How To Find The Right Tax Preparer

It is that time of year again. Time to gather your tax documentation and file your taxes for the previous year. With all the do-it-yourself help available today, many people have taken to filing their own taxes. There remains however a large percentage of the population that either does not feel comfortable filing their own taxes or simply lack the know-how to do it properly. If you are paying a tax preparer to perform the task, you should know that not every preparer is the same.

When it comes right down to it, you are responsible for paying your taxes, therefore if a mistake is make when your taxes are filed the IRS will not be looking for your tax preparer to pay the bill. For this reason it is imperative you choose a qualified and trustworthy preparer or risk being on the hook for a tax bill that is larger than necessary. Here's how you can find the right person to trust with this important responsibility.

• Up to date- Tax laws are constantly changing and you need to find a person who is up to speed with the most recent changes. Your best bet is choosing a certified public accountant, tax attorney or an enrolled agent with the National Association of Tax Professionals. These individuals must remain up to date with all educational credits in order to perform their job. By choosing a person who is knowledgeable in tax laws and changes you are in a better position to avoid mistakes or problems with your return down the road.
• Check references- Look for an individual who readily supplies references and don't forget to actually check those references. Better yet, ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations, as how a person performed in the past is a great indication of how they will perform in the future. You also want to look for an individual who belongs to professional organizations within their field. This shows the person is dedicated to their profession and will likely perform better than peers who may not share the same passion.
• Compare fees- Once you have narrowed down the list of contenders, compare prices. Choose a preparer whose rates are competitive for the services they will provide in the area in which you live.
• Keep it local- While you can certainly choose a tax preparer in any location, consider accessibility in the future should problems arise. If you opt for a seasonal preparer who sets up shop for just a few months during the tax season you may find yourself coming up empty handed should you need to contact that person later in the year.

By taking the time to find the right preparer you can save money on your tax bill and avoid problems in the future once your return has been filed.