Locate the Right Tax Return Preparer for Your Needs

So you’ve decided filing your own taxes is not for you. Choosing how to file your taxes is the toughest part, now you need to find the right tax return preparer. Learn about your options and where to look so you can find the right tax professional for your financial situation.

Types of tax professionals

Choosing the right person can be difficult since there are many choices. Take a few minutes to learn about which tax professional is properly suited to handle your taxes.

Certified public accountants

Also known as CPAs, certified public accountants are accountants who’ve passed qualifying state exams and have met educational requirements for the CPA title. If you’re considering using a CPA, ask about his or her experience handling individual taxes because not all CPAs are experts on income taxes.

Enrolled agent

An enrolled agent (EA) is licensed by the federal government. Many are former IRS employees and specialize in specific tax areas, so once again, you’ll want to ask what his or her specialty is. Those who didn’t work for the government passed a comprehensive IRS exam, meaning they’re just as qualified as those who worked for Uncle Sam.

Tax attorney and tax preparation chains

Attorneys are normally best for handling complex tax disputes rather than individual tax returns. So if you’re looking for someone to represent you in court or you’re seeking advice about a serious offense such as tax evasion, a tax attorney would be the best person to help you.

As for tax preparation chains, such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt, these chains are made for quick turnaround. This means chains normally staff briefly trained and seasonal employees who use tax software to help them with the process.

Where to locate a tax professional

Finding someone to complete your taxes can be a struggle. However, there are a few ways you can locate the right person who is a good fit for both you and your tax situation.

Word of mouth

The best place to start looking for a tax return preparer is by asking your closest friends and family who they use. If you don’t know anyone who uses a tax professional then you’ll have to use some other resources to find a quality tax return preparer.

The National Association of Enrolled Agents

You can use the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) website to find enrolled agents near you. The site also allows you to filter by specialty and helps you locate a bilingual agent if you need it.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

The AICPA offers a directory of CPAs who can help you with your tax needs or any financial help you need.

Do your research

As you go about choosing a tax return preparer you’ll want to be careful who you choose. Although most professionals you’d hire to work on your taxes will be certified, you’re still legally responsible for all the information on the returns you file with the government. Just be sure to do your research and ask questions.

How did you find your tax return preparer?