How to Find the Best Tax Preparer or Tax Advisor near You

How to Find the Best Tax Preparer or Tax Advisor near You Aside from vetting a tax preparer , there are some other considerations to keep in mind when looking for tax help . Here are seven tips on how to find the best tax preparer or tax advisor for you . 1. Ask for a preparer tax identification number ( PTIN ) 2. Require a CPA , law license or enrolled agent designation 3. Look for friends in high places 4. Compare tax preparation fees 5. Reconsider tax advisors who don't e - file 6. Confirm they'll sign on the dotted line 7. Check if your advisor would have your back 1. Ask for a preparer tax identification number ( PTIN ) The IRS requires anyone who prepares or sists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation to have a preparer tax identification number , or PTIN . 2. Require a CPA , law license or enrolled agent designation A PTIN is a basic requirement that's relatively easy to get , so it doesn't hurt to go a step further and seek out a credentialed preparer who's also a certified public accountant ( CPA ) , licensed attorney or enrolled agent ( EA ) 3. Look for friends in high places It includes preparers with PTINs and IRS - recognized professional credentials . Volunteer preparers and preparers with just PTINs won't be in the database . 4. Compare tax preparation fees In 2023 , the average fee for preparing a non - itemized Form 1040 is around $ 210 , according to a 2022 Drake Software survey of over 3,600 tax preparers in the United States . TAX $ 5. Reconsider tax advisors who don't e - file The IRS requires any paid preparer who does more than 11 returns for clients to file electronically via the IRS's e - file system . 6. Confirm they'll sign on the dotted line The law requires paid preparers to sign their clients ' returns and provide their PTINs . Never sign a blank tax return the preparer could put anything on the return , including their own bank account number so they can steal your refund . 7. Check if your advisor would have your back Enrolled agents , CPAs and attorneys with PTINs can represent you in front of the IRS on audits , payments and collection issues , and appeals . Infographic provided by : Essential Tax Services www.etservicesva.com TAX TAX TAX TAX ||| TAX % Hence a representative like Tax Service in VA would be ideal for all you account , tax and other financial needs . For Further Details Visit http://www.etservicesva.com/ $ ESSENTIAL TAX SERVICES Client Focused . Results Driven .