In 2019, 90% of Americans didn’t know what a tax bracket was. If you’re reading this thinking “well, neither do I,” you’re not alone.
Taxes are confusing, and that’s why so many people choose to use a tax service to help them with their needs. Tax planning and tax resolution are just some of the areas tax services can help with. But, with so many options available, choosing the right one can be difficult.
From business tax to accounting services, you might not even be certain yourself what you need.
Have a look at the list below to learn the 5 key questions to ask before choosing tax services.
1. Do They Have The Experience to Do What You Need For Your Taxes?
If you’ve chosen to use the services of a tax preparer, then you probably already have a specific task in mind for them to help you with.
You want to be able to trust that they can offer you a professional experience. Ensuring your tax preparer has dealt with your specific needs can offer you further reassurance that they will be a good fit for what you need.
However, you shouldn’t be discouraged if they haven’t worked on your particular issue before. As long as you ask the remaining questions on the list below, you should be able to find one whose skills are transferable between specific issues.
So, what experience might you like to see from your tax preparer? Well, it depends on what you need. But some examples could include tax planning, helping to understand income tax, and tax resolution services.
The most important thing is that you are assured your tax preparer is confident, professional, and capable of handling your needs. Always go with your instinct. If you aren’t happy at the beginning of the process, it may mean you won’t be happy at the end either.
2. What Tax Services Do You Offer? What About Business Tax And Accounting Services?
Once you know whether or not your tax preparer has worked on your issue before, you should find out what their regular services are. This will help understand if they will be a good fit for you.
By having an insight into the specific services available, you’ll know just how useful they will be to your query. You’ll also be able to create a list of the best tax preparers for your future tax needs.
You’ll almost always find your tax preparer offers a wide range of services. So asking this question can also narrow it down. Services may include accounting services, business tax, tax planning, tax resolution. With this knowledge, you can know if they’re the right person for you.
3. What Are Your Fees For Tax Planning, Tax Resolution, And Other Tax Services?
Knowing the fees of your tax preparer should be a high priority. Many will charge by the service. But some could have more specific fees associated with them, so it’s always best to check.
Knowing their fee will also allow you to make sure your budget works for what you need. You can always discuss this with your tax preparer. They may charge a smaller fee for lesser amounts of work. Getting the specific details will be of benefit to both of you.
It can also be a good idea to shop around. You may find a tax preparer you like, but whose fees are a little over your budget. You could take this information to a second tax preparer, and they may be able to offer you a reduced amount to avail of their services instead.
4. Can I See Your Preparer Tax Identification Number?
This is a very important question to ask to ensure your tax preparer is legitimate. Those who charge a fee for this service are required by the IRS to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. This is known as a PTIN.
Your tax preparer must enter this number on any document they work on. You are perfectly within your right to ask for it. It should be noted that volunteer tax preparers do not require this number. But that is simply because they aren’t charging for their services.
If you happen to be using a volunteer tax preparer and they want to charge you a fee, they will need a PTIN. It’s important you’re aware that they have this.
Knowing your tax preparer’s PTIN will simply give you greater peace of mind. You’ll know that you’re working with a professional. With this information, you can trust that you’ll have your specific requirements met.
5. What Professional Bodies Are You a Part Of?
To clarify, a tax preparer doesn’t have to belong to a professional organization to be accredited. However, knowing your tax preparer is part of a professional group can offer you further reassurance.
Some people also see it as a sign that the person offering you their services is serious about their career. Being part of a members organization could mean your tax preparer has received extra training, higher education, or is accountable to a higher standard of rules. This will offer you further contentment that you have chosen the right person for your job.
If they are part of a professional organization, your tax preparer may have documentation to prove this. Or they might be able to provide references. Don’t be afraid to ask for the reassurance you need.
These Are the Best Questions to Ask Tax Preparers!
Whether you’re using a tax preparer for tax services, accounting services, business tax, tax planning, or tax resolution, these questions are a great way to make sure you’re working with a professional.
Taxes can be daunting for any individual or business, so you always want to make sure you’re working with people who will get the job done. And, of course, people you can trust.
If you’re still feeling unsure about how to choose the right tax preparer, make sure you look through the website here. They’ll be able to answer any questions you may have and make all your tax worries disappear.