Tax Tip 2026-11: Quick tips for picking a tax pro

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 202-11

Quick tips for picking a tax pro

By now, people should have received most of their tax documents so it’s time to get ready to file their federal tax returns. More than one half of taxpayers use a paid tax professional to help prepare their return. Regardless of who prepares the tax return, the taxpayer is responsible for all the information on it. This is why it’s important to choose a tax pro carefully.

Tips for choosing a tax professional:

• Availability: Choose a preparer that’s available after filing season in case questions come up after filing.
• Service fees: Ask about the preparer’s service fees. Taxpayers should avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund.
• IRS e-file: Ensure their preparer offers IRS e-file. The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit and file a complete and accurate return.
• Records and receipts: Good preparers ask to see these documents to complete the return accurately.
• Qualifications: Understand the preparer’s credentials and qualifications. Check their history for complaints or disciplinary actions.
• Review before signing: Always review the tax return before signing it. Ask questions if something is unclear or appears incorrect. Never sign a blank or incomplete return.
• Accurate account information: Make sure any refund goes directly into the taxpayer’s bank account – not into the preparer’s bank account. Review the routing and bank account number on the completed return to confirm it’s accurate.

By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assists in preparing federal tax returns must have a valid preparer tax identification number. Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on any tax return they prepare. Not signing a return, promising an unusually large refund or charging fees based on the size of the refund are red flags that the preparer may be looking to make a quick profit. Taxpayers should avoid these preparers.

Complaints about a preparer
Tax return preparer fraud is a common tax scam. The IRS provides tips on avoiding unscrupulous tax preparers. Taxpayers can also file a complaint if they’ve been financially harmed by a tax return preparer’s misconduct or improper tax preparation practices.

More information
IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications

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