Questions You Must Ask to Find a Reliable Tax Preparer

If you’re looking for a good tax preparer, how can you be sure you’re making the proper decision? Referrals are an excellent place to start, but you should still do your homework. You want to not only ask the proper questions, but you also want to look for the correct answers.

Here are some questions to ask a tax professional before hiring one:

What Does Your Tax Preparation Look Like?

This is where you and your tax professional agree on how you will communicate during the tax-filing process. Do you want to set up a meeting or two and do everything in person, or do you prefer to share over email? Making phone calls may work for the two of you.

Whatever you want the tax preparation process to look like, it’s critical to establish those expectations early on and select an advisor who will work with your schedule and preferences.

What Are the Common Challenges You’ve Encountered?

Their level of expertise, as well as their ability to overcome obstacles, are all critical considerations.

Preparing taxes for an individual differs from preparing taxes for a corporation or a foreign client, so it’s essential to know if they’ve dealt with the specific issues they’ll face on the job — and if they’re adaptive.

Is Your Experience Good for My Situation?

If you know your tax situation is unusual, ensure that the professional you employ has completed returns like yours.

Working with a tax preparer experienced in your industry can mean the difference between claiming all your allowable deductions and losing money.

Suppose your taxes are more complicated than usual such as being self-employed, owning a rental or business property, living in one state but working in another, receiving an inheritance, or working abroad. In that case, your tax preparer should be familiar with these situations.

Do You Know the Requirements of the Localities and States?

Federal income taxes have no borders; the laws do not differ from one state to the next. However, this is different when it comes to states and municipalities. Your state or city may have unusual filing requirements, particularly for business owners.

It could be more apparent if you’ve moved from one state to another during the year or live in one state but work in another. You may require additional assistance if you own real estate or business in a state other than yours or are the trust beneficiary or estate in another state.

Ascertain that your preparer is aware of – and capable of meeting – all of the filing requirements.

What Drew You To Tax Preparation?

Suppose you’re looking for someone who has the potential to improve your team or advance to a leadership position within your organization. In that case, it’s essential to understand their hobbies and passions.

Tax preparation might offer a consistent salary and a flexible schedule, but does your candidate find true joy in their work? Do they go beyond duty to further their knowledge and skill set?

A genuine interest in finance, accounting, or issues connected to these fields is advantageous. Attendance at industry conferences, for example, demonstrates that the candidate is committed to furthering their career.

Conclusion

Finding a reliable tax preparer requires asking the right questions and thoroughly evaluating their qualifications. By asking these critical questions, you can make an informed decision and find a trustworthy tax preparer who will effectively meet your tax needs and help you navigate the tax system.

Take control of your tax needs with Practical Taxes! We specialize in providing practical tax solutions for businesses and individuals in Billings, MT. Whether you require payroll services, bookkeeping assistance, tax preparation, or comprehensive tax services, our team has covered you. Contact us now!