Many people would prefer to leave the filing of taxes up to a professional. If you do decide to hire a tax Preparer, you will need to do so wisely. You will find that the majority of Paid Preparers are professional, honest, and provide quality service. A chain agency like H&R Block often do a good job and tend to be the least expensive choice for a return that isn't too complex. If you are looking for a long-standing relationship, don’t go with a chain tax service"the turnover rate of these agencies can mean the person you used this year might not be there the next. Other options include a public accountant, a certified public accountant (CPA), or an enrolled agent. If you cannot afford any of these options and opt for an unqualified tax preparer, you are risking the chance that they overlook legitimate deductions or credits, meaning you pay more tax than you should. Unqualified preparers may also make costly mistakes that result in assessed deficiencies, penalties, and interest.
What you can expect from a Paid Preparer:
" Required by law to sign the return and fill in the preparer areas of the form.
" Include their appropriate identifying number on the return. (Even though the Preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on it.)
" Provide you a copy of the return.
However, if your return is straightforward and simple, spending money on professional tax preparation may be a waste. Consider an online service like TurboTax.
