Choose wisely when you intend to get the bang for your buck. Linda and Priscilla are very diligent about getting
their money’s worth, and that explains why they screen cautiously when it comes to choosing a tax preparer. If
you pay someone to prepare your income tax return, the IRS urges you to choose that person wisely.

Here are ten tips to keep in mind when choosing a tax preparer:

1. Check the preparer’s qualifications.

All paid tax preparers are required to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN. In addition to
making sure they have a PTIN, ask the preparer if they attend continuing education classes. Licensed
professionals such as CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and Attorneys are required to complete continuing
education through their respective licensing bodies. Non-credentialed preparers are not currently
required by the IRS to complete continuing education, but many choose to do so voluntarily through the
IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP). You can verify whether a tax preparer is an Enrolled Agent
(EA) using the IRS directory at https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf

Each state has a Board of Accountancy to verify Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and a state bar to
verify Attorneys.

2. Check the preparer’s history.

Check to see if the preparer has a questionable history. Look for disciplinary actions and for the status
of their licenses.

3. Ask about fees.

Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who say they can
guarantee larger refunds than others can. Always make sure any refund due is sent to you or deposited
into your bank account. Taxpayers should never deposit their refund into a preparer’s bank account.
Ask what the estimated fees will be before the tax returns are prepared. Your tax professional should
be able to give you a good estimate, so the final bill is not a surprise!

4. Ask to e-file your return.

Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. Any paid preparer who prepares and files 11 or more returns
for clients generally must file the returns electronically. See week 3 for exceptions.

5. Make sure the preparer is available.

Make sure you’ll be able to contact the tax preparer after you file your return — even after the April 15
due date. This may be helpful in the event that questions come up during the year.

6. Provide records and receipts.

Good preparers will ask to see your records and receipts. They’ll ask questions to determine your total
income, deductions, tax credits, and other items.

Do not use a preparer who is willing to e-file your return using your last pay stub instead of your

Form W-2, or a substitute Form W-2. This is against IRS
e-file rules.

7. Never sign a blank return.

Don’t use a tax preparer that asks you to sign a blank or incomplete tax form.

8. Review your return before signing.

Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions if something is not clear. Make sure you’re
comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it. Remember, you are still legally
responsible for what is on it.

9. Ensure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN.

Paid preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN as required by law. The preparer must also
give you a copy of the return. If a paid preparer does not sign a return, it is illegal — they can be
sanctioned and even lose their licenses, plus face fines, penalties, and possibly be barred from
preparing future tax returns. NEVER use a preparer that doesn’t sign the tax returns they complete!

10. Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS.
You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS. Use Form 14157, Complaint:
Tax Return Preparer. If you suspect a return preparer filed or changed the return without your consent,
you should also file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit. You can get these
forms at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Call today, don’t delay! See how this affects you. We can be reached at 602-264-9331 and on all social media under azmoneyguy.

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