Do you need tax help? Do you need help with the IRS or state and need someone to save you? Or is tax season coming around and you didn't like the job your last tax preparer did? Maybe you just don't have time to do it yourself anymore, or this is your first time? How would you go about to find the perfect tax professional?
First we must consider what the "perfect tax preparer" is. What do you want? Everybody wants at least three things from a tax professional:
You want your tax problem solved, and your returns done right, whatever. You just want a no-problem solution.
You want your return filed, tax problem solved, solution enacted in a timely manner. You want it over and done. No worries about IRS action, late returns, or penalties.
You need that "perfect tax professional" to safeguard your information. Even if that tax preparer does a wonderful job, I mean a super job; but your identity gets stolen, or your business strategies fall apart. It's not worth it.
Of course, in this economy, most people don't have money to spare! That means that most likely, you want a fourth thing from that tax professional. But of course, you want your dealing with that professional to be pleasant--as unpleasant as taxes are. I know. When I got that first paycheck..."WHAT??? I lost 10% of my paycheck in withholdings to the IRS?" So lets add to our list:
Low prices.
Pleasant and personal.
How do you find that "perfect tax professional"-The Perfect Tax Professional is honest and fits the guidelines above. Here are some tips.
Now that you know what you want, its time to search, It's well worth it to get a trustworthy tax professional that you can use for years to come. You must decide whether you want to use a big tax company, or a small one. Small tax companies can; but not always are; more personal and less expensive. They may not be as reliable or quick as a larger entity however. If you happen to have tax professionals available locally, check them out first. There is nothing quite like that same-town feel.
Since you want your tax problems solved right, quickly and confidentially, you need to find an experienced and trustworthy profession or firm. Because you want a pleasant and personal, after you find several professionals with good client testimonials and 10+ years of experience: visit or call them up and inquire about their services. If they or their staff seems friendly and knowledgeable, mark them as your potential preparer. Talk to their clients, if possible, and see what sources recommend them.
If you're looking for someone online, look at their web page. If it has blatant advertisements, or exaggerated self-promotion, move on. If the tax professional has a video they did themselves, watch it so you can get an idea who is behind the email or phone. It's common sense! Ask yourself "Does this company look like one I want to deal with, one who may fit the bill above?". Of course you probably want to check out their prices as well. If the prices aren't listed contact them and ask.
You can also use free tools like Macafee site advisor (check site report) to check what the web page is linked to. If the web page is directly linked to all kinds of other tax sites, one company or person probably owns them all. Move on. Don't trust companies that link to bad or dishonest sites either.
I commend you on your wise decision to help yourself and save yourself trial and hardship in the future.
