Get the help you need to find the right tax preparer for you

Choosing a tax preparer can be a critical decision in your financial future.  You are legally responsible for what’s on your tax return even if it was prepared by an another individual or firm.

The CPA profession is built on the several key principles: integrity, objectivity, independence and accountability. While most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide quality service to their clients, remember that CPAs are held to a strict code of conduct and are highly trained professionals equipped with the skills and expertise for tax preparation and so much more.

The IRS provides the following tips to help in the search for a preparer:

1. Check the person’s qualifications. Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional association such as The Ohio Society of CPAs that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics.
   
   
2. Check on the preparer’s history. Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the Accountancy Board of Ohio or the state’s bar association for attorneys.
   
   
3. Find out about their service fees. Avoid preparers that base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. Consider using the Ohio CPA Referral Service to find a CPA in your area. The first 30-minute meeting with the CPAs is free.
   
   
4. Make sure the tax preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after April 15, in case questions arise.
   
   
5. Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return. Most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items.
   
   
6. Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
   
   
7. Review the entire return before signing it. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.
   
   
8. Make sure the preparer signs the form. A paid preparer must sign the return as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.

Don't underestimate the value of the CPA designation. Those three letters are awarded to individuals who have passed a rigorous uniform national examination, fulfilled demanding state licensing requirements and demonstrated their professional competence. And all CPAs must satisfy extensive continuing education requirements to keep their CPA license active.

Through the Ohio CPA Referral Service, you will be referred to at least three CPA firms in your area offering the services you are requesting. There is no cost to utilize the referral service. Firms enrolled in the program will provide an initial consultation session up to a half hour at no charge. Find a CPA today.

You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888. Download Form 3949-A from IRS.gov or order by mail at 800-829-3676.

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