Checklist: Choosing a Professional Tax Preparer
© by Charles E. McCabe
Credentials of Tax Preparer and Principals of the Firm:
- Experience in preparing individual tax returns
- Education in Individual Income Tax Preparation
- Professional designations or degrees
Accuracy:
- Procedures for checking tax returns
- Computerized processing used?
Personal Service:
- Interviewing procedures and techniques
- Philosophy of tax preparer/firm
Convenience:
- Location(s) of Office(s)
- Office hours
- Appointments available?
- Walk-ins accepted?
Professionalism:
- Professional references and affiliations
Office atmosphere and privacy Availability:
- Office hours during off*season
Policies on providing extra assistance Guarantee:
- Penalty/interest due to preparer error?
- Audit assistance provided?
Satisfaction guarantee? Stability:
- Years in business?
- Financial resources
Fees:
- Basis for determining fees?
- Approximate fee for your returns (Federal & State)
- Any charges for additional information/assistance?
- Any charge for audit assistance?
Other:
- What other services or financial products are sold?
Choosing the Right Tax Preparer for You
About the author:
Charles E. McCabe, a 25+ year veteran income tax preparation industry executive, has
managed hundreds of tax preparation offices in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, D.C.,
Virginia and Brazil. He is Founder and President of Peoples Income Tax, Inc. a
Richmond-based firm which operates income tax preparation offices throughout metro
Richmond, Colonial Heights and Fredericksburg, and has independent licensees nationwide.
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