Tax Preparation Services – How To File Taxes Online
Finding The Right Tax Preparation Services
When searching for tax preparation services, the right tax preparer can help you find often-missed deductions and credits. This helps you net the largest possible refund and lowest tax liability.
And, makes sure that you are fully compliant with an accurate and complete U.S. tax return. They can also make the process of doing your taxes easier, making tax time a little less stressful.
Why Hiring A Tax Preparation Service Is A Smart Move
Utilizing a tax professional is a smart move when it comes to completing your taxes. With easy-to-overlook deductions, changing tax laws and the endless array of forms that need filling out, a tax professional can make the process a lot less complicated. Trying to do your taxes yourself and forgetting to include an important piece of information on your return can result in very long refund delays. And, result in paying more tax than you are legally liable for.
Whether you are a first-time tax filer or you normally use a tax professional to prepare your return, it is important to know how to find the best tax preparation services for your needs. Your tax return is likely one of your largest financial transactions of the year. It is important to have someone prepare your taxes that understands your unique tax situation.
In addition, you are legally responsible for all of the information on your tax return. So, having a tax professional that is has extensive experience is a must.
How do you know whether or not you have found the right service to help you prepare your taxes? Here are some things to look for when choosing a tax service.
What Is Their Background?
There are so many different types of tax professionals and some of them specialize in vastly different areas. It can be hard to figure out which one is best for your needs. Here is a basic guide to tax professionals:
Enrolled Agent
An Enrolled Agent (EA) has specialized training as an employee of the Internal Revenue Service or has passed a comprehensive examination through the IRS. These professionals can provide quite a range of tax services, from tax preparation to representing you during an audit. They are typically less expensive than a tax attorney and can resolve complicated tax issues, as well. They are “America’s Tax Experts”.
Tax Attorney
This is a person that has a law degree and specializes in tax issues. Generally, tax attorneys do not assist with completing tax returns. They specialize in resolving complex tax issues. Even if you are under audit or have a collections issue, there are other tax professionals, such as an Enrolled Agent, that would be able to help you at a much lower cost. Hiring a tax attorney is necessary when facing criminal or fraud charges related to tax issues.
PTIN Holders
These tax preparers have an active preparer tax identification number from the IRS. This allows them to legally file taxes on your behalf. But, they do not have a professional license or the extensive training that an Enrolled Agent possesses. These tax preparers can help you file your taxes. But, they cannot represent you with the IRS such as during an audit or resolving collection issues.
It is best to choose the tax professional that has experience in assisting people with similar tax issues to yours. Some tax professionals specialize in tax-exempt organizations while others have experience with foreign tax issues. Make sure that your preparer has experience in helping people with tax issues very similar to your own.
Can They File Your Return Electronically?
Since the debut of electronic filing in 1990, more than one billion tax returns have been processed this way. It is the quickest, easiest way to process your return and get your refund. In addition, electronic filing tends to result in fewer math errors. So, verify that the preparation service that you are considering does electronic filing. It really will make things so much easier at tax time.
How Can You Reach Them If You Have a Question After Tax Season?
Every year, there are a number of tax preparation shops that tend to pop up everywhere around tax time. Getting in contact with these preparers can present real problems when you need advice or assistance after tax season is over. Sometimes the IRS will request information in September of October. This can present a real problem if you cannot locate your tax preparer when you need help. Ask the preparer how you can contact them after the filing of your return. If it seems like it will be difficult or even impossible to contact them later. Then, find someone else to do your taxes. At Peace Of Mind Tax Help, we are open and available year-round.
If You Get Audited, What Kind of Help Will They Provide?
Although it is never pleasant to think about being audited. It is important to consider what kind of help you will get if this ever happens.
An audit is very stressful. During an active audit is not the time to learn that your tax preparer cannot help you when you need it most.
Therefore, ask ahead of time what kind of assistance the preparer can provide during an audit.
Can they answer questions and represent you with the IRS?
As Enrolled Agents and CPAs, Peace Of Mind Tax Help is experienced in dealing with a wide range of tax issues. The tax professionals at Peace Of Mind Tax Help will be happy to provide you with a no-obligation quote for your tax preparation needs.
If you are ready to hire a qualified tax professional to handle your problems with the IRS, contact Peace Of Mind Tax Help today to get help with your tax preparation services!