How to Choose a Tax Preparer

With the 2015 tax filing season quickly approaching, I thought I would share this article the IRS published earlier this month about how to “Make a Wise Choice when Selecting a Tax Preparer”. I summarized a few key points below, because lets face it, it’s 2015 and nobody has the attention span to read a full article.

Here are some key take-aways:

  • Select a professional you trust. Since they will have access to sensitive data, including your social security number along with income and investment data, make sure you aren’t handing an engagement over to someone who could compromise your personal data. At Launch Consulting, we safeguard your data and use a secure file exchange software to protect your privacy.
  • Ask about preparation fees upfront. No-one likes surprises, especially in April around deadline time. Avoid any preparer that charges a fee based on refund, or says they can get you a larger refund. If a CPA is telling you this, it’s 100% unethical and against the rules of the State Board holding their license.
  • Make sure your preparer doesn’t disappear after April. Sometimes questions arise and you need your preparer to clarify. At Launch Consulting, we are with you year round, not just for tax preparation, but for tax planning and business consulting. We want to see you succeed, and we promise to be there every step of the way to help.

Lastly, only Enrolled Agents (EA), Certified Public Accountants (CPA), and Attorneys have unlimited representation rights in front of the IRS. As a licensed CPA, I can represent you on any matters including audits, payment/collection issues, and appeals.

 

The full article can be read here.

For any questions about business or personal taxes, contact Paul Glantz, CPA at paul@launchconsultinginc.com