How to Find the Best Tax Preparer Near Me

How to Find the Best Tax Preparer Near You

Perhaps you've already done business with a small business tax preparer, but did you ever inquire about their credentials?

Many people don't even bother to ask, despite the fact that tax consultants have access to your most sensitive information, such as your bank accounts, marriage, children — even your Social Security number.

To get a tax consultant from the comfort of your home or office, you can use the Google near me search. All you have to do is to visit Google from an internet-enabled device, type "tax preparer near me" in the search space. The profiles of all the tax preparers near you on Google's database will appear for you to select the one you want to work with.

You can also type "income tax preparer near me" if you want to the service of an income tax preparer.

How To Find The Best Tax Preparer Near Me


Aside from evaluating a tax advisor, there are a few additional things to bear in mind while seeking tax assistance. The following are seven important tips on how to find the best tax preparer or tax advisor for your business:

1. Ask for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)


The IRS makes it mandatory for anyone who prepares or assists in the preparation of federal tax returns for compensation to have a PTIN. This is strictly “for compensation” — you don't need PTINs if you are a volunteer tax preparer. Ensure that your tax preparer includes his or her PTIN number on your return, as the IRS mandates.

2. Require a CPA, a legal license, or the status of an enrolled agent


A PTIN is pretty simple to obtain, so take it a step further and hire a qualified preparer, such as a CPA, licensed attorney, EA, enrolled agent, or someone who has completed the IRS's Annual Filing Season program.

Programs such as Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor and Accredited Tax Preparer can assist preparers in meeting the Annual Filing Season Program requirement. All of these qualifications necessitate varied levels of study, examinations, and continued education.

How can you find the best tax preparer near you who has the tax preparer certification you require? One option is to look through the IRS's directory. Preparers having PTINs and IRS-recognized professional certifications are included. Volunteer preparers and those with only PTINs will not be included in the database.

3. Finding friends in high places


Looking for a tax advisor with membership in a professional organization such as the National Association of Tax Professionals, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, or the American Academy of Attorney CPAs is always a good thing to have in a tax advisor, as most have codes of ethics, professional conduct requirements and various certification programs, as most have codes of ethics, professional conduct requirements, and various certification programs. If you already have a financial advisor, they may be able to put you in touch with a tax advisor.

4. Compare tax advisor fees


How much do tax preparers charge? How much should I pay to prepare my taxes? According to the National Society of Accountants, the average charge for preparing a non-itemized Form 1040 in 2020 was $220. The cost of preparing an itemized form 1040 jumped to $323. Tax preparers frequently charge either a flat fee plus a cost dependent on the difficulty of your return, or a predetermined fee for each form and schedule required for your return. It's a red flag if a tax preparer bases his or her fee on the size of your refund or claims to be able to earn you a larger refund than the next person.

5. Consider hiring a tax advisor who does not e-file


Any paid tax preparer who prepares more than ten returns for clients must use the IRS's e-file system to submit their returns. If your tax preparer doesn't offer e-filing, it could indicate that they aren't doing as much work as you expected. Hence, he or she will have all the time for your business, compared to when he or she has so many clients.

6. Confirm that they will sign on the dotted line


Paid preparers must sign their clients' returns and submit their PTINs, according to the law. Never sign a blank tax return because the preparer could scribble anything on it, including the account number of their own bank account, to steal your refund.

7. Check to see if your advisor is on your side


Enrolled agents, CPAs, and attorneys who have their PTINs can represent you before the IRS on audits, payments and collection difficulties, and appeals. Preparers with only PTINs can’t — even if they were the ones who prepared your return. Only in very limited instances can preparers who have completed the Annual Filing Season Program represent clients.

Availability of the tax preparer is also important. Even after the filing season has ended and your tax return has been filed, the top tax preparers will pick up the phone, respond to your email, or invite you to come in for a consultation.

Conclusion


Tax remittance is very important to the existence of your business. Therefore, it is necessary to get the best tax preparer near me or advisor to help handle your tax filing.

If you don't need to meet with an advisor in person, you can get guidance online. Many tax preparers online now provide live support, so you may get help right away if you have a question or encounter difficulties while you're filing. Get started today and hire a tax preparer.
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