10 Questions To Ask When Choosing A Tax Preparer

Are you looking for some help with your taxes this year? Finding a qualified tax preparer can be an overwhelming task but it doesn’t have to be. 

With the right questions and research, you will find someone who understands exactly what you need in terms of filing your taxes and providing top-notch customer service. 

To ensure that your taxes are filed correctly, take time to review these ten essential questions when choosing a tax preparer. From there, sit down and very carefully examine each potential accountant's qualifications, experience level, fees, and other aspects before making any decisions. 



Armed with the answers you get from these ten questions about taxation services offered by potential candidates, you will soon feel confident selecting the ideal tax preparer for you and your business!

1. Are you qualified to do tax preparation in my area of residence or business operation?

This question is critical as tax laws and regulations vary by state, and even by city in some cases. Your tax preparer needs to be well-versed in the specific tax laws applicable to your area of residence or business operation. Ask potential tax preparers if they maintain up-to-date knowledge of the tax laws in your location.

2. What type of fees do you charge for your services, and what payment methods do you accept for those fees?

Understanding the cost of services upfront can prevent any surprises down the line. Ask your potential tax preparer about their fee structure. Are the fees based on the complexity of the return, a flat rate, or does it depend on the time it takes to complete your taxes?

It's beneficial to understand what you're paying for and how the final cost is determined. 

Furthermore, inquire about the accepted payment methods for these fees. Do they accept cash, checks, credit cards, or digital payments? Clarifying these details in advance can make the financial aspect of tax preparation smoother and more transparent.

3. Do you have any references I can contact about their experience with working with you on tax returns?

A reputable tax preparer should be willing and able to provide references from clients they've assisted with tax returns. Speaking to these references can give you a better sense of the preparer's work ethic, reliability, and ability to fulfill tax-related needs that are similar to yours. This step will help you gauge their professional competence and how effectively they communicate with their clients. Remember, a good tax preparer will foster a transparent and open line of communication with their clients.

4. How much experience do you have in preparing taxes for individuals and businesses with similar tax situations as mine?

Experience is key when it comes to tax preparation. It's crucial to find out how long the tax preparer has been in the profession and the types of clients they have served. Ask if they've worked with individuals or businesses that had similar tax situations as yours. 

It could include similar income levels, deductions, business expenses, or investment situations. The more experience a tax preparer has with similar cases, the better equipped they are to assist you with your specific needs and circumstances.

5. Will I be able to speak directly to the person handling my tax return preparation, or will I be dealing with a third party?

Direct communication with the person preparing your taxes can be crucial for transparency and efficiency. It can help avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications about your tax situation. 

When interviewing potential tax preparers, it's important to ask whether you will have the opportunity to speak directly with the individual responsible for your tax preparation, or if your interactions will be primarily with a third party or an intermediary. 

Knowing who will handle your tax affairs can provide peace of mind and ensure that you understand the process every step of the way.

6. Do you offer additional services such as year-round tax planning, financial consulting, or other advice for my specific situation?

Additional services can be a significant bonus when choosing a tax preparer. These services may include year-round tax planning, financial consulting, estate planning, retirement advice, and much more. 

These services can be particularly useful for individuals with complex financial situations or business owners. Consequently, ask your potential tax preparers if they offer these additional services and if so, whether these services are included in their fee or come at an additional cost. 

These supplemental services can provide added value and help you make the most of your financial situation throughout the year, not just during tax season.

7. What forms must I provide and how quickly do they need to be turned over to you so the filing process can start as soon as possible?

Gathering all your necessary documents and forms is a critical part of the tax preparation process. Before meeting with a potential tax preparer, ask them about the specific forms and records you'll need to provide. 

It could include income statements like W-2s and 1099s, receipts for deductions, and records of any estimated tax payments made throughout the year. Also, ask about their timeline for receiving these forms. 

The sooner they have all the necessary information, the sooner they can begin preparing your return. By understanding these requirements and timelines upfront, you can ensure a more efficient and smooth tax preparation process.

8. Do you guarantee results in terms of how much money I will get back from the government or if I am due a refund at all?

Promises of big refunds can be enticing but it's crucial to understand what's behind such claims. Ask your potential tax preparer about their stance on refunds. Do they guarantee a certain amount of money back from the government? If so, based on what criteria?

Remember, a responsible tax preparer should never promise any refund without first thoroughly understanding your tax situation. This is because refunds depend on a variety of factors such as your income, deductions, credits, and previous tax payments. A tax preparer promising guaranteed or unusually large refunds could be a red flag. 

Therefore, it's always wise to confirm the basis of any such guarantees and ensure that the tax preparer is acting as per ethical and professional standards.

9. Are there any unexpected fees that may arise during the filing process that we should discuss ahead of time?

It's essential to have a clear understanding of the financial commitment involved when hiring a tax preparer. Besides their regular fees, there may be additional costs that could arise during the filing process. 

Ask your potential tax preparer about any extra fees you might incur, such as charges for additional review, amendments to your return, or fees related to dealing with any tax notices or audits. 

Discussing these potential costs upfront can help you avoid any unpleasant financial surprises in the future and allow you to budget more effectively for your tax preparation services.

10. What is your policy if my taxes get audited by the government after filing?

Dealing with a tax audit can be a daunting experience. Understanding the role your tax preparer would play in this scenario is key in choosing who to trust with your tax filing. Ask potential tax preparers about their audit policy. Will they stand by you during the audit process? 

Do they provide audit assistance or audit representation? Are there any additional fees associated with these services? A comprehensive audit policy can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support and guidance in the event of a tax audit. 

Just remember that while a good tax preparer will help you respond to an audit, they cannot guarantee any specific outcome.

Wrapping Up!

Ultimately, when it comes to filing taxes, having a reliable, experienced tax preparer is essential. Working with a professional can help you save money on your taxes and ensure accuracy. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can maximize your refund or reduce the amount you owe. 

We urge readers to take the time to carefully research any potential tax preparers they are considering working with to make sure they have all the necessary paperwork ready for filing and are comfortable with the individual or organization’s credentials, fees, experience level, payment methods accepted, references available for review and other services offered. 

If you feel confident in your research process, ask them all the questions outlined above before signing off on any contracts so that you remain in control of your finances throughout the filing process. Feel free to contact us if you need help finding qualified tax professionals in your area!

About Us 

If you need help with filing your taxes, look no further than Sela Tax & Accounting LLC. We are a full-service firm in Florida specializing in tax accounting and payroll services. We have a team of qualified professionals who can take care of all your accounting needs. You can reach us at  305-747-7424 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our services.