Choosing a Tax Return Preparer

• Avoid tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
• Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of the refund.
• Use a reputable tax professional who signs your tax return and provides you with a copy for your records.
• Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the preparation of your tax return months, or even years after the return has been filed.
• Review your return before you sign it and ask questions on entries you don't understand.
• No matter who prepares your tax return, you (the taxpayer) are ultimately responsible for all of the information on your tax return. Therefore, never sign a blank tax form.
• Find out the preparer's credentials. Is he or she an accredited tax preparer, enrolled agent, certified public accountant (CPA), licensed public account or tax attorney? Only attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters including audits, collection and appeals. Other return preparers may only represent taxpayers for audits.
• Find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics.
• Ask questions. Do you know anyone who has used the tax professional? Were they satisfied with the service they received?

Tax evasion is a risky crime, punishable by five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. If you suspect tax fraud or know of an abusive return preparer, report it to your nearest IRS office. You can contact the IRS by phone at 1-800-829-0433.

Source:  Internal Revenue Service, FS-2005-8, January 2005