| Most income tax preparation services offer a | | | | that this is proprietary because it is tax information, but |
| legitimate, if over-priced, service. They help prepare a | | | | taxpayers can volunteer a testament of good |
| legitimate tax return. There are others, however, who | | | | business conduct with no risk or violation. |
| might prepare an illegitimate return to make extra | | | | Look for affiliations and memberships in things like the |
| money. | | | | Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business |
| Be careful of any income tax preparation service that | | | | Bureau. |
| promises to get you a refund, this is a good sign that | | | | Ask if they have any certification or accreditation. |
| this service is not legitimate. Such service cannot | | | | Find out how long they have been in business. Finding |
| guarantee you a refund before they know anything | | | | out how long they have been preparing taxes is a |
| about your finances. Such statements are frivolous. | | | | good barometer of how reputable their business |
| You should avoid any tax preparation service that | | | | dealings have been. Generally, the most reputable |
| charges a percentage of your tax refund as payment. | | | | income tax preparation services are the ones in |
| Ask yourself if you believe this person will be able or | | | | business the longest. |
| willing to support you in an IRS investigation. | | | | Ask them if they have ever supported a client in an |
| Check on his or her credentials. Only attorneys, | | | | Internal Revenue Service Tax Audit. |
| accountants, and enrolled agents have the right to | | | | Be sure to compare prices. When doing this, check out |
| represent the taxpayer in all matters. The income tax | | | | the rates of a small CPA office and compare them to |
| preparation service you hire can only support issues | | | | the major chains. You will certainly get a more qualified |
| regarding returns they have prepared. | | | | person t prepare your income tax return, and the fees |
| Ask for references from people for whom they have | | | | might be closer than you think. |
| prepared income tax returns. They might try to tell you | | | | |