Things To Consider Before Choosing A Tax Preparer

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

As a citizen of the United States, each and every year you're required to file taxes no matter what, so why not have someone to help you along the way? Although there are computer programs and softwares that can guide you through the process, the only way to really know that things are being done correctly is to work with a professional who is highly trained in the tax field. But like you would when buying a house or leasing a new car, it's important to do adequate research to find the tax preparer that's right for you. Below, we list a few things to consider before deciding on who you'll work with:

1. Their qualifications: You should always feel confident that your tax preparer has gone through all of the necessary training in order to be certified in this line of work. So, ask about their PTIN (preparer tax identification number) as well as their background and education (for example, are they a CPF, CPA, etc) to find out what makes them qualified to prepare a tax return.
2. Their history: It's always helpful to know what type of clients a tax preparer has worked with in the past - maybe the one you've found specializes in helping businesses, but you're more interested in someone who specializes in helping families. Furthermore, it's a good idea to find out how long they've been preparing tax returns for so that you can rest assured knowing they're familiar with the process.
3. Their fees: The IRS explains that "under no circumstances should all or part of your refund be directly deposited into a preparer's bank account." That said, don't hesitate to ask a tax preparer about their service fees beforehand and how they intend to claim them. Additionally, you should know whether they bill by the hour or a flat rate so that you know what to expect once services are rendered.

For more helpful hints on how to choose a tax preparer, check out these tips from the IRS.

Here at American Investment Planners LLC, we are staffed with extremely qualified CFPs and other tax planning advisors who are more than capable of assisting with tax returns during tax season. To learn about our team's qualifications, history and fees, or to make an appointment with us, please call (516) 932-5130.