Taxpayers in the U.S. have more choices than ever before about how they file their returns. As a taxpayer, you can do online tax filing or filing by mail. You can choose different software for online filing, or even use free e-filing. You can do it yourself or get assistance with income tax preparation. And you have choices about whether your refund is deposited in a checking or savings account or sent directly to you.
If you do decide to seek help with filing your returns, it's important to choose your tax preparer carefully. First of all, you want someone who has a good understanding of taxes. How do you know that? You can ask friends, family, coworkers, or associates for referrals to tax preparers they think are knowledgeable and reputable. You can also consider how long a preparer has been in business. Look for a person or group who are associated with national professional associations. Choose someone with relevant expertise; if you have a small business, for example, hire a tax preparer with experience in preparing taxes for small businesses. If you want help filing online, find a professional with experience in that service. Participation in continuing professional education is a good sign that the tax preparer is keeping up to date on the latest tax issues.
Some tax preparers set up shop just for tax season, and then cannot be reached after April 15th. It's best to choose a professional you can contact in the future if you need to. If your refund is delayed or the Internal Revenue Service questions your return, you will want to talk to the preparer. So look for a preparer whose office is open year round, not just during tax season.
While it is not essential, it is helpful if your tax preparer provides you with resources and information to help you understand and learn more about income taxes. The more you know, the better choices you can make.
If a tax professional guarantees you will get a refund without asking you questions or examining your financial situation, walk away. A tax preparer who claims to have a special relationship with the Internal Revenue Service that can save you money is making a false claim. Look for someone who charges a flat fee rather than a percentage of your return. Never sign a blank return, and don't trust someone who asks you to.
Even if you hire someone for mail-in or online income tax preparation services, you are still responsible for the accuracy of your return. If you don't understand something, ask questions until it makes sense to you. By signing your return you are confirming that everything on it is accurate to the best of your knowledge, so review everything very carefully before you sign. Make sure the tax preparer has filled in and signed the section of the form specifically for preparers. And be very sure to keep a copy of the return for yourself. Even if you do online tax filing, print out a copy of your return just to be extra sure you have it on hand.
To learn more about subjects like online income tax preparation please visit the web site at: http://www.wellsincometax.com
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About the Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2011 (Sun Dec 20 2009) Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource internet marketing web site at: http://www.majon.com
