A tax professional is someone with the right experience, qualifications, and know-how to help you with your tax return. A tax professional maintains up-to-date on tax laws, regulations, and rules, which every year has a profound effect on how much you get back or owe in your tax return and on what deductions you can use. Tax professionals can help you prepare your tax return and keep it current. Tax advisors can help you fill out your tax returns and make sure they’re submitted on time.
So How do you find a good Tax Professional?
The IRS has a website called ‘pages’, which is where you will go to look for a tax professional. Each state has its own website to find tax preparers, or you can check out individual state government websites. There are also many websites online that have lists of certified public accountants (CPAs), or CPAs that have earned the right to be called ‘Certified Public Accountants’. You want to be careful when considering choosing a tax professional because some are just after your money. Many tax accountants are collection agencies. If they collect your paychecks or call you at odd times offering you great deals, beware. Some tax accountants may claim to be ‘friendly’ with IRS auditors. While they may claim to be friendly with auditors, it is important to realize that this is where you can take the risk.
Ask a lot of questions, Read Client Testimonials, and Ask about the Experience
The best tax accountants will prepare your tax returns with all of the accuracy and completeness that you expect and deserve. If you don’t take the time to learn how to prepare your own tax returns, you could be setting yourself up for big trouble later. You need to find the right tax professional to help you manage your tax. When selecting a tax professional or accounting firm, you need to do your homework. Check references and reviews. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the first CPA or tax preparer you come across. It may seem like a quick way to get your tax return done, but it could end up costing you money in the long run. Ask a lot of questions. Read client testimonials and ask about their experience with each tax preparer. How long have they been working with tax preparers? What kind of record do they have?
National Association of Certified Tax Professionals
Ask other CPAs about their experiences with different tax preparers. There are also forums where people discuss their experiences with tax attorneys, CPAs, and CPAs. If you don’t know anyone who uses tax attorneys or CPAs, you can always check with the National Association of Certified Tax Professionals. Their directory of certified tax advisors contains links to CPAs with a good reputation. If you do your research, you will find that there are tax accountants who are experienced with all kinds of tax preparation issues. They will have solid credentials and will likely have recommendations from their clients. Choose the one that you feel comfortable with and has good credentials.
Check the Tax return Preparer Credentials
Be sure to check the tax return preparer credentials of a tax professional that you consider hiring. Do not choose the first one you find. Do as much research as you can before making your decision.
Training and Certifications a Tax Professional has
Find out what types of training and certifications a tax professional has. Ask for references or talk to the local or state tax bureau. The tax bureau may have records on file for tax accountants that have been licensed. Also, you can check with the National Association of Certified Tax Professionals. The National Association of Certified Tax Professionals is an organization that sets the standards for tax advisors. They help other tax advisors get accredited by passing an ethics standards test so you know you are working with the right tax pros. When you have decided on a few tax advisors to interview, make sure you ask them the same questions when choosing a tax professional to prepare your federal tax returns. Are they familiar with the small business tax regulations? Do they understand how the laws apply to self-employed persons? Do they have a way to prove their competency as a preparer tax identification number (PTIN)?
In Short
You should also ask them about their fees and what is involved in preparing your tax returns. Are there additional charges for using a payroll processor or a certified public accountant (CPA)? Are there any costs for setting up a federally approved accounting system? Do they provide assistance with preparing your social security numbers, passports, birth certificates, and records on child support, rent payments, court orders, and driver’s licenses? Do they provide assistance with filing the federal tax return and answering questions on qualifying audits?
