Things to Look for in a Tax Consultant
Tax consultants come in all shapes and sizes. Some work with organizations while some work with people. Some do taxes, while others never do taxes. Numerous are CPA's, however you don't need to be a CPA to be a decent tax consultant. Some are bookkeepers with little to no formal training. Some are certified to work specifically with the IRS, and to file your return electronically. Locating the right tax consultant will ease your burden during tax time. While getting a tax consultant isn't too hard, finding a decent one can be a challenge
One great approach is to search for an enrollment agent. Enrolled agents are Mytax specialists who must pass through rigorous tests, meet yearly continuing education requirements, and who have the authority to represent clients in front of the IRS. Enrolled agents will prepare your income tax return, and some give expense tax planning counsel. You can likewise contact an enrolled agents in the event that you need assistance after getting a penalty letter from the IRS.
Enrolled agents work in different settings. Some have their own specific firms, some work for tax preparation chains, and some are also certified financial planners or certified public accountants. They will charge you by the tax form to setup a return so the more complicated your return is, the more you'll pay and by the hour for tax planning.
You ought to search for an experienced tax consultant who has experience managing tax issues similar to your own. For instance, if that you are being audited, don't contract a consultant who has never taken care of an audit before. When finding the right professional who has specialized tax expertise you need to remember that you, not the bookkeeper, are in charge of the data on your tax return. Referrals are always your most solid option. Ask everybody you can think from family, friends, entrepreneurs, financial advisers and lawyers. It always helps to ask somebody who has a comparable tax circumstance to yours. Read http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/584552/tax-accounting for some tips about tax accounting.
Since there are tax preparers with no formal license practicing in the field, it can be hard to see whether yours is one you can trust. Regional IRS staff members regularly know who those problem tax preparers are in their areas. To stay away attracting unwanted attention from the IRS, search for tax consultants approved by the IRS to file electronically over the Internet. The IRS subjects these tax experts to criminal background verifications, and even has their fingerprints on file. You can recognize these tax experts by the little yellow lightning bolt logo in their promotions and on their stationary. Should you be searching for Taxation Services, you can start looking in the link.
