Selecting a Canadian Tax Preparer
In spite of the fact that filing online is such a huge trend many people still want to use a person to file their taxes; whether out of necessity or habit. The following is some basic advice on selecting a tax preparer. Of course, there is no simple way of selecting an appropriate tax preparer, but here are some helpful hints.Simple forms
If you have a simple form to fill out, but you can't stand to even look at forms, do your own taxes anyway. It will save you money and isn't that why you are filing a tax return?
Complex forms
Most tax filers have assets, charitable donations, perhaps some income on the side and a few other factors that go into their tax preparation. If you're looking for personal help, most advice sites and counselors will tell you to seek out a Certified General Accountant (CGA). Our only rule is to have your taxes filed by someone you trust. A CGA might be best, but he or she may also be unnecessarily expensive and difficult.
Corporate Tax ReturnsPreparation and filing of Individual income tax returns & Corporate income tax returns for small corporations.www.jrtinternational.com
Only if you have a thriving small business and you want your maximum return, will a certified professional be absolutely necessary. Additionally, you should seek out someone who specializes in your business area. For example, some tax professionals specialize in areas such as real estate or retail.
Some other rules and advice:
- Learn all you can on your own.
- Try to find a tax preparer who will patiently explain your form for you. In any case you need to understand your tax forms as well as anyone. You are always ultimately responsible for your own tax forms. It's your signature at the bottom of the form.
- Never accept guarantees. For example, anyone who guarantees they will get you X dollars on your return is likely foolish.
- Get advice from friends and (if you can) other people in your business. It's best to go with someone you trust.
- Don't judge a book by its cover. Joe's Tax Preparation might just operate out of his dingy basement office because he cares more about your money than his own.
- The interview process is the key. If you have a preparer who hounds you with seemingly strange questions it may in fact be a good sign of their thoroughness and superiority.
