- Qualification: The new regulations require all paid tax return preparers to have a preparer Tax Identification Number better known as PTIN. Additionally, the preparers must have an affiliation with a professional organization and attends continuing education classes.
- History: It is imperative that you the preparer history with the better business bureau. Check for any disciplinary actions.
- Their service fees: All clients must avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. Here at Financial consultants & Investments, Inc. We believe that our clients should receive their maximum refunds not maximum headaches.
- Electronic filing: electronic filling is very convenient and tax payers are encouraged to take advantage of such rapid method. Paid preparers who file more than 10 returns for clients must file the returns electronically; unless the clients choose otherwise paper return. Electronic filling has helped more than 1 billion personal tax returns. Make sure that your preparer offers IRS e-file.
- Reachable: Many tax payers have experienced this unfortunately. Their tax preparers are not reachable once tax season is over. We are always available for our customers. We are open 365 days a year. Our clients are our family; we are there with you in case you have questions that need clarification.
- Records and receipts: Any trustworthy preparers must ask to see your records and receipts before preparing your returns; we want you to receive maximum refunds with no maximum headaches from IRS. If you have a preparer who wants to submit your tax return without seeing your W-2 or by using your last pay stub, please come to us. Because such practice is illegal, and may cause some trouble later on.
- Blank Return: please avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form. This practice is illegal, and should be reported to the IRS. Your tax form should have all your personal information.
- Signing: Before you sign your tax return, please review it for accuracy and ask questions. Make sure you that you fully understand everything and confident that the information is accurate.
Double check: any reputable preparer must sign the tax return, and the preparer’s personal information such as PTIN number must be included in return. It is required by law. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.
