Here are some Top Tips for Finding the Best Tax Services in Charlotte. Every state in America has different tax codes, which include a complex system with several parts. North Carolina is no exception.
Though it is a tax-friendly state with a flat income tax rate of 5.25%, you will need to understand the tax codes and laws to ensure that you pay your taxes according to the law.
Tax preparation can be complicated. Once you have collected all your receipts, financial statements, W-2s, and 1099s, you may need the help of professional tax services to prepare your tax return.
These tips will help you pick the best tax accounting service provider.
The Complete Guide That Makes Choosing the Best Accounting Firm Simple
1. Verify the Tax Services Credentials
To ensure that you work with a qualified tax preparer, you need to verify their credentials. Several people claim to be tax preparers but they do not have the expertise, knowledge, or skill to handle tax returns.
The best tax services should be vetted by state regulatory boards or the IRS. The IRS requires those who help to prepare federal tax returns in exchange for compensation to have a preparer tax identification number (PTIN).
Accounting services providers and tax preparers should be enrolled agents, annual filing season program participants, certified public accountants, or attorneys.
Ensure that they have studied accounting, passed the exams, and have a license from the state boards.
One way to verify their credentials is to search the IRS directory, which includes a preparer’s IRS-recognized professional credentials and PTINs.
2. Check Their Professional Record
Apart from a preparer’s credentials, their reputation and professional record is vital. You need to be able to trust a service provider because they will have access to information about your finances, Social Security number, and more.
To ensure that you are working with a reputable individual or business tax services provider, you can check their ratings on sites like the Better Business Bureau, which grades tax services providers based on factors such as licensing, customer complaints, and violations.
You can also check customer reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, and social media sites to know what other customers have to say about them. It is also ideal to look for any disciplinary actions against the preparers.
If you want to work with an enrolled agent, you can visit the IRS’s enrolled agent status webpage.
3. Compare the Fees
The National Society of Tax Professionals has set an average fee for tax services. Several tax service providers charge a minimum fee plus an additional cost based on how complex a client’s returns are, or a fixed rate for each schedule and form needed.
Though you may not get the exact fees upfront, you should understand how they determine their prices and ensure that they do not base their fees on a percentage of your tax refund.
Get to know what is included in their quoted price and that they do not have any hidden or additional costs.
When inquiring about the fees, it may be best to avoid sharing information such as your Social Security numbers and tax documents. Should such information end up in the hands of a dishonest preparer, they can file the return without your permission.
4. Get Recommendations For The Best Tax Services
If you have friends or family members who are members of professional organizations like the American Academy of Attorney CPAs, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, or the National Association of Tax Professionals, you can ask them to recommend a tax service provider.
Tax service providers with membership in such organizations are easy to trust. This is because they are required to uphold certain professional conduct, codes of ethics, and have various certification programs.
It is also ideal to find a preparer with clients similar to you. This way, they will be more familiar with what you need, the laws and codes that govern your taxes, and you are likely to get the best services from them.
5. Ensure that the Tax Service Has Your Back
CPAs, enrolled agents, and attorneys who have PTINs can represent any taxpayer in front of the IRS on appeals, collection issues, and payments.
The preparer you choose should complete the Annual Filing Season Program to be able to represent you.
The best service provider should be available when you need them, even after the filing season is over to handle any questions or concerns you have about the taxes.
Remember, the state tax authority and IRS can send you letters any time. You will need the help of your preparer to help you with any tax resolution.
6. Check if They File Electronically
The IRS requires tax services that handle more than 10 returns for clients to file electronically via their e-file system. If the service provider does not offer e-files, they may not be the right fit because they are not doing enough tax planning.
Since the law also requires preparers to provide their PTINs and sign the returns, you should also ensure that they sign on the dotted line. Be careful not to sign a blank return.
The preparer you use can make a huge difference in your life and your returns. Remember, you have a right to report any red flags or problems you encounter with the services to the IRS.
Find the Best Tax Services in Your State
Several people who use preparers fail to know if they are the best choice for them and if they will represent them in case of an audit. This mistake can put you at risk of identity theft and land you on the wrong side of the law.
Therefore, it is vital to ensure that you only hire the best services. These tips will help you weed out dishonest or corrupt tax services so that you can only work with the best in your state.
If you are looking for the best tax services in Charlotte, get in touch with us today for accurate, reliable, and professional services.