How do I find a reputable tax preparer? HELP!?
I've been looking for a reputable tax service. I've asked several people I know and nobody has given me the name of someone reputable other than places like H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt and places like that. Are they a good place to go to and do they really know their stuff well? Another reason why I've never gone there is because I've heard they charge alot of money for people who itemize. Any recomendations on how to find somebody reputable and knowledgeable who won't charge me an arm and a leg for tax preparation? Thanks.
Public Comments
- Who has done your taxes before, and what forms do you receive from employers, lender, investments, etc. that you cannot figure out? Or are you self employed? The reason I ask is because if this is your first time and all you have is a W-2 and maybe 1099-INT for bank interest, taxes are not rocket science, and can be easily done if you just follow the instructions. Itemized deductions on Schedule A are fairly simple too for mortgage interest, property taxes, and state taxes. If you have something does not suit one of the other lines, you might need to dig deeper to see if it really is a miscellanious deduction. For example investing seminars are NOT a misc. deduction on Schedule A. The IRS even has a list of places where you can e-file without a fee (some, but not all, may have income limits). But I always do them on paper (PDF fill out forms) first, just to make sure everything agrees with whatever method I do use to file.. I have always done my own taxes (over 35 yrs), including itemized deductions, assorted capital gains, and partially taxable IRA to Roth IRA conversions.
- No, taxes are not rocket science, but they can be intimidating depending on the forms you need. I've worked for Block for 16 years. Most of the people I worked with are very good when it comes to taxes. Some are not so good. If you don't want to go to Block, Liberty or Hewett, I would recommend checking the National Association of Enrolled Agents website. www.naea.org You can find Enrolled Agents in your area. CPAs may or may not specialize in taxes, all Enrolled Agents do.
