{"id":3125,"date":"2019-04-02T08:49:33","date_gmt":"2019-04-02T12:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/?p=3125"},"modified":"2019-04-02T08:49:41","modified_gmt":"2019-04-02T12:49:41","slug":"how-to-carefully-choose-your-tax-preparer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/how-to-carefully-choose-your-tax-preparer\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW TO CAREFULLY CHOOSE YOUR TAX PREPARER"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HELPFUL TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR TAX PREPARER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

IRS Expects More Taxpayers to Seek Professional Help This Year Due to the Most Sweeping Tax Reform Changes Made in More than 30 Years by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tax Preparer Fraud<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past few years, the IRS has made significant improvements in its efforts to educate taxpayers. One of its focal points has been to warn taxpayers about tax scams. Unfortunately for taxpayers, one of the major scams the IRS has identified is tax preparer fraud<\/strong>. IRS advises taxpayers to know and look for the warning signs and understand the dangers of using these con artists<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known Benefits of Using a Professional Tax Preparer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the most sweeping tax reform legislation in more than 30 years, our office is seeing more taxpayers choosing to use a paid professional to prepare their tax returns this year. With many tax professionals charging a few hundred dollars to prepare a tax return, it is often viewed as a dollar outlay that brings significant peace of mind to taxpayers knowing that their tax returns were prepared in accordance with IRS rules, and perhaps more importantly, that they have taken advantage of any available tax strategies so as not to overpay their taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also the time savings. Whereas it can take an individual several hours to prepare their own return, it is a relatively simple task to complete your tax professional’s tax organizer and send him\/her your tax documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The IRS reminds taxpayers to be careful when selecting a tax professional. Selecting the right tax professional is vitally important. Remember that taxpayers are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of their tax return, regardless of who prepares it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Wisely Choose Your Tax Return Preparer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, don\u2019t begin your search by asking the question: \u201cHow much do you charge to prepare a tax return?\u201d<\/strong> While the cost to prepare your tax return is an important consideration, it really is one of the least important considerations as you peruse the other considerations listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inquire about the preparer’s experience in preparing tax years. How many years? If you have a small business or rental property, does the preparer have experience preparing Schedule C and Schedule E? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the preparer use a tax organizer or checklist so as not to overlook tax deductions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the tax professional merely prepare tax returns or will s\/he look for tax savings strategies that can be implemented to reduce your taxes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask how the preparer about the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. You want to make sure that the preparer is familiar with the new law and particularly about the Qualified Business Income deduction if you have a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Has the preparer written any books or articles about taxes? Spoken before any industry groups about taxes? This would indicate that the person is knowledgeable about taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for a preparer who is available year-round. In the event questions come up about a tax return, taxpayers may need to contact the preparer after the filing season is over. Tax planning is ideally done months before the end of the calendar year to allow sufficient time for implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask if the preparer has\nan IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Paid tax return preparers are\nrequired to register with the IRS, have a PTIN and include it on tax returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inquire whether the tax\nreturn preparer has a professional credential (enrolled agent, certified public\naccountant or attorney), belongs to a professional organization or attends\ncontinuing education classes. Because tax law can be complex, competent tax\npreparers remain up-to-date on tax topics..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the preparer\u2019s\nhistory. Check the Better Business Bureau website for information about the\npreparer. Look for disciplinary actions and the license status for credentialed\npreparers. For CPAs, check with the State Board of Accountancy. For attorneys,\ncheck with the State Bar Association. For Enrolled Agents, go to IRS.gov and\nsearch for \u201cverify enrolled agent status\u201d or check the Directory<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask about service fees.\nAvoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of their client\u2019s refund or boast\nbigger refunds than their competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure the preparer\noffers IRS e-file and ask to e-file the tax return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are signing your tax\nreturn under penalties of perjury. The preparer should be preparing your return\nbased on your tax documents and not using national averages or fabricated\nnumbers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never sign a blank or\nincomplete return. Work with preparers who provide you with a draft copy of your\nreturn for your review before it is e-filed. Make sure your preparer provides\nyou with an opportunity to ask questions if something is not clear or appears\ninaccurate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any refund should go directly to you, the taxpayer, and not into the preparer\u2019s bank account. If using direct deposit or ACH debit payments, review the routing and bank account numbers on the e-file authorization form against your bank information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that the preparer\nprovides you with a copy of your tax return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand tax representation\nrules. Only attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent any client before\nthe IRS in any situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like to discuss your business or personal tax planning<\/a>, tax preparation<\/a> and other financial concerns with an experienced tax professional, we invite you to call 610-594-2601<\/a> today to make an appointment at our Exton PA CPA office<\/a> to discuss your situation. You can also schedule a consultation at Click Here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copyright \u00a9 2019 Keystone Financial Solutions, Inc.  All rights reserved.  BE SURE TO READ THE DISCLAIMER PAGE: Content in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as the rendering of tax, legal or investment advice. The publisher of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein, will not be liable for any errors or omissions, and shall not assume liability for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About F. Bryan Haarlander, EA, CTRS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bryan\nHaarlander is an IRS licensed Enrolled Agent and who owns and operates a\nspecialized tax services firm serving clients in the western suburbs of\nPhiladelphia, PA, which includes the cities of Chester Springs, Coatesville,\nCollegeville, Devon, Downingtown, Exton, Frazer, King of Prussia, Paoli, Philadelphia,\nPhoenixville, Pottstown, Radnor, Reading, Wayne, West Chester in Berks,\nChester,  Delaware, Montgomery and\nPhiladelphia Counties, as well as clients in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and\nthroughout the continental USA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist, Bryan is well-known for his IRS tax resolution expertise and his book How to Resolve Your IRS Tax Debt Problems. <\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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HELPFUL TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR TAX PREPARER IRS Expects More Taxpayers to Seek Professional Help This Year Due to the Most Sweeping Tax Reform Changes Made in More than 30 Years by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Tax Preparer Fraud In the past few years, the IRS has made significant improvements in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[61,4,56],"tags":[132,69,73,63,33,34,21,64,71,31,72,66,23,41,65,32,40,39,67,68,38,70,201,200,202,151,37,36,35,150,42,28],"class_list":{"0":"post-3125","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-local-tax-news","7":"category-pennsylvania-tax-news","8":"category-state-tax-news","9":"tag-accuracy-related-penalty","10":"tag-audits","11":"tag-bankruptcy","12":"tag-bryan-haarlander","13":"tag-chester-county-cpa","14":"tag-exton-accountant","15":"tag-exton-cpa","16":"tag-f-bryan-haarlander","17":"tag-first-time-abatement","18":"tag-frank-haarlander","19":"tag-innocent-spouse","20":"tag-installment-agreements","21":"tag-irs","22":"tag-irs-tax-debts","23":"tag-irs-tax-payments","24":"tag-keystone-financial-solutions","25":"tag-offer-in-compromise","26":"tag-oic","27":"tag-partial-installment-agreements","28":"tag-penalty-abatement","29":"tag-philadelphia-cpa","30":"tag-reasonable-cause","31":"tag-reasonable-compensation","32":"tag-s-corporations","33":"tag-self-employment-taxes","34":"tag-tax-adviser-near-me","35":"tag-tax-blog","36":"tag-tax-expert","37":"tag-tax-planning","38":"tag-tax-professional-near-me","39":"tag-tax-resolution","40":"tag-west-chester-cpa","41":"entry"},"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9W9tf-Op","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3125"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3125\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3183,"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3125\/revisions\/3183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3125"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/keysolutions.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}