Tax
preparation and tax preparer selection is not all that difficult,
but there are those who make it difficult
by not adhering to a few simple rules. It begins with
choosing your tax preparer carefully and carefully communicating
with that preparer once he or she is chosen. It begins with choosing
your preparer carefully.
Here are questions you can ask your tax
preparer before you get
started.
1. What are your qualifications?
A CPA or Enrolled agent are the best qualified to do taxes.
Both
of these designations regularly take classes and take an
exam for
their designations. A CPA or certified public accountant
is the
highest qualified.
2. Would you be willing to lie on my return?
If your preparer says yes, run as fast as you can. This
can get
both of you in trouble so why would he/or she be willing
to lie.
Perhaps your preparer is not licensed. Licensed preparers
can loose
their designation if they are caught lying on a return.
3. How is your information protected in their office?
The computer and back up files should be secure after hours.
All
paper files should be secured in locked cabinets. Identity
theft
is on the rise.
4. What are your cost?
Agree on a tax preparation before you hand over your information,
so there are no surprises.
5. Can I pay you extra to re-check my return against documents
I have given you?
Ask your preparer to re-check your return. If you have the
ability to
check your return against your documents that is fine. But,
you
absolutely should check for the small things: correct spelling
of
your name, correct social security number, correct occupation,
correct
income, and any other minor items, which could turn major
if entered
incorrectly.
6. How Long Will It Take?
It is your responsibility to organize
your tax information and submit
it to your tax preparer early. It is your tax preparers responsibility
to get the information back to you in a timely manner, so
you can file
your taxes well before the tax deadline.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lois Center-Shabazz is the founder of www.MsFinancialSavvy.com
and
author of the 3-time award-winning personal finance book,
Let's Get
Financial Savvy! ISBN #0971979502. Get finance information
and tips in
our eNews, at, MsFinancialSavvy
eNews.
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