Choosing a Tax Preparer – Professional Tax Services

Selecting the appropriate tax professional can significantly enhance your time and financial management, alleviate stress, and mitigate potential legal issues with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS provides valuable guidance in the process of choosing a tax preparer:
Verify Qualifications and Credentials
• Confirm the tax preparer’s tax identification number (PTIN). For Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), you can verify their status through the California Board of Accountancy (cba.ca.gov). Enrolled Agents (EAs) can be substantiated through their IRS license. Attorneys can be verified on the California Bar Association website (calbar.ca.gov).
IRS E-File and Timely Refund
• Ensure that the preparer offers IRS e-file services. In most cases, e-filing expedites the refund process, typically within 21 days.
Year-Round Availability
• Prioritize preparers who provide year-round services. This flexibility is crucial for addressing tax inquiries or seeking tax planning advice throughout the year.
Fee Structure and Deposit Options
• Thoroughly review the fee structure before committing. Avoid preparers who establish fees based on a percentage of your refund or who require you to deposit your refund in their account.
Additional Considerations
• Prepare comprehensive questions for your preparer. Inquire about their data security measures, whether the preparer or staff will handle your return, their annual return completion rate, and their preferred communication methods.
• Schedule an in-person meeting with the preparer whenever feasible.
• Limit your selection to Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), tax attorneys, or CTEC preparers.
• Conduct thorough research and due diligence to assess the preparer’s experience and reputation before making a decision.
• Organize your records and receipts meticulously to ensure the timely receipt of all deductions and credits you are entitled to.
• Refrain from signing an incomplete or blank tax return. It is your responsibility to file a complete and accurate tax return.
• Thoroughly review the return before signing. Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to seek clarification. If you are entitled to a refund, ensure that it is deposited directly into your bank account.
• Inquire about the preparer’s provision of tax planning advice and their associated fees. We encourage our clients to contact our office at any time throughout the year to address any tax planning inquiries they may have, as a complimentary service.
Professional Tax Services is a locally owned provider serving over 3,800 local residents and businesses. For more information, call 661-259-1967 or visit www.scvprotaxservices.com.