| When looking for a professional to handle your taxes, | | | | Agent working in a tax preparation company. Ask if |
| you need to make sure that you make the right | | | | you can meet with a CPA, enrolled agent or the senior |
| choice. There are many benefits of having a tax | | | | tax preparer. As you are charged by the number of |
| accountant handle your taxes, but you should ask | | | | tax forms necessary to file your taxes, you won't pay |
| plenty of questions before you place all of your most | | | | any more to talk to someone with more experience. |
| important information in a stranger's hands. | | | | Local tax firms offer specialize in individuals and small |
| Why would you need a tax accountant? Most people | | | | businesses. Make sure that you check out their |
| feel that they can handle their own tax situation, | | | | expertise to make sure that they can handle your |
| however, there are some benefits that make hiring | | | | taxes. Enrolled Agents have passed a rigorous test |
| someone well worth the cost. | | | | and a background check by the IS. They often |
| For example, preparing your own taxes can be quite | | | | specialize in complex tax situations. CPAs have |
| time-consuming and stressful. You can be left with a | | | | passed the CPA exam and are licensed by the state |
| lingering fear of an audit situation. Many people are | | | | they work in. They usually specialize in specific areas, |
| frustrated and confused -- which can lead to mistakes. | | | | such as audits, taxes or business consulting. They are |
| Hiring a professional gives your tax returns an | | | | best for complex accounting, however not all CPAs |
| increased level of accuracy. Your tax situation could | | | | will handle tax situations. |
| be quite complex, including stock market investments, | | | | Tax attorneys have chosen to specialize in tax law. |
| business dealings, rental properties and other tax | | | | They usually have their juris doctor degree and a |
| situations. If it is, you will need specialized advice. | | | | master of laws degree in taxations. They are great |
| If you have the goal of paying as little taxes as | | | | for handling your complex legal matters, such as |
| possible, a tax professional could be very helpful. He or | | | | estate tax returns. |
| she can provide you with detailed planning and advice. | | | | When meeting with a tax professional, you should ask |
| If you are facing a tax situation, such as the filing of | | | | some questions to ensure that you find an |
| back taxes, paying off a tax debt or fighting an audit, | | | | experienced, trustworthy tax accountant. |
| you shouldn't go through it alone. | | | | Make sure that you ask the following: |
| When looking for an experienced tax accountant, you | | | | - How long have you been in business? |
| need to make sure that you find the best professional | | | | - What licenses do you have? |
| for your financial situation. Ask your friends, family and | | | | - What tax issues do you specialize in? |
| business associates who they would recommend. It | | | | - Do you have experience in tax situations like mine? |
| helps to ask someone who has a similar tax situation | | | | - Do you outsource any work? |
| as you do. | | | | - How long will it take to complete my tax return? |
| Accountants should never promise you big refunds. If | | | | - What is your privacy policy? Will my information be |
| someone tells you that everything is deductible, you | | | | shared with any third-parties? |
| should be wary. You will be ultimately responsible for all | | | | - Am I currently paying too much, too little or just the |
| of the information on your tax return in the eyes of the | | | | right amount of taxes, in your opinion? |
| IRS, not your accountant. | | | | Tax accountants usually have very different attitudes |
| There is nothing wrong with switching accountants. If | | | | about the US tax system. You want to find one that |
| you aren't comfortable or feel that your accountant | | | | you can work well with and trust with your finances. |
| isn't right for your financial situation, you need to do | | | | You want to find an experienced, competent tax |
| what is best for your tax situation. Don't feel that you | | | | accountant who specializes in your situation and can |
| have to be loyal to your accountant no matter what. I | | | | help you minimize your taxes. |
| recently had a friend tell me that they stay with their | | | | After you have narrowed down your choices, perform |
| accountant because he is great at what he does, | | | | a quick background check. Contact your state's board |
| even if he doesn't let them take deductions that they | | | | of accountancy to check on the license. They can tell |
| qualify for. | | | | you if any disciplinary action has been taken against |
| If you have a relatively straight-forward tax return, | | | | the CPA. The IRS Office of Professional Responsibility |
| retail franchises could provide adequate services for | | | | can help you with Enrolled Agents, their licensing and |
| your needs. Some tax preparers are more | | | | their disciplinary history. |
| experienced. You often can find a CPA or an Enrolled | | | | |