How to choose an IRS official for your Tax queries? A complete guide
Written by
- Redaction Team
- March 2, 2023
- Business Planning, Entrepreneurship
Professional tax return preparers include CPAs, registered agents, lawyers, and other professionals. You depend on your IRS preparer to know about taxes and know how to file them. They can see sensitive information about your family’s finances, like your Social Security number, whether or not you’re married, how much money you make, and how many people you support.
Most tax preparation services are very professional and of the highest quality. Still, some people lose money yearly because they hire an IRS official who needs to improve their work. Remember to review our tips for choosing a tax preparer and avoiding dishonest “ghost” preparers. This guide on how to communicate with IRS will help you choose the right professional.
How to Choose an IRS Official for Tax Queries?
Think about these things as you look for a good tax return preparer:
- You should hire a tax preparer who can help you all year. Even though tax season is over, you might still need to talk to your tax preparer if you have questions about your returns.
- Find out about the planner's background. Check the record of any licensed preparers you're considering hiring to see if their license is still valid or if there are any other problems. For CPAs, look for the State Board of Accountancy; for lawyers, look for the State Bar Association. Visit or look through the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers. Find an enrolled agent by using Check the Status of an Enrolled Agent.
- Find out how much the service will cost. Don't believe tax preparers who say they can get you the most money back. Do not use a tax preparer who charges fees based on a percentage of your refund or offers to put your refund somewhere other than your bank account.
- Check if their accountant will let them file electronically with the IRS. When you file electronically and choose direct deposit, the IRS usually returns your money in less than 21 days.
- Please show proof, like a receipt or a piece of paper. Good accountants all know that they need to ask for these files. They will also ask you several questions to determine your total income, deductions, tax credits, etc. Do not hire a tax preparer who sends an electronic return based on a pay record instead of a Form W-2. When you e-file with the IRS, you can't do that.
- Find out if the preparer has the right skills and experience. Enrolled agents, CPAs, and lawyers can help anyone with any issue with the IRS. In some cases, people who participate in the Annual Filing Season Program and prepare and sign tax returns on behalf of taxpayers are allowed to do so.
- Don't sign a blank or unfinished form. It's the responsibility of each taxpayer to send in a complete and correct tax return.
- Don't sign your tax return without first reading it. Don't be afraid to ask questions if something isn't clear or seems wrong. Ensure the correct bank account and routing numbers are on the return. Any refund checks should go to the taxpayer, not the person who did the work.
Who are Ghost Preparers?
A Preparer Tax Identification Number is a must by law for anyone who gets paid to prepare or help prepare federal tax returns. Sign the Tax returns done for money with the preparer’s PTIN.
If the paid preparer asks for money upfront or bases their fees on your refund amount, but you don’t sign the return, it’s a red flag that they’re looking for quick cash. Anyone who needs to file taxes should stay away from “ghost” tax preparers who don’t follow any rules of conduct.
A “ghost preparer” helps people with their tax returns without putting their names on them. Unreliable “ghost preparers” often have the taxpayer print the return, sign it, and mail it to the IRS. Someone who does tax returns electronically but doesn’t “digitally sign” them as the paid preparer is a “ghost preparer.”
Conclusion
While most tax preparers are trustworthy, upstanding members of society, a few can do damage via fraud, identity theft, or other schemes. Filers should know who they’re working with and what questions to ask before selecting a tax preparation service.
The type of preparer ideal for a given taxpayer depends on their cases. Whether taxpayers routinely utilize a tax expert or are working with one for the first time, they should exercise caution when selecting. Regardless of who helps you file your taxes, you are ultimately accountable for everything that appears on your return. We hope the above-listed tips help you choose an ideal IRS official for your tax queries.
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