Is Your Tax Preparer Qualified?
MarketWatch.com reports on the many mistakes unlicensed, paid tax preparers make in, “Some tax pros get it wrong: Limited study of paid preparers’ returns finds many mistakes“.
The article reports on a study of tax returns prepared by unlicensed preparers in which 61% were prepared incorrectly. Some tax payers owed more tax, some owed less tax. The study focused on tax preparers who were unlicensed and did not include tax preparers who were CPAs, tax attorneys or enrolled agents.
Surprisingly, only two states require tax preparers to register with a state agency and receive continuing training. In other words, the chances are good your paid, unlicensed tax preparer may not have the skill, knowledge, or training required to do a good job with your taxes.
What can you do to ensure you have a qualified tax preparer?
- Ask him or her about continuing education.
- Contact the local Better Business Bureu.
- Visit the website of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP). You’ll find a “Find a Tax Professional” link in the menu. Click it, fill out the search form and view a list of NATP members in your area.
There were no NATP members in my small community or in surrounding communities. However, whether or not you find an NATP member in your area, the information available on the NATP website is informative.
Posts
