Finding the right tax preparer for you can seem like a
daunting challenge. Here are some easy guides to help you find a tax preparer
that’s right for you, plus helpful tips on working with your tax preparer, how
to organize your tax documents, and how to protect yourself from unscrupulous
preparers.
How Do I Find a Good
Tax Professional in Alaska?
After thinking about whether I should prepare my own taxes
or not, I've decided to let a professional do the work for me. But now I have
another question: How do I find one? No one I know uses an accountant. Should I
just walk into one of those tax chains, look for a CPA nearby, or what do I
need to consider before giving this person my financial information?
How to Choose Qualified Tax Professionals Alaska State
Most working professionals have to file taxes and prepare a
federal tax return.
Though you can file a return yourself, the best person to
help you file your return is an appropriately qualified tax professional. Such
a professional will not only guide you in filing your return but will also
guide you as to whether you need to file a return, when to file a return and
other nitty-gritty associated with filing a federal tax return.
Having said this, now you are faced with the big question.
How do you choose a tax professional in Alaska State? While filing a tax
return, the most important point to keep in mind is that, though somebody else
helps you prepare your return and file it, you are the one who is responsible,
legally and morally for the filed return. So, any legal issue can get you into
trouble.
Most tax professionals are honest and will guide you
correctly, but there maybe a few who are not up to the mark or are dishonest
and you want to be aware of such people when you choose a professional to help
you with your tax return.
Any person can become a tax preparer and file a return. But,
as you are looking for a professional, it is best to go with somebody who is
either a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or a person who is an Enrolled Agent
(EA), that is, the person has enrolled with the IRS.
When you look for a preparer, be sure to know the location,
as it is better to find a preparer from your state.
The tips listed below will help you choose a qualified tax
professional from your state –
1. Background Check and Identification - Every registered
tax preparer has a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). The preparer
should be ready to authorize the prepared tax return by adding the PTIN and
signing. Also, you need to check that there are no legal issues that the tax
professional is embroiled in, or does not have any pending court cases related
to financial fraud.
2. Knowledge - You should try and gauge the knowledge level
of the preparer. The preparer must be well versed with the kind of taxation you
require. Also, the tax professional must be aware of the changes in tax laws
and rules if any and their applicability to your tax return.
3. Service – Enquire about the service that the person
offers. You will need to be in touch with your tax professional on more than
one occasion, so the professional should be ready to meet you, to be there to
answer your queries, to be there in case there is any other issue after the tax
return is filed. You need to find out whether the professional will just
prepare a return, or help you file it, or will file it electronically.
4. Fees - You need to find out the fees associated with the
services provided.
So, now you have a few pointers on how to choose a qualified
tax professional in your state. The best source is your friend circle or peer
group, as then the identification and background checks are easier. You can
also use some niche websites that help you in finding good Tax Preparers.
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