From The California Society of Enrolled Agents: Questions to Ask When Choosing A Tax Professional

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Internal Revenue Code (Title 26) consists of more than 3,500 pages, and the regulations that interpret the Code number thousands of additional pages. A good tax professional can help you comply with all regulations while ensuring that you get all the credits and deductions to which you're entitled for both state and federal taxes – and advise and assist you with tax planning for the future.

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Unfortunately, it's not always easy to identify a good tax professional – and it's important to note that although a paid preparer will sign the return, YOU are responsible for the accuracy of the document. The California Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA), which represents thousands of federally-licensed tax professionals, as well as affiliate and associate tax preparers, offers the following list of "Dos" and "Don'ts" for choosing a good tax professional.

1. Avoid tax preparers who "guarantee" a larger refund than other tax professionals, or who offer to base their fee on a percentage of your refund. No ethical tax pro would promise any more than to help ensure that you pay only the taxes you owe.
2. Be wary of companies that offer to help you settle your past tax debts for "pennies on the dollar." The IRS's Offer in Compromise (OIC) program is a "last resort" for tax debtors with crushing tax burdens, but the IRS estimates that fewer than one percent of all tax liabilities are settled through OICs. A good tax professional will know if you qualify, and not subject you to the $150 OIC filing fee (plus company fees) in vain.
3. Has your tax professional explained his or her fee structure, and offered a letter of engagement that spells out fees in straight-forward terms?
4. If that tax shelter, offshore transaction, or unusual tax deduction seems too good to be true, it probably is. The IRS has rededicated itself to cracking down on abusive tax transactions; stay out of the trap.
5. Ask questions; get references. A good tax preparer has nothing to hide! The next two items are questions you should be asking your tax professional.
6. "Can you represent me before the IRS in all matters, including audits, collection actions, and appeals?"
7. "Do you belong to a professional association with a specific Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Responsibility and required education credits for membership?"

Enrolled Agents are licensed by the Department of the Treasury to advise and represent clients specifically in matters of taxation and to help ensure that all deductions and credits are applied accurately and fairly.

You can locate an Enrolled Agent in your area by calling toll free 1-800-TAXPRO-5 or online at www.csea.org. Outside California, the Enrolled Agent referral number is 800/424-4339.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

David A. Shaw, EA

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=39241

SOURCE California Society of Enrolled Agents

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