The IRS maintains a database you can use to check a preparer’s credentials. The agency’s Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications lists preparers who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS.
You can also check the professional organizations to which many tax preparers belong.
In addition, Consumer Reports recommends that you choose a preparer who offers these advantages:
At least seven years of experience
An office that is open year-round
A clientele similar to you. If you own a small business, hire a small business tax firm.
Advantages of Hiring a Tax Professional
According to the IRS, about 60% of individuals prefer professional tax preparation over DIY solutions. There are four main reasons for this:
Human interaction
Many prefer to work with another human when dealing with money, taxes, and the government. This is most probably because those things are not exactly warm and fuzzy and they are often intimidating, especially when the situation is complicated.
Year-round advice
Tax preparation is just part of the package. Professionals can help you respond to information requests from the IRS, negotiate payment options if you owe more than expected, and create a tax plan to save on taxes in the future.
IRS help
Tax professionals are allowed to represent you in tax court if you get into trouble. Professionals at Nicholle's Tax Services LLC offer various levels of help, from explaining how your returns were prepared to assisting you in an audit (Protection Plus) to guaranteed services that cover fines and penalties resulting from any preparation errors. Considering how expensive some tax mistakes can be, many consumers like the peace of mind provided by professional preparation.*
Time savings
Tax preparers deal with tax returns all day, all year. You do it once a year, and time spent learning all the updates and forms can be extensive. Tax professionals are more efficient and can save you a lot of time.*
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