As many of you may have known already, tax season is right around the corner, and so are those scammers. On Jan. 20th the IRS will begin accepting tax returns electronically and also begin processing paper tax returns at the same time. So who could you trust? With a little research, we’ve discovered that there are ways to go about choosing the right tax preparer for you, thanks to the IRS.

• Check to be sure the preparer has an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Anyone with a valid 2015 PTIN is authorized to prepare federal tax returns.
• Ask the tax preparer if they have a professional credential (enrolled agent, certified public accountant, or attorney), belong to a professional organization or attend continuing education classes.
• Check on the service fees upfront. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who say they can get larger refunds than others can.
• Always make sure any refund due is sent to you or deposited into your bank account. Taxpayers should not deposit their refund into a preparer’s bank account.
• Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file and ask that your return be submitted to the IRS electronically. It’s the safest and most accurate way to file a return, whether you do it alone or pay someone to prepare and file for you.
• Make sure the preparer will be available. Make sure you’ll be able to contact the tax preparer after you file your return – even after the April 15 due date. This may be helpful in the event questions come up about your tax return.
• Provide records and receipts. Good preparers will ask to see your records and receipts. They’ll ask you questions to determine your total income, deductions, tax credits and other items. Do not rely on a preparer who is willing to e-file your return using your last pay stub instead of your Form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules.
• Never sign a blank return. Don’t use a tax preparer that asks you to sign an incomplete or blank tax form.
• Review your return before signing. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions if something is not clear. Make sure you’re comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.
• Ensure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN. Paid preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN as required by law. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.
• Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS. You can report abusive tax return preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS. Use Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. If you suspect a return preparer filed or changed the return without your consent, you should also file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit. You can get these forms on IRS.gov.

Hopefully, you took the time to read though the information. If your looking for more information in regards to choosing an IRS Authorized Provider, this link will lead you directly there:

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Urges-Taxpayers-to-Choose-a-Tax-Preparer-Wisely–for-the-Filing-Season-Ahead

or feel free to drop us a line. It’s our job to reply.