Selecting a Tax Preparer

Many people will still want to use a person to file their taxes; whether out of necessity or habit. The following is some quick 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, our advice is to do your own taxes anyway.

More 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 counsellors will tell you to seek out a certified professional. Our only rule is to have your taxes filed by someone you trust. A certified professional tax preparer might be best, but he or she may also be unnecessarily expensive and difficult.

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Small Business and Other
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.
If you can find a tax preparer who will patiently explain your form for you, this is great. In any case you should 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 that they will get you X dollars on your return is likely a fool.
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 be a good sign of thoroughness and superiority.
Refund anticipation loans (RALs) are bad. Do not let anyone sell you one of these.