Tax preparation is critical for filing your taxes correctly and a tax preparer can make all the difference. Tax preparers are experts in tax law and can walk you through the process step by step.
They also know how to save you money with tax breaks and deductions that you may not know about. But, you can’t hire just anyone. It’s important to know what to look for before hiring tax preparers.
To help you make an informed decision, these are 5 things to look for in a tax preparer.
1. Reputation and Trustworthiness
One of the main things to look for when hiring a tax preparer is their trustworthiness and reputation. You can find this out by reading online customer reviews and client testimonials. It’s a red flag if you see a pattern of complaints.
Because they will be handling your personal information, you’ll want to make sure you trust them. Be sure to interview them and to have multiple conversations before you hire them. If you sense any red flags, it’s best to move on to someone else.
2. Qualifications
The qualifications and tax preparation experience that your tax preparer has are also critically important. The IRS keeps a directory of qualified tax preparers, like Merit Tax Group, on their website. Anyone listed in the directory has been vetted by the IRS.
You should also make sure they have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), which all tax preparers are legally required to have.
3. Willingness to Answer Questions
There are many tax preparers in the country, but that doesn’t mean they’re all good. The tax preparer you hire should stand out in their knowledge of tax law and understanding of tax preparation.
The best way to find this out is by asking a lot of questions. If your tax preparer is truly an expert, they should be able to answer all of your questions without hesitation. If you sense any uncertainty, it’s time to move on.
4. Fees and Refund Options
Another thing to ask before hiring a tax preparer is their fees and refund options. The last thing you want to do is to hire a tax preparer that comes with a bunch of hidden fees and costs.
Complicated tax situations will usually cost more and have higher fees than taxpayers with simpler tax situations. Feel free to ask for quotes and ask about their tax refund options. Be sure you can receive your tax refund in a way that’s convenient for you.
5. Timing
The last thing you should be sure of when hiring a tax preparer is the timing. Timing is everything when it comes to filing your taxes. You’ll want to make sure your tax preparer has enough time to file your taxes during tax season.
Ask about their other clients and their workload to ensure they can handle your taxes in a timely fashion.
Now You Know What to Look for Before Hiring Tax Preparers
These are the 5 most important things to look for when hiring tax preparers. Hiring the right person is critical to ensuring your taxes are filed correctly and on time. A bad hire can cause you a lot of stress and even lead to tax penalties if they give you the wrong advice.
Be sure to read reviews and ask around to find a qualified professional. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
And if you’re interested in learning more financial advice, don’t miss out on the rest of our blog. We have a ton of other helpful articles you’ll love!
