Tax Planning

How to Find a Competent Tax Preparer Close to Home

How to Find a Competent Tax Preparer Close to Home

On November 13th, 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy, in which he said, “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

The notion of death and taxes being the only certainties in life has become part of the United States’ historical lore, and still holds true to this day. In fact, annually, when Tax Day nears, millions of American panic because they don’t fully understand how to file their taxes and get the best possible refund. 

This is where tax preparers come in. From sea to shining sea, there are qualified CPAs who are ready and willing to help you with tax preparation year after year. 

Finding a competent local tax preparer, though, can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never worked with one of these financial professionals in the past. Here, you’ll find a helpful guide that will make it simple to choose the best CPA in your area. 

1. Know your tax preparation needs.

The easiest way to become overwhelmed by choosing a local CPA firm is to not know what your needs really are. If, for example, you are a small business owner who pays estimated quarterly taxes, your tax needs are not the same as someone who has a W2 job that withholds taxes throughout the year. 

Knowing what your priorities are when it comes to selecting a tax professional will help you eliminate options that don’t suit your requirements, ultimately giving you the ability to create a useful shortlist quickly and efficiently. 

2. Ask for proof of a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).

All qualified certified accounting professionals will have Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs). The IRS requires that anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation have a valid PTIN. 

Note that those who volunteer their services for tax help – like friends or family members – do not need PTINs. However, if you hire a local CPA, it is required by law for his or her PTIN to be listed on your tax return.

3. Go one step further, and require additional credentials.

It is not actually difficult to obtain a PTIN, so if you want to feel secure about your new tax preparer’s level of competence, require additional credentials as well. While it’s a foregone conclusion that you will only be looking at professionals who have their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure, there are other credentials to look for as well. 

Among these is the IRS Enrolled Agent designation. EAs have to go through a variety of IRS training before receiving their certification, like completing the IRS’s Annual Filing Season program. 

Among the courses that can help tax experts fulfill this requirement are the Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor option and the Accredited Tax Preparer option. Maintaining these certifications requires varying degrees of coursework, exams, and continuing education. 

4. Read reviews. 

Reviews go a long way toward helping people just like you decide which area tax preparer is the best fit. If you’re down to a handful of CPA firms and you can’t choose your favorite, begin diving into reviews around the web – most accountants and tax professionals have reviews on multiple websites, including Google, Facebook, and Yelp. 

If you discover that one of the CPAs you’re considering has significantly better reviews than his or her competitors, your decision just became that much easier!

5. Don’t consider tax preparers who don’t e-file. 

While it might not initially seem like a big deal if a tax preparer doesn’t e-file returns for clients, this is actually a huge red flag. The IRS requires any preparer who works with more than ten clients to use the e-filing process.

If therefore, you happen upon a local CPA who isn’t e-filing, it means that he or she isn’t working with very many clients. This could simply mean that his or her firm is new to your area but it’s best to err on the side of caution, as it could also indicate that past clients haven’t been happy with their results. 

These tips will put you on the right path to finding a federal tax preparation expert who can help you file your tax returns for years to come!

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Steward Financial

Steward Financial

Jon Osborn is a tax preparer based in San Dimas, California. His company, Steward Financial Services, offers a broad range of tax preparation, accounting and business consulting for small businesses. He loves to work with clients who are looking for answers to complex tax and business planning issues. He has owned several small businesses and worked with over one hundred small business owners. He helps his individual and business tax clients find the best ways to spend their money in order to minimize IRS tax. Small businesses looking to grow, sell or just increase cash flow are one of Jon's specialties.

Steward Financial Services
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California

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