Tax Strategies & Credits

7 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Tax Preparer

12/23/2015

There are many reasons as to why you may be looking to hire a tax preparation expert to help you prepare and file your taxes this year. Perhaps you've never had to file taxes before, or maybe you've encountered a confusing change in your tax situation this year; regardless, a tax preparer can assist you in making sure you aren't leaving any money on the table and that your taxes are filed accurately. Before you hire a tax preparer to work with you, however, there are some important questions worth asking.

Do You Have a Valid Preparer Tax Identification Number?

First and foremost, understand that all legal tax preparers are assigned a unique preparer tax identification number (PTIN). This number verifies that the tax professional is legally allowed to accept compensation in exchange for tax preparation services. Make sure that your tax professional's PTIN is valid for the current tax year.

It's also wise to ask not only about the tax preparer's credentials, but whether he or she had to complete a background screening before you engage their services. After all, that person is going to have access to your personal information, such as your social security number, birth date, financial account information and bank account numbers just to mention a few.

What Experience Do You Have With My Tax Situation?

No two tax situations are exactly the same, which is why you'll want to find a preparer who has specific experience with your unique circumstances. For example, while any tax preparer should be able to help you complete and file a basic 1040-EZ, you may need a more specialized preparer for more complex tax situations. Perhaps you were married in the past year and you and your spouse are trying to determine whether it makes more financial sense to file jointly or separately. Or, maybe you just completed your first year as a self-employed worker and you don't know the first place to start when it comes to filing your self-employment business returns.

Whatever your unique tax situation, ask your prospective preparer how familiar he or she is with it and how many similar tax returns he or she has successfully handled.

What Kinds of Documentation Do You Need From Me?

While your tax preparer will be taking on the majority of the responsibility when it comes to filling out forms and filing them as needed, it's important to understand that you'll still have some responsibilities as well. Most importantly, you'll need to provide your tax expert with the documentation he or she needs to accurately complete your return. Find out ahead of time what kind of materials your preparer will need from you. Some common documents you'll probably need to provide include:

earnings statements (W-2s, K-1's, 1099s, etc.)
income and expenses from your business if self-employed
receipts for expenses you plan to itemize your deductions
informational statements for the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) reporting ( 1095-A, 1095-B and 1095-C)
prior years' tax returns

Be wary of a tax preparer who claims he or she can complete your tax return with pay stubs instead of an official W-2. This is forbidden by the IRS and could get you into trouble, in addition to being less accurate than a W-2.

How Do You Determine Your Fees?

Finding out how much your tax preparer charges for preparing a return and how he or she calculates fees is another important step in choosing the right tax preparation expert for your needs--especially if you're on a budget. There are a few different methods tax preparers may use to determine their fees for any given client. For example, for simple 1040-EZ returns, the preparer may charge a flat fee. On the other hand, for more complex tax situations, it's not uncommon for preparers to calculate the fee based on the complexity of the return, sometimes determined by how many forms need to be completed. While others will base the fee on an hourly rate. Be leery of preparers who base their fee on a percent of your refund, which is both illegal and unethical.

For comparison's sake, keep in mind that the average cost to hire a professional to prepare a basic 1040 is about $250. However, rates can fluctuate greatly based on your situation and even your location within the United States. Regardless of the cost, you'll want to find a tax preparer who is transparent and up-front about his or her fees.

Are You Authorized to File My Return Electronically?

This may seem like a no-brainer, especially in today's age of electronic everything. However, it's a question worth asking because not all tax preparers are eligible for electronic filing on behalf of their clients. This is something that tax preparation experts need to seek additional permission to do. Still, there are numerous benefits to being able to file electronically, including faster acceptance and quicker receipt of your refund (if you're owed one). You can actually check directly through the IRS website to find out whether or not your preparer is authorized to electronically submit tax returns.

Will You Be Around After Tax Season?

Generally, it's best to avoid those tax preparation offices that pop up around tax time and then mysteriously disappear after April. While these facilities can offer cheap services, the problem is that they don't tend to be available for follow-up questions or concerns. For example, if it turns out that there was a mistake made on your return or even a missing form, you may not be able to get in touch with your tax preparer to assist you in making it right. For the best results (and greater peace of mind), you're better off working with a tax preparer who's available year-round and has excellent communication skills.

What Will You Do if I Get Audited?

Let's be honest: the chances of your return being audited are very slim. However, it's still a good idea to have a plan in place in the unlikely event that the IRS audits you. Simply filling the forms out incorrectly triggers many audits and misinterpreting the tax laws is a reason to carefully select a preparer. You'll want to make sure that your tax preparer will step in to assist you throughout the audit process and even represent you as needed. And of course, if the audit was a result of his or her mistake, corrections should be made at no additional cost to you.

These are some of the most important questions to ask a tax preparer before signing a contract. If you're looking for tax preparation experts who are experienced, highly trained, and have passed thorough background screenings, TaxBuzz is here to help.

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Lee Reams II

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I am a tax and business news junkie who has spent the last 20 years developing and executing "best in class" word-of-mouth marketing campaigns for tax and accounting professionals. With TaxBuzz and CountingWorks we have taken that same commitment to quality content directly to the consumer. Keeping you up-to-date with the latest tax law changes, business growth tips and planning strategies to help you reach your best financial outcome.

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You agree that: (i) the Website shall be deemed solely based in California; and (ii) the Website shall be deemed a passive website that does not give rise to personal jurisdiction over Taxbuzz or CountingWorks, Inc., either specific or general, in jurisdictions other than California. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the internal substantive laws of the State of California, without respect to its conflict of laws principles. Any claim or dispute between you and Taxbuzz that arises in whole or in part from the Website shall be decided exclusively by a court of competent jurisdiction located in Los Angeles County, California. These Terms and Conditions, together with the Privacy Policy at https://www.taxbuzz.com/t/privacy and any other legal notices published by Taxbuzz on the Website, shall constitute the entire agreement between you and Taxbuzz concerning the Website. If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of these Terms and Conditions, which shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term of this these Terms and Conditions shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term, and Taxbuzz's failure to assert any right or provision under the Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. YOU AND TAXBUZZ AGREE THAT ANY CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE WEBSITE MUST COMMENCE WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES. OTHERWISE, SUCH CAUSE OF ACTION IS PERMANENTLY BARRED.
Liability Limitation and Usage Guidelines for TaxBuzz AI:
Limitation of Liability:

TaxBuzz AI is a tool designed to provide tax professionals with assistance in generating responses to tax research questions. While we strive to maintain the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, it is imperative to recognize that tax laws are dynamic and subject to change. Therefore, the use of TaxBuzz AI should be complemented by professional judgment and consultation with legal and tax experts.

By utilizing TaxBuzz AI, you acknowledge and agree that the information generated should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances. We explicitly disclaim any liability for the consequences arising from the use of advice generated by TaxBuzz AI. Users are encouraged to independently verify the information and seek professional advice before making decisions based on the AI-generated responses.

Usage Guidelines:
- Professional Judgment: TaxBuzz AI is a tool to aid tax professionals in research and analysis. It is not a replacement for professional judgment, and users should exercise their expertise when interpreting and applying the information generated.
- Consultation with Experts: While TaxBuzz AI provides valuable insights, it is crucial to consult with legal and tax experts to ensure the advice aligns with the latest legal developments and specific nuances of a particular situation.
- Verification of Information: Users are responsible for independently verifying the information provided by TaxBuzz AI, especially in instances where the advice generated is critical to decision-making.
- Educational Purposes: TaxBuzz AI is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific legal or tax advice tailored to individual circumstances.
- Non-Endorsement: The use of TaxBuzz AI does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of the accuracy of the information provided. Users are encouraged to corroborate the advice with other reliable sources.
By accessing and using TaxBuzz AI, you agree to abide by these terms and acknowledge the limitations outlined herein. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time, and your continued use of TaxBuzz AI constitutes acceptance of any such modifications. If you do not agree with these terms, please refrain from using TaxBuzz AI.

TaxBuzz.com is a service of CountingWorks, Inc., 2549 Eastbuff Drive., #448 208, Newport Beach, CA 92660

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