MONEY: Tips for choosing a tax preparer

Money

January 17, 2009

Anonymous The Niagara Gazette Sat Jan 17, 2009, 06:23 PM EST

By The Associated Press

Tips from the Internal Revenue Service on how to choose someone to prepare your tax return:

—Word of mouth: Get recommendations from family and friends.

—Check credentials. Does the person have the necessary training and certificates to prepare returns and/or represent you before the IRS if questions arise?

—Too good to be true? Be wary if the tax preparer claims to be able to get you a larger refund than other preparers.

—The fee: If it's based on a percentage of the refund, look elsewhere.

—Avoid tax preparers who ask you to sign a blank return.

—Consider longevity. How long has the preparer been in business? Will they be there to answer questions after the return is filed?

—Documentation: The preparer should ask you for receipts to back up your deductions.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

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