Tax Preparer Miami – Ten Tips To Choose Right One

Many people look for help from professional Tax Preparer Miami when it’s time to do their Tax Preparation. If you use a paid Tax Preparer Miami to do your Tax Preparation this year, the IRS urges you to choose that Tax Preparer Miami wisely. Even if the Tax Preparer Miami is prepared by someone else, the taxpayer is legally responsible for what’s on it. So, it’s very important to choose your Tax Preparer in Miami carefully.

This year, the IRS wants to remind taxpayers to use a Tax Preparer Miami who will sign the returns they prepare and enter their required Tax Preparer Miami Tax Identification Number (PTIN).

Here are ten tips to keep in mind when choosing a Tax Preparer Miami firm:

1. Check the preparer’s qualifications. New regulations require all paid Tax Preparer Miami to have a tax preparer Tax Identification Number. In addition to making sure they have a PTIN, ask if the Tax Preparer Miami is affiliated with a professional organization and attends continuing education classes. The IRS is also phasing in a new test requirement to make sure those who are not an enrolled agent, CPA, or Tax Preparer Miami firm have met minimal competency requirements. Those subject to the test will become a Registered Tax Preparer Miami once they pass it.

2. Check on the Tax Preparer Miami history. Check to see if the Tax Preparation Miami firm has a questionable history with the Better Business Bureau and check for any disciplinary actions and licensure status through the state boards of accountancy for certified public accountants; the state bar associations for attorneys; and the IRS Office of Enrollment for enrolled agents.

3. Ask about their service fees. Avoid Tax Preparer Miami who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.  Also, always make sure any refund due is sent to you or deposited into an account in your name.  Under no circumstances should all or part of your refund be directly deposited into a preparer’s bank account.

4. Ask if they offer electronic filing.  Any paid Tax Preparation Miami firm who prepares and files more than 10 returns for clients must file the returns electronically, unless the client opts to file a paper return.  More than 1 billion individual tax returns have been safely and securely processed since the debut of electronic filing in 1990.  Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file.

5. Make sure the Tax Preparer in Miami is accessible.  Make sure you will be able to contact the Tax Preparation Miami firm after the return has been filed, even after the April due date, in case questions arise.

6. Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return. Reputable Tax Preparer Miami will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items. Do not use a Tax Preparation Miami firm who is willing to electronically file your return before you receive your Form W-2 using your last pay stub. This is against IRS e-file rules.

7. Never sign a blank return. Avoid Tax Preparer in Miami that ask you to sign a blank tax form.

8. Review the entire return before signing it.  Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.

9. Make sure the Tax Preparation Miami firm signs the form and includes their PTIN.  A paid Tax Preparer Miami must sign the return and include their PTIN as required by law. Although the Tax Preparer Miami signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return.  The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.

10. Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS. You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. Download Form 14157 from www.irs.gov or order by mail at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).