Helpful Hints for Choosing a Tax Accountant

Ask someone you trust for a recommendation.This could be a friend, colleague, family member, or financial advisor. If you have a unique tax situation, try to ask someone whose situation is similar to yours for their recommendation for a tax accountant. This will help you to find a tax accountant who has experience in dealing with situations like yours.

If the tax accountant tries to tell you something that seems a little shady – like that you can claim big deductions or get a huge refund – don’t be afraid to question their advice or go elsewhere. In the eyes of the IRS, responsibility for the information on your tax return lies with you, the taxpayer. If you feel uncomfortable with your tax accountant for any reason, feel free to take your business somewhere else.

Know the different types of tax preparers. Chain tax services, like Jackson Hewitt or H&R Block, typically employ tax preparers, who have limited training and education in filing taxes. For basic tax returns, a tax preparer can provide competent service. A senior tax preparer has the same level of training and education as a tax preparer, but has more hands-on experience.

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a professional who has successfully completed testing and background checks administered by the IRS. An Enrolled Agent is a good choice for a complicated tax situation.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an accountant www.kanzlei-raddatz.dehas passed the CPA exam and gained licensure by their state. CPAs typically specialize in a particular area, and not all CPAs handle taxes.

A tax attorney is a lawyer who specializes in handling tax issues. All attorneys must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, and many tax attorneys also have a Master of Law in Taxation (LL.M.), too. If you have a complex tax situation, like estate taxes, or if your case is being brought before the U.S. Tax Court, you could benefit from the services of a tax attorney.