|
Many people use a professional tax return preparer to help them file their tax returns. If you plan to use a professional this year, be careful when you choose one. Even when someone else prepares your return, you, the taxpayer are responsible for all the information on the return. Thoroughly review the completed return before signing it and ask questions on entries you don’t understand. Never sign a blank form.
Most tax return preparers provide honest service to their clients, but there are unfortunately unscrupulous tax return preparers who can do great financial harm and cause legal problems for their clients. Examples of this are, filing tax returns and obtaining refund loans without W-2 forms, inflating personal or business expenses, false deductions, or unallowable credits.
The Internal Revenue cautions taxpayers to avoid persons or companies advertising, they can obtain a bigger refund than their competitors. Essentially all preparers should be able to come up with the same end result, providing they have the same identical information.
Make sure the tax preparer signs the return.
Check credentials. Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants(CPAs), and Enrolled Agents (EAs), may represent the public before the IRS in all matters. Other return preparers can only represent clients for audits in which they prepared the return. Avoid Professionals that advertise, being licensed by the IRS. The Office of Professional Responsibility(OPR), is the oversight office concerning tax practioners. OPR acknowledges they are not a Licensing agency, only an oversight branch of the IRS.
Ask family and friends whether they know anyone who has used the tax professional, and if they were satisfied with the service.
Ask how long the company in question has been in business.
Reputable professionals will ask numerous questions and ask for documentation of receipts and income. By doing so, they are trying to help the taxpayer avoid penalties, interest, or additional taxes that could result from an IRS audit.
Back to top
|
