Know Your Tax Preparer Or Be Prepared For A Disaster

Here are questions you can ask your tax preparer before you get started.

1. What are your qualifications?

A CPA or Enrolled agent are the best qualified to do taxes. Both of these designations regularly take classes and take an exam for their designations. A CPA or certified public accountant is the highest qualified.

2. Would you be willing to lie on my return?

If your preparer says yes, run as fast as you can. This can get both of you in trouble so why would he/or she be willing to lie. Perhaps your preparer is not licensed. Licensed preparers can loose their designation if they are caught lying on a return.

3. How is your information protected in their office?

The computer and back up files should be secure after hours. All paper files should be secured in locked cabinets. Identity theft is on the rise.

4. What are your cost?

Agree on a tax preparation before you hand over your information, so there are no surprises.

5. Can I pay you extra to re-check my return against documents I have given you?

Ask your preparer to re-check your return. If you have the ability to check your return against your documents that is fine. But, you absolutely should check for the small things: correct spelling of your name, correct social security number, correct occupation, correct income, and any other minor items, which could turn major if entered incorrectly.

6. How Long Will It Take?

It is your responsibility to organize your tax information and submit it to your tax preparer early. It is your tax preparers responsibility to get the information back to you in a timely manner, so you can file your taxes well before the tax deadline.

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Lois Center-Shabazz is the founder of www.MsFinancialSavvy.com and author of the 3-time award-winning personal finance book, Let's Get Financial Savvy! ISBN #0971979502. Get finance information and tips in our eNews at, www.msfinancialsavvy.com/register/ecourse7.php