What To Check Before Selecting A Tax Consultant

Choosing someone to prepare your returns and file them isn't an easy process. Doing it right requires a fair amount of training in addition to proper licensing. There is no way to absolutely guarantee perfection unless you have the knowledge to do your own returns. However, there are many steps you can make to ensure that your tax consultant has all the tools that he or she needs to complete your returns fully and completely.


Preparer Tax Identification Number

In order to legally be compensated for preparing returns, a tax consultant must be registered with the IRS and be issued a preparer tax identification number. This is part of a fairly new program designed to increase standardization of knowledge and continued excellence among preparers around the country. In the past, there was virtually no oversight, which allowed for a much greater diversity. Now there will still be that diversity, but you're guaranteed at least a baseline level of competence no matter where you go. In order to be issued a PTIN, the individual must pass certain qualifying tests and commit to continuing education requirements.

Ask About Experience

The first question when you sit down with the person who's going to do your return should always be a question about his or her experience. What have they done previously? Are they comfortable with complex returns? If yours is particularly complex, ask them about the particular areas of difficulty they're likely to encounter. Some examples of more difficult filings include self-employment, independent contractorship, business ownership, and any kind of atypical or itemized deduction.

Check For Special Skills

It's quite common for a consultant to develop a kind of specialized set of expertise. This specialization usually comes from two sources: the first is classes, which are often offered on specific topics once basic competency is assured. The next is simply from practical experience. These two can combine to form a very powerful beneficial effect for an individual. If you find someone who specializes in your particular area of expertise, specifically request them whenever you have to file in the future.

Don't Hesitate To Ask Around At Offices

Most offices have more than one prep worker. Bronx tax locations  and offices in other very populated areas tend to have a lot more than one. So if you sit down with someone and don't immediately feel confident in their skills and abilities, just ask to work with someone else. If you're dealing with a special situation, ask whether they have someone on hand who has niche expertise with your exact scenario. This is one of the biggest advantages of going to a location of a bigger company – you're a lot more likely to find someone who can work with you in their larger and more regulated pool of employees.