Note: We thought you'd find the article below, by Kathy Kristof of the Los Angeles Times, informative. She suggests several questions you should ask your prospective tax preparer:
- What are your credentials? (By the way, at Accountability, Karen, Gary, Sally and Vikki are all CTEC Registered Tax Preparers.)
- What about continuing education? (CTEC Registered Tax Preparers are required to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education per year. Our preparers always complete at least that much.)
- Where can I find you after the return is prepared? ( Right here! Karen has been preparing tax returns since 1987, since 2004 with Accountability. Gary's been at it since 1999, Sally since 1998, and Vikki since 2007. We’re all here year-round, and not going anywhere.)
- Do you specialize? ( You bet. We train to prepare all types of returns, from the simplest personal short form through Corporate and Partnership returns. However, we do specialize in preparing returns for self-employed and rental property owners.)
- Do you stand behind the returns you prepare? ( Yes! If we are responsible for an error we will fix it at no charge. Our engagement letter contains details regarding our policy.)
Ms. Kristof also advises shoppers to look for red flags
— such as promises of a big refund. (By the way, we will NEVER mislead you regarding any potential refund you may receive. The amount you may owe or receive back can NOT be known until your return is completed.)
Some other points to remember:
- Our fees are based on the forms required to complete your return. We NEVER charge based on your refund!
- You will never sign a blank return or be allowed to use a pencil.
- You WILL receive and sign an engagement letter outlining all of our return preparation policies BEFORE we begin work on your return!