HOW TO CHOOSE A TAX PREPARER

What to consider when choosing a tax return preparer:

~Make sure the preparer is available year-round.

      If questions come up about a tax return, taxpayers may need to contact the preparer after the return has been filed.

~Review the preparer's history.

     Taxpayers should understand the preparer’s credentials and qualifications

~Ask about service fees.

     Taxpayers should avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund or who offer to deposit all or part of the refund into their own financial accounts. Be wary of tax return preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than their competitors.

~Ensure the preparer offers IRS e-file.

     The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit.

Tips for working with a tax preparer:

~Good preparers ask to see records and receipts.

Taxpayers should review the tax return before signing it.

      They should ask questions if something is unclear or inaccurate.

~Any refund should go directly to the taxpayer – not into the preparer's bank account.

     Taxpayers should make sure the routing and bank account numbers on the completed return are accurate.

~Taxpayers are responsible for filing a complete and correct tax return.

     They should never sign a blank or incomplete return and never hire a tax return preparer who asks them to do so.

~Ensure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN.

     By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or help prepare federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number, and they must sign and use that PTIN on any tax return they prepare.

Contact me for any questions.

Lycida P Ragasa Riemer

email: RagasaTaxService@gmail.com

Source: https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional