| Taxes can be overwhelming which is why there is | | | | coming out, the process has become a much smaller |
| such a large market for tax preparation services. | | | | headache. |
| There are many different types of tax preparers and | | | | How to Choose |
| each title has certain requirements that must be | | | | When there are this many options to have your taxes |
| maintained in order to establish its position. Below is a | | | | done, the hiring process of a preparer becomes a |
| brief introduction to the different types of tax | | | | contest of who is the most qualified. People will trust |
| preparers available as well as some general tips on | | | | brands that they see on TV or advertisements, or |
| what to look for when choosing the right one to | | | | perhaps they will seek out an accounting educated |
| prepare your taxes. | | | | individual for advice or expertise. |
| General Tax Preparer | | | | By obtaining more knowledge on taxes and the |
| There are several different routes that are taken to | | | | different requirements that each preparer must go |
| become a general tax preparer. For larger companies | | | | through in order to obtain their designation, you will |
| like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt, they will | | | | have a better foundation on which to make your tax |
| provide their employees with training on how to serve | | | | preparation decision when it comes time to hire a tax |
| customers with their tax needs and how to spot | | | | preparer. |
| common tax return errors and omissions. | | | | Proper Credentials and Liability Coverage |
| Enrolled Agent | | | | Although a tax preparer's certifications and awards |
| Enrolled agents are required by the IRS to have 72 | | | | are one metric to base your decision on, one of the |
| hours of professional education every three years to | | | | most important factors is whether or not they are |
| retain their designation after passing a standardized | | | | covered with liability insurance. |
| test. | | | | If you're thinking about outsourcing your tax preparation |
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | | | | this year, make sure that the preparer is covered with |
| To become a CPA requires about five years of | | | | reliable insurance. This is a good indication that they |
| school and a very rigorous test. There are many | | | | take their job seriously and that if there are any errors |
| different options when it comes to filing your taxes | | | | or omissions with your tax documents, that there will |
| every year and with better software and training | | | | be insurance coverage to resolve your dispute. |