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Advice for choosing a tax preparer

Tax season is in full swing and if you haven’t chosen a tax preparer yet, now is the time – April 15 is just around the corner. If you are unsure of where to go or who to choose, consider the following helpful hints to make your decision:

  • Get references from tax preparers’ former clients. Did they pay reasonable fees? Were they satisfied with the service they received?
  • Avoid preparers that claim to get “guaranteed results” or those whose fees are based on a percentage of the refund.
  • Some tax preparers only operate during the tax season. Choose someone you can easily reach after the return is filed.
  • Keep in mind that reputable preparers will ask you many questions to determine your qualifications for deductions and expenses. By doing this, they are working to help you avoid penalties or additional taxes that could result from an IRS examination.
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the preparer has a history of complaints.
  • Ask yourself if you may qualify for free tax preparation services. Many communities have Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. Through these types of programs, volunteers provide assistance to low-income, disabled or homebound taxpayers. In Madison County, you can access these tax preparation programs at the University of Missouri Extension office (VITA), East Missouri Action Agency (VITA) and Ozark Regional Library (AARP). Please call any of the listed locations before you travel to see if an appointment is required and to verify what documentation is needed to prepare the return!

By doing your homework ahead of time, you can avoid the headache of dealing with an unqualified or dishonest tax preparer.

For more information contact MU Extension Center in Madison County at 573-783-3303. The University of Missouri is an equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer.

Ashley Bales

Ashley Bales

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