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DOR > En Español  > Señora Hinojosa Habla De Impuestos > Choosing a Tax Preparer Choosing a Tax Preparer

Feb. 5, 2009

If you will be paying someone to do your tax return this year, choose a tax preparer wisely. You are legally responsible for what is on your tax returns even if they are prepared by someone else. So, it is important to find a qualified tax professional.

The most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions, and other items. By doing so, they have your best interest in mind and are trying to help you avoid penalties, interest, or additional taxes from the federal Internal Revenue Service and Indiana Department of Revenue.

The following tips can help you choose a preparer who will offer the best service for their tax preparation needs.

  • Find out what the service fees are before the return is prepared. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your refund or who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
  • Only use a tax professional that signs your tax return and provides you with a copy for your records.
  • Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
  • Choose a tax preparer that will be around to answer questions after the return has been filed.
  • Ask questions. Do you know anyone who has used the tax professional? Were they satisfied with the service they received?
  • Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the state’s board of accountancy for CPAs or the state’s bar association for attorneys. Find out if the preparer belongs to a professional organization that requires its members to pursue continuing education and also holds them accountable to a code of ethics.
  • Determine if the preparer’s credentials meet your needs. Does your state have licensing or registration requirements for paid preparers? Is he or she an Enrolled Agent, Certified Public Accountant, or Attorney? If so, the preparer can represent taxpayers before the IRS on all matters – including audits, collections, and appeals. Other return preparers can represent taxpayers only in audits regarding a return signed as a preparer.
  • Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions.

Also be aware of overpriced tax services. According to the National Society of Accountants, the cost of filing your taxes can range from $150 to $280.

If you have any questions and would like to speak with a bilingual representative at the Indiana Department of Revenue, please call (317) 232-2240 (press 2 for Spanish) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also visit the Department’s Web site at www.dor.in.gov/ or you can submit questions via e-mail to jevans@dor.in.gov

If you have any suggestions for this blog, please e-mail those suggestions to Señora Hinojosa at feedback@dor.in.gov

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