Choosing the right tax professional can save you money, time, and stress. Before hiring someone to prepare your taxes, it’s important to ask the right questions. Here are seven essential ones to consider when working with a tax preparation service.
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1) Are You an Enrolled Agent or CPA?
Verify the preparer's current credential, PTIN and experience with your return type. EAs, CPAs and attorneys have broad representation rights before the IRS; some other preparers have limited rights or no representation authority. A PTIN is not a professional license. See IRS credential and qualification guidance.
2) How Do You Stay Updated on Tax Law Changes?
Tax laws change frequently. A reliable expert should stay current through IRS updates and continuing education.
3) Do You Offer Year-Round Support?
Ask which services and response periods are included after filing. Tax planning, bookkeeping and notice support may require separate engagements. Bookkeeping support can help organize records but does not prevent every filing issue or surprise.
4) Questions about how fees are determined
Some professionals choose to charge a fixed fee for each form they complete, while others prefer to bill their clients based on the number of hours they spend working on the services provided. It is extremely important to inquire clearly and upfront about all potential fees and charges before moving forward with any service. This way, you can prevent any unexpected surprises or hidden costs from arising later in the process, ensuring a smooth and transparent transaction from start to finish.
5) Can You Help With Small Business Taxes?
Ask about experience with your entity, industry, return types, payroll and states involved. Confirm whether legal or other specialist advice is needed. Explore payroll services and agree the scope separately.
6) Do You Provide Audit Support?
Ask who would handle an IRS examination, what authorization is required, which stages are included and how additional fees are charged. Confirm credentials and availability before representation starts. Professional assistance does not guarantee an audit or penalty outcome.
7) Questions about additional services
Ask whether business consulting, bookkeeping or payroll is available and included. Define deliverables, responsibilities, deadlines and fees; additional services are not automatically part of return preparation.
Use these questions during your consultation
Use these questions to compare qualifications and service scope. Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services can discuss your records and tax needs during a consultation. Confirm the assigned practitioner and engagement terms before work begins.