These questions cover qualifications, relevant experience, fees, records and responsibilities before choosing a preparer. Professional help can support accurate preparation, but does not guarantee deductions, refunds or penalty protection. Henriquez Accounting offers services subject to an agreed scope.
Table of Contents
The 15 Must-Ask Questions
- What are your current credentials and representation rights? Ask how to verify EA enrollment or the relevant U.S. CPA or attorney license, confirm a current PTIN for paid federal preparation, and ask about experience with returns like yours. A PTIN alone is not a professional credential.
- What types of returns do you focus on? 1040, 1120S, 1065, multi-state, real estate, crypto, small business?
- How do you price? Fixed fee or hourly? What’s included (states, schedules, e-file, audit support)? Any add-ons?
- What documents do you require? Clear intake checklist, secure upload, deadlines, and organizer?
- How do you handle data security? Secure portal, MFA, encryption, and written privacy policies?
- Will you review last year’s return for missed opportunities? Deductions/credits, elections, carryforwards.
- Do you provide year-round support? Responses to IRS/state notices, mid-year questions, and planning check-ins.
- How do you handle estimated taxes? Safe-harbor approach, quarterly vouchers, and cash-flow projections.
- Can you help with entity and tax-classification questions? Discuss legal form, election eligibility, owner compensation and costs; an LLC can be taxed in several ways.
- Do you support multi-state or remote work situations? Nexus, residency, and credits for taxes paid to other states.
- What’s your process & timeline? Intake → prep → reviewer QA → final e-file; typical turnaround windows.
- Who actually prepares and reviews my return? Your role vs. team members; escalation path and quality checks.
- How do you communicate? Portal messaging, email/phone/SMS, and response-time SLAs.
- How are errors handled? Ask what corrections are covered, how additional fees are determined and whether representation requires a separate engagement.
- What planning opportunities apply to me? Retirement, HSA/FSA, credits, depreciation, and timing strategies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Refuses to sign as the paid preparer or include the required PTIN on the filed return. A business EIN is not a substitute for a preparer PTIN.
- Promises specific refunds sight-unseen or bases fees on refund size.
- No written privacy or data-security policy; no secure portal.
- Won’t explain their review process or won’t provide an engagement letter.
Engagement Steps to Discuss
- Intake & quote: Discuss the records, fees, required documents and approved transfer method.
- Preparation and review: Confirm who will prepare the return and what review process is included; staffing depends on the engagement.
- Planning add-ons: entity guidance, quarterly estimates, and deductions roadmap.
- File & follow-through: e-file confirmations, vouchers, and notice support.
Services to Confirm Before Starting
- Written pricing, timelines and terms for changes or additional work.
- Approved transfer methods, access controls, checklist and due dates verified for the engagement.
- Return prep for 1040, 1120S, 1065, and multi-state filings.
- Year-round planning: estimates, deductions, and entity advice.
Tax Preparer Questions FAQs
Can you work 100% remotely?
Remote arrangements depend on return type, jurisdiction, identity-verification requirements and available signing or filing methods. Confirm coverage, approved document transfer, signatures and responsibilities in the engagement before proceeding.
What if I’m behind on filings?
Discuss missing returns and notices promptly, including each deadline. Prior-year filings, payment arrangements and representation depend on records, eligibility and the agreed scope; IRS approval of a payment arrangement or penalty relief is not guaranteed.
Do you help small business owners too?
Discuss your entity, filing obligations, records and planning needs. Confirm which tax, payroll, sales-tax or bookkeeping services are available and included in the written engagement.
Ready to choose the right tax pro?
Use these questions to discuss qualifications, scope and next steps for your return. Schedule Consultation
Check the IRS guide to preparer credentials. Discuss tax preparation and bookkeeping services to confirm which work is included in your proposal.