Choosing a Tax Return Preparer

Here are a few points to keep in mind when someone else prepares your tax return:

A paid preparer is required by law to sign the return, fill in the preparer areas on the form and give you a copy of the return.
Never sign a blank return and never sign in pencil.

Following are some suggestions to consider when hiring a tax professional:

Avoid preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds, or who guarantee results or base fees on a percentage of the amount of the refund.
Choose a preparer you will be able to contact after the return is filed. Ask questions and get references from clients who have used the tax professional before.
Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the state's board of accountancy for CPAs, the state’s bar association for attorneys or the state's Attorney General's office.
Determine if the preparer's credentials meet your needs. Is he or she an Enrolled Agent, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Tax Attorney? Only attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters including audits, collection actions and appeals.
Find out if the preparer belongs to a professional organization that provides or requires its members to pursue continuing education and also holds them accountable to a code of ethics.
Remember — no matter who prepares your tax return, you are legally responsible for the information on it.