Unassigned

• Oct 29, 2007 4:18 pm US/Eastern
• Digg | Facebook | E-mail

  Close WindowE-mail This Page

  Tips for Choosing A Tax Preparer

  Required fields are marked with an asterisk(*)

  ---

  • Recipient E-mail:* 
  • • Your Name:* 
    • Your E-mail:* 
  • Add a Message:
  •   Send me a copy of this e-mail.

  • Type the characters in this picture:* Click here to refresh with new letters

  ---

  The information you provide will be used only to send the requested e-mail and will not be used to send any other e-mail communications. Read more in our Privacy Policy

  Send E-mail

  | Print

Tips for Choosing A Tax Preparer

Taxpayers thinking about hiring someone to prepare their returns had better choose wisely -- and beware of fraudulent activity.

Choosing A Tax Preparer:
Source: IRS.gov

• Avoid tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers

• Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of the refund

• Use a reputable tax professional who signs your tax return and provides you with a copy for your records

• Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the preparation of your tax return months, or even years, after the return has been filed

• Review your return before you sign it and ask questions on entries you don't understand

• No matter who prepares your tax return, you (the taxpayer) are ultimately responsible for all of the information on your tax return. Therefore, never sign a blank tax form

• Find out the person's credentials. Only attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters including audits, collection and appeals. Other return preparers may only represent taxpayers for audits of returns they actually prepared. (Additional text in italics added Feb. 4, 2005.)

If you suspect a tax preparer is guilty of fraud, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-0433.

Additional Resources:

IRS Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer
Tax Preparer Fraud
Report Suspected Tax Fraud