Now that the tax season is official underway, I thought it’d be a good time to give a little advise on what to avoid when looking for a tax preparer.  Here are 5 of the top reasons to avoid choosing a tax preparer:

1.  Make certain to avoid tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds or guarantee refunds. Also be careful to avoid any tax preparer who base their fees on a percentage of the refund. 

2. You want to avoid any tax preparer who completely closes their offices immediately after tax day, April 15th, every year.  If there is any doubt in your mind, speak to a trusted friend. A personal reference is a better way than choosing one blindly.

3. Absolutely avoid any tax preparer who try to persuade you to say something on your tax return that is not true, regardless if you will get a bigger refund.  Although the tax preparer completes your forms, you are ultimately responsible and will be held liable for your federal income tax return.

4. Never, ever choose a tax preparer that asks you to sign a blank return or requires the refund be sent directly to them. This should automatically send up a red flag as a possible scam.

5. You want to avoid a tax preparer who pressures you into buying additional products and services.

Other Notes:
Make sure your preparer fully explains every form you are asked to sign. In addition, ask your preparer about the use and disclosure of your personal tax return information.  The information on your tax form is sensitive, and in the wrong hands, could lead to identify theft – and then you will be confronted with a whole load of very serious problems.

In closing, use your common sense.  If you don’t feel completely comfortable with your tax preparer, find someone else.  And when in doubt, talk to a trusted friend for a personal recommendation.

Well, what are you waiting for, April 15th is not that far away!