Many people look for help from professionals when they file their federal income tax
return. If you choose to use a tax return preparer, you’ll need to share your most
personal information with them, including details about your marriage, income, children
and social security numbers — the details of your financial life.
Most tax return preparers provide outstanding service. However, each year, some
taxpayers are hurt financially because they choose the wrong tax return preparer.
Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when choosing a tax return preparer:

• Check the preparer’s qualifications. All paid tax return preparers are required
to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. In addition to making sure they
have a PTIN, ask if the preparer belongs to a professional organization and
attends continuing education classes.

• Check on the preparer’s history. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see
if the preparer has a questionable history. Also check for any disciplinary actions
and the status of their licenses. For certified public accountants, check with the
state boards of accountancy. For attorneys, check with the state bar
associations. For enrolled agents, check with the IRS Office of Enrollment.
• Ask about service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of
your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other
preparers. Also, always ensure any refund due is sent to you or deposited into an
account in your name. Taxpayers should not deposit their refund into a
preparer’s bank account.

• Ask to e-file your return. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. Any paid
preparer who prepares and files more than 10 returns for clients must file the
returns electronically, unless the client opts to file a paper return. IRS has safely
and securely processed more than one billion individual tax returns.

• Make sure the preparer is available. Make sure you will be able to contact the
tax preparer after you file your return, even after the April 15 due date. This may
be helpful in the event questions arise about your tax return.
• Provide records and receipts. Reputable preparers will request to see your
records and receipts. They will ask questions to determine your total income and
your qualifications for deductions, credits and other items. Do not use a preparer
who is willing to e-file your return by using your last pay stub before you re

This message brought to you by: Cormier & Rea, Inc. Sturbridge MA. Providers of Income tax planning and preparation and financial planning. For more information about this or any other issues regarding income tax planning or preparation or financial planning, feel free to contact us. Like Cormier & Rea, Inc. on Facebook for timely updates.