RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2017
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F I N A N C E S I R S T A X T I P S
T
axpayers who pay someone to do their taxes should
choose a preparer wisely. If you choose to use a paid tax
preparer, it is important that you find a qualified tax
professional. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for everything
on their return even when it is prepared by someone else.
Remember:
• The law requires a paid preparer to sign the return and
complete the information in the space provided for paid
preparers.
• The preparer is required to provide you with a copy of the return.
• Check all information: name, address, social security numbers,
ITIN numbers and be sure you understand all the amounts
before you sign.
• Never sign a blank return, or sign a return in pencil.
• You can file a power of attorney with the IRS and request the
IRS send a copy of any correspondence to your preparer, or
request that your refund check be sent to your preparer; even
though only you can sign and cash the refund check.
• Check out who will prepare your return before contracting the
service. Avoid businesses who delegate the work to an
employee who did not interview you and may lack information
necessary to prepare your return correctly.
• Select a preparer who will be available to assist you in the
future, in case you receive correspondence from the IRS or
your return is selected for audit.
• Avoid preparers who guarantee they can obtain a larger refund
than other preparers. If your return is prepared correctly, any
preparer should arrive at similar numbers.
• Check out your preparer's history with the Better Business
Bureau, and state agency for certified public accountants, and
the state attorney general's office.
• Check your preparer's credentials, and insure the preparer
meets your specific needs: enrolled preparer, public
accountant or tax attorney.
• Check if your preparer is affiliated with a professional
organization, and if that organization provides or requires their
members to obtain continuing education and requires they
adhere to a code of ethics.
RO
YOUR TAX RETURNS:
CHOOSING A PREPARER WISELY
