We get quite a few calls here at ABandP from individuals looking for a CPA or tax preparer. Although we do take care of our client’s payroll-related state and federal tax, as well as sales tax filings, we do not prepare individual income tax returns. However, we still wish to lend a hand to these callers as well as to our existing clients, so here is some helpful information to help you find a tax preparer, from IRS.gov.
Choosing the right person to prepare your federal income tax return is vitally important, and the IRS urges taxpayers to choose that person wisely. Even if you don’t prepare your own return, you’re still legally responsible for what is on it.
Here are ten tips to keep in mind when choosing a tax preparer:
1. Check the preparer’s qualifications. All paid tax preparers are required to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN. It is also a good idea to find out if they belong to a professional organization and attend continuing education classes to stay up-to-date.
2. Check the preparer’s history. The Better Business Bureau will have information on the preparer’s history—if you find disciplinary actions, discover their license is expired/invalid, or see other questionable history, steer clear. The state board of accountancy will have information for CPAs, and the state bar is the place to go to check up on attorneys. For enrolled agents, check with the IRS Office of Enrollment.
3. Ask about service fees. If a preparer claims he can get you larger refunds than others, or if they base their fees on a percentage of your refund, this is a red flag. Any refund should be sent to you or deposited into your bank account, and never deposited into a preparer’s bank account.
4. Ask to e-file your return. E-filing is a great idea in general, but any paid preparer who does more than 10 returns for clients generally must file the returns electronically anyway.
5. Make sure the preparer is available. As with any good service, a tax preparer should be available if you need to contact him with any questions after you file your return - even after the April 15 due date.
6. Provide records and receipts. Decent tax preparers who follow IRS regulations will require your W-2, NOT your last pay stub, and they will also ask to see your records and receipts and ask questions to determine your total income, deductions, tax credits and other items.
7. Never sign a blank return. Don’t use a tax preparer that asks you to sign a blank tax form. Remember YOU are responsible for whatever ends up on your return.
8. Review your return before signing. Read/review your return for accuracy and ask questions (if you need) before you sign it.
9. Ensure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN. A compliant preparer must sign returns and include their PTIN; this is required by law. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.
10. Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS. Abusive tax preparers should be reported directly to the IRS with Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. If you suspect a return preparer filed or changed the return without your consent, you should also file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit. Either follow the links to the IRS website or call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
If you are still on the search for a good CPA or tax preparer, you can read the full article from IRS.gov here or feel free to call us for a referral to someone we trust!
310-534-5577 / contact@abandp.com.
