{"id":904,"date":"2021-05-11T00:45:14","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T00:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.degencpa-titan.com\/test\/?p=904"},"modified":"2021-05-24T20:56:12","modified_gmt":"2021-05-24T20:56:12","slug":"ten-tips-for-choosing-a-tax-preparer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.degencpa-titan.com\/test\/ten-tips-for-choosing-a-tax-preparer\/","title":{"rendered":"Ten Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/h6>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for all the information on their income tax return. That\u2019s true no matter who prepares the return.\u00a0Here are ten tips for taxpayers to remember when selecting a preparer:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Check the Preparer\u2019s Qualifications.<\/strong>Use the\u00a0\u201cIRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications<\/a>\u201d.\u00a0 This tool helps taxpayers find a tax return preparer with specific qualifications. The directory is a searchable and sortable listing of preparers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Check the Preparer\u2019s History.<\/strong>Ask the Better Business Bureau about the preparer. Check for disciplinary actions and the license status for credentialed preparers. For CPAs, check with the State Board of Accountancy. For attorneys, check with the State Bar Association. For Enrolled Agents, go to the\u00a0verify enrolled agent status<\/a>\u00a0page on IRS.gov or check the\u00a0directory<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Ask about Service Fees.<\/strong>Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of the refund or who boast bigger refunds than their competition. When asking about a preparer\u2019s services and fees, don\u2019t give them tax documents, Social Security numbers or other information.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

         <\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Ask to E-File.<\/strong>Taxpayers should make sure their preparer offers IRS e-file. The quickest way for taxpayers to get their refund is to\u00a0electronically file<\/a>\u00a0their federal tax return and use direct deposit.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

           <\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Make Sure the Preparer is Available.<\/strong>Taxpayers may want to contact their preparer after this year\u2019s April 17 due date. Avoid fly-by-night preparers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

             <\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Provide Records and Receipts.<\/strong>Good preparers will ask to see a taxpayer\u2019s records and receipts. They\u2019ll ask questions to figure things like the total income, tax deductions and credits.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

               <\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Never Sign a Blank Return.<\/strong>Don\u2019t use a tax preparer who asks a taxpayer to sign a blank tax form.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Review Before Signing.<\/strong>Before signing a tax return, review it. Ask questions if something is not clear. Taxpayers should feel comfortable with the accuracy of their return before they sign it. They should also make sure that their refund goes directly to them \u2013 not to the preparer\u2019s bank account. Review the routing and bank account number on the completed return. The preparer should give you a copy of the completed tax return.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Ensure the Preparer Signs and Includes Their PTIN.<\/strong>All paid tax preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. By law, paid preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Report Abusive Tax Preparers to the IRS<\/strong>. Most tax return preparers are honest and provide great service to their clients. However, some preparers are dishonest. Report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS. Use\u00a0Form 14157<\/a>, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. If a taxpayer suspects a tax preparer filed or changed their return without the taxpayer\u2019s consent, they should file\u00a0Form 14157-A<\/a>, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for all the information on their income tax return. That\u2019s true no matter who prepares the return.\u00a0Here are ten tips for taxpayers to remember when selecting a preparer:   Check the Preparer\u2019s Qualifications.Use the\u00a0\u201cIRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications\u201d.\u00a0 This tool helps taxpayers find<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":643,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3],"tags":[37,36],"yoast_head":"\nTen Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer - Eric S. Degen, CPA Titan Accountancy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.degencpa-titan.com\/test\/ten-tips-for-choosing-a-tax-preparer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ten Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer - Eric S. Degen, CPA Titan Accountancy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"  Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for all the information on their income tax return. 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