Tips for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer

Presidential Election Home address (numbe spouse's first namo and initial ifying adule ElC. Filins Campaign Tips for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer Exempti Married filing Marrie An inaccurately prepared tax return can have devastating financial consequences. Therefore, you must find a tax preparer that stays up to date with tax law changes and has experience preparing returns. The Tax Preparer's Qualifications The IRS required tax preparers who prepared returns for compensation to pass a competency exam and to complete continuing education requirements. Attorneys, CPAS, and Enrolled Agents were exempt from Fuller Tax Preparer Training the foregoing requirements. In January 2013, federal court struck down the IRS's regulations. On Feb. 1, 2013 the court clarified its IRS Registered Ta Preparer Competency Eam decision and held that all paid tax return preparers must obtain a Online Preparation Coe & Testing Soffw preparer tax identification number (PTIN). Therefore, as a starting point to your search, ensure that the tax preparer obtained a PTIN number. Additionally, ask if the preparer is affiliated with professional tax organizations and attends continuing education classes. Investigate the Tax Preparer's Background Ads may look amazing, but you must investigate the tax preparer's background. Check the licensure status of a tax preparer through state boards of accountancy for CPAS; the state bar associations for attorneys; and the IRS Office of Enrollment for EAs. Avoid tax preparers with disciplinary actions. Electronic Filing Ask if the tax preparer offers electronic filing. Electronic filing is a quicker and, in many ways, safer method than sending important documents through the mail. Avoid Fly by Night Tax Preparers Ensure that the individual who prepares your taxes will be available after the return has been filed. That way, if an issue or questions arises after tax season, you can contact the tax preparer to clarify the matter. Costs Avoid hiring someone who bases their fees on a percentage of the taxes saved. LOWEST FEES AROUND Retur 1040 U.S. Individyalnentg lod Name, Addres and SSN AUDIT pot of stae d cde Provide Adequate Documentation to the Tax Preparer A competent tax preparer will ask questions and make sure that all documenta- tion, such as your W-2, 1099(s) etc., is gathered before preparing a tax return. 15a Section 409A deferrals 15b Section 409A income 16 State tax withheld 17 State/Payer's state no. 18 State income 24 Form 1099-MISC napartment of th asury - Internal Revenue Service W-2 Wage and Tax Statement 2012 Form Department of the Treasury-Intemal Revenue Service Copy A For Social Security Administration - Send this entire page with Form W-3 to the Social Security Administration; photocopies are not acceptable. For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions. Do Not Cut, Fold, or Staple Forms on This Page Cat. No. 10134D Signature Make sure the preparer signs the return and includes their PTIN number as the law requires. Jaln dame Carefully Review the Tax Return and Obtain a Copy You are responsible for the accuracy of the return. Never sign a blank tax return. When the tax retun is complete, carefully review it before signing. Ask questions until you are comfortable with what is reported on the tax return. Request and keep a copy of the tax return. d sh Form(s) w-2 schedule B if required o not include on line 8a caime Taxable ar Taxable BItrequired Client Copy t Schedue Cor C-EZ Sponsored By: www.irsproblemsolve.com