IRS Tax Tips
AT-2006-06
January 10, 2006
Advice for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer
IRS Tax Tip 2006-06
Taxpayers who pay someone to do their taxes should choose a
preparer wisely. If you choose to use a paid tax preparer, it is
important that you find a qualified tax professional. Taxpayers
are ultimately responsible for everything on their return even
when it’s prepared by someone else. While most tax return
preparers are professional and honest, taxpayers can use the
following tips to choose a preparer who will offer the best
service for their tax preparation needs.
· Ask about service fees. Avoid preparers who claim
they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers, or those who
guarantee results or base fees on a percentage of the amount of
the refund.
· Plan Ahead. Choose a preparer you will be able to
contact after the return is filed and one that will be responsive
to your needs.
· Get References. Ask questions and get references
from clients who have used the tax professional before. Were
they satisfied with the service received?
· Research. 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. Find out if the preparer belongs to a professional
organization that requires its members to pursue continuing
education and also holds them accountable to a code of ethics.
· Determine if the preparer’s credentials meet your
needs. Are they an Enrolled Agent, Certified Public Accountant or
Tax Attorney? Only attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can
represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters including
audits, collection actions and appeals. Other return preparers
may represent taxpayers only in audits regarding a return they
signed as a preparer.
Report suspected tax fraud and abusive tax preparers to the
IRS by calling 1-800-829-0433.
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