Tax season is here, and you may be wondering how to find the best tax preparer for your situation. Whether you are an individual, a small business owner, or a corporation, you need a professional who can help you file your taxes accurately and efficiently. But how do you choose the right one among the thousands of tax preparers available?
Here are some tips to help you find the best tax preparer for your needs:
- Check their credentials. The IRS requires all paid tax preparers to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), which is a unique identifier that they use to sign your tax return. You can verify the PTIN of a tax preparer on the IRS website. Additionally, you may want to look for a tax preparer who has a professional designation, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), an Enrolled Agent (EA), or a Tax Attorney. These professionals have passed rigorous exams and have met certain education and experience requirements to practice before the IRS. They can also represent you in case of an audit, appeal, or collection issue.
- Ask for referrals. One of the best ways to find a reliable tax preparer is to ask for recommendations from your friends, family, or colleagues who have similar tax situations as yours. You can also check online reviews, ratings, and testimonials from previous clients on websites such as Yelp, Google, or Better Business Bureau. However, be wary of tax preparers who claim to guarantee you a larger refund or charge a percentage of your refund as their fee. These are red flags that indicate a potential scam or fraud.
- Interview potential candidates. Before you hire a tax preparer, you should interview them to make sure they are a good fit for your needs. You can ask them questions such as:
- How long have you been preparing taxes?
- What are your areas of expertise and specialization?
- How do you keep up with the latest tax laws and changes?
- How do you communicate with your clients and how often?
- How do you protect your clients’ privacy and security?
- How do you handle errors or mistakes on your clients’ tax returns?
- How much do you charge and how do you determine your fees?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- Compare different options. After you have interviewed several tax preparers, you should compare their qualifications, services, fees, and reputation. You should also trust your intuition and choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident. Remember, you are entrusting them with your personal and financial information, so you need to have a good rapport and communication with them.
Choosing the right tax preparer for your needs can make a big difference in your tax outcome and experience. You want someone who can help you save money, avoid errors, and comply with the tax laws. That’s why you should consider hiring Robert Hall & Associates, a leading tax preparation and consulting firm in Glendale, California. Robert Hall & Associates has been serving clients since 1971, and has a team of experienced and qualified tax professionals who can handle any tax situation. Whether you need individual tax preparation, business tax preparation, estate tax preparation, or tax audit representation, Robert Hall & Associates can help you achieve your tax goals. Contact them today to schedule a free consultation and see how they can help you with your tax needs.