Tax preparer shopping can be a lot like a blind date: You might not know anything about your preparer, but you’re willing to share some intimate information. How can you possibly know if you and your preparer will be a good fit? Below are some important questions to ask:
- What’s your tax background? All the letters in your tax preparer’s business card can be hard to keep up with. Many of those letters mean that your preparer has passed certain tests or has specific tax training. It is helpful to understand if your tax preparer is right for your situation when you ask what these letters mean.
- Do you know what’s required for the states/localities where I am required to file? Some states have some off-the-wall filing requirements and these may change between non-residents and part-year residents. Find a tax preparer that knows these ins and outs for your state(s).
- What documentation will you need from me?
- How can I contact you if I have a question or problem after April 15th? All Liberty Tax Service offices provide support and answer questions all year around. It’s important that you do not leave an office without this contact information.