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions if something is not clear. Make sure you’re comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.  Thomas Fortuna, The Tax Guy, always reviews your return right in front of you, an takes the time to explain every number until you are satisfied.  Call 203-684-3512 or email Tom@TheTaxGuy.us for an appointment today.

 

9. Ensure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN.  Paid preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN as required by law. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.

 

10. Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS.  You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS. Use Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. If you suspect a return preparer filed or changed the return without your consent, you should also file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit. You can get these forms at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

 

Informed consumers love The Tax Guy.  Call Thomas Fortuna at 203-684-3512 or email Tom@TheTaxGuy.us for an appointment today.