When tax season rolls around, it seems like people who can provide deals on tax preparation come out of the woodwork. How do you know who will provide the best services at the best rates, and is actually a reputable tax preparer? At Cathy E. Parker, E.A. Bookkeeping & Tax Service, we know choosing a tax preparer can be a daunting process, but we have provided three tips to ensure you find the right person to assist you:
- PTIN – Did you know paid tax preparers must have a PTIN number? A PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) will tell you that your preparer is legitimate. You can also ask them if they belong to any professional organizations or attend continuing education courses.
- History – When you are choosing a tax preparer, it is okay to check into their history. What is their standing with the Better Business Bureau? Have they ever received disciplinary action? What are their reviews from previous clients like? Finding out information like this will give you plenty of insight into their professional standing as a tax preparer.
- Availability – Lastly, your tax preparer should be available to you even after the April 15th deadline has passed. Whether you have questions, need to file an amendment, or need to gather your documents, your tax preparer should only be a phone call away.
If you have questions about the tax preparation process or would like to learn more about how we can serve as your tax preparer for 2017, contact us at Cathy E. Parker, E.A. Bookkeeping & Tax Service today. We look forward to assisting you.