What to consider when choosing a tax professional
When it’s time to choose a tax preparer, it’s important to find someone who can not only get you the largest refund you deserve, but can prepare your return accurately and securely.
Below we have a few important questions you should ask when choosing a tax professional.
File with H&R Block to get your max refund
Top questions to ask when finding a tax professional
1. Do you have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)?
Paid tax return preparers are required to have a current PTIN. No ifs, ands or buts. The preparer must sign the return and include their PTIN before it is filed.
2. How did you learn to prepare taxes?
Ask about any courses or professional organizations they belong to. Tax law changes on an annual basis, so someone who does it as a hobby or sporadically may not be able to ensure you file an accurate return.
3. How do you protect my information?
You are handing over your most sensitive personal information to the preparer—your name, address, social security number, employer information and more. Are they making electronic copies of those documents? How are those stored? Are they encrypted? Are they destroyed after a certain amount of time? Where are hard copies left? Are they locked away and safe from easy access? If they use software to prepare the return, is it secure? These are important questions to ask.
4. What forms do I need to bring to my appointment?
If the preparer says you only need to bring your last paycheck stub, it’s a bad sign. A qualified preparer will use Form W-2 to complete your return. They should also ask you whether you would get a 1095 form, whether you have receipts or documentation for any deductions and more. They may want to see previous years’ returns. A good preparer will want you to bring in as many documents as possible – not as few.
5. Will my return be e-filed?
Any paid preparer who files more than 10 returns for clients, generally must file them electronically. This is not only a way to gauge the volume of returns they file and their ability to follow the rules – it’s an important way to gauge how long you’ll wait for your refund. E-filed returns are processed much faster than paper-filed returns.
6. How do you charge?
It’s wise to avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund. While it may seem like a nice incentive, it actually makes it more attractive for them to fraudulently claim credits that inflate your refund amount. That could lead to penalties for you in the future.
7. How will I get my refund?
Ensure that any refund is sent to you or your bank account vs. to the tax preparer.
8. When are you available outside of tax season?
If you can only reach your preparer for four months out of the year, it may be difficult if you need to amend the return or the IRS comes back with questions. If they are not available, ask whether they designate a third party to receive and inspect returns on their behalf.
In addition to asking these questions, remember that it is always your responsibility to review the tax return before signing and filing it. You want to make sure it is accurate, from the little things like your name and bank account information to big things like the number of dependents you have and the deductions you claim. Even though the preparer signs the return, you are the one who is legally responsible for the information within the return.
Doing a little bit of research when choosing a tax professional will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Benefits of working with an H&R Block tax pro
When you file with an H&R Block tax pro, you can take comfort knowing you’ve got the experience and knowledge of H&R Block experts at your side. Our tax pros have on average 10 years of experience and are committed to helping you get your maximum refund.
Make an appointment today and file with confidence!
Offer Terms and Conditions
Offer: Switch to H&R Block (“HRB”) and we will match the price you paid your credentialed tax preparer or Qualified Competitor up to 50% off HRB’s price to prepare your 2024 personal income tax return (the “Offer”).
Offer is valid for new in person HRB and Block Advisor clients only. Offer Period: January 6, 2025 – February 28, 2025. Offer only applies to personal income tax return for 2024 taxes filed in calendar year 2025. Customer eligibility will be at the sole discretion of the HRB tax professional. Customer must provide an eligible receipt, at the time of tax preparation, for 2023 federal and state preparation by a credentialed tax preparer or Qualified Competitor and excludes do it yourself tax preparation services. (“Eligible Receipt”) Qualified Competitors include but are not limited to TurboTax, Liberty Tax or Jackson Hewitt. The Eligible Receipt must be a valid receipt as determined by HRB. Excludes H&R Block Online, Tax Pro Review and H&R Block Small Business services and entity returns.
1. A new client is an individual who did not use Block Advisors or H&R Block office services to prepare their 2023 return. Discount is not available in combination with any other offers or promotions. No discount will reduce the price of services below $89. HRB reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time for any reason in its sole discretion. Valid only at participating locations. Offer is available only to legal US residents. OBTP#B13696-BR. ©2024 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
Was this topic helpful?