E-Filing Advantages and Tax Return Headaches for Self-Filers

While many people self-file tax returns, it is usually better to use a professional tax preparer. This is true for many reasons. First, you are not a tax preparer. You do not scour over the tax code, read the rules and regulations, go to continuing education classes, pass hard, lengthy, expensive licensing exams and maintain professional licenses, like Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents, and Attorneys do. These tax professionals save you much more than you know. The average self-filer brings home around $1850, while tax professionals help refund around $2650. Quite a bit more, huh? Once Don and Sherry found this out, they never tried to prepare their own taxes again. They even call their tax professional every time they think of spending money on big items, just to make sure they don’t miss any tax saving opportunities!

There are many reasons why working with a tax professional can save you money. A tax professional will prevent you from making the mistakes that cost millions of taxpayers in overpaid taxes, every year. Such benefits of working with a tax professional aren’t just about your refund. Think of all the time spent on reading the rules (especially this year), learning how to interpret and use them, knowing which documents are important for preparation of your return and which are not, knowing where you kept old copies when you apply for a loan, keeping up on any new tax developments regularly, and having someone you can bounce off ideas for financial decisions, BEFORE you make a mistake, and the list goes on. Tax Professionals are not just for wealthy taxpayers. Your tax professional should be able to save you more than they charge you!

What to Look for in a Tax Professional?

So, how do you find a tax professional? Look under Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and Enrolled Agents (EA). Both are tax experts. One is expert at both tax and accounting (Certified Public Accountant) and one is expert at only tax (Enrolled Agent). Always look for the license hanging in their offices. It takes years to become either one, so these professionals are rightfully proud to display those credentials. Both are much better at tax law than the national tax preparation service franchises.

Where do you look for a Certified Public Accountant or Enrolled Agent? You can google them in your area, but most will ask family and friends, who they use. Look for someone that cares about teaching you how to save money. A good tax professional should always go over your return and answer any questions before they submit your return to the IRS. Further, a good professional will keep you up to date on new tax developments. These professionals are experts in tax preparation, tax resolution, and tax planning. That means they can help you save on taxes every year. And if you are ever questioned about your tax returns, CPA’s and EA’s can legally represent you before the IRS! So, Don and Sherry never take a chance at self-filing. They always depend on a trusted licensed tax professional.

Tax season is in full swing, so finding a qualified, trustworthy tax expert will only get more difficult between now and April 15. CALL TODAY, don’t delay!

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