| More than ever before taxpayers in the U.S. have | | | | to talk to the preparer. So look for a preparer whose |
| choices about how they file their returns. As a | | | | office is open year round, not just during tax season. |
| taxpayer, you can do online tax filing or filing by mail. | | | | While it is not essential, it is helpful if your tax preparer |
| You can choose different software for online filing, or | | | | provides you with resources and information to help |
| even use free e-filing. You can do it yourself or get | | | | you understand and learn more about income taxes. |
| assistance with income tax preparation. And you have | | | | The more you know, the better choices you can |
| choices about whether your refund is deposited in a | | | | make. |
| checking or savings account or sent directly to you. | | | | If a tax professional guarantees you will get a refund |
| If you do decide to seek help with filing your returns, it's | | | | without asking you questions or examining your |
| important to choose your tax preparer carefully. First | | | | financial situation, walk away. A tax preparer who |
| of all, you want someone who has a good | | | | claims to have a special relationship with the Internal |
| understanding of taxes. How do you know that? You | | | | Revenue Service that can save you money is making |
| can ask friends, family, coworkers, or associates for | | | | a false claim. Look for someone who charges a flat |
| referrals to tax preparers they think are | | | | fee rather than a percentage of your return. Never |
| knowledgeable and reputable. You can also consider | | | | sign a blank return, and don't trust someone who asks |
| how long a preparer has been in business. Look for a | | | | you to. |
| person or group who are associated with national | | | | Even if you hire someone for mail-in or online income |
| professional associations. Choose someone with | | | | tax preparation services, you are still responsible for |
| relevant expertise; if you have a small business, for | | | | the accuracy of your return. If you don't understand |
| example, hire a tax preparer with experience in | | | | something, ask questions until it makes sense to you. |
| preparing taxes for small businesses. If you want help | | | | By signing your return you are confirming that |
| filing online, find a professional with experience in that | | | | everything on it is accurate to the best of your |
| service. Participation in continuing professional | | | | knowledge, so review everything very carefully before |
| education is a good sign that the tax preparer is | | | | you sign. Make sure the tax preparer has filled in and |
| keeping up to date on the latest tax issues. | | | | signed the section of the form specifically for |
| Some tax preparers set up shop just for tax season, | | | | preparers. And be very sure to keep a copy of the |
| and then cannot be reached after April 15th. It's best to | | | | return for yourself. Even if you do online tax filing, print |
| choose a professional you can contact in the future if | | | | out a copy of your return just to be extra sure you |
| you need to. If your refund is delayed or the Internal | | | | have it on hand. |
| Revenue Service questions your return, you will want | | | | |