Only File with Someone You Trust

Trust is Crucial

One of the most common talks I’ve had with my clients and prospective clients over the years is about their past tax preparers and tax returns. Many people have told me they chose a tax preparer they didn’t like, trust, or really know because they were already sitting down in front of them. But, there’s no need to choose the first tax preparer you meet. As I mentioned in my earlier post, you need to screen your tax preparers.

What Should I Ask My Tax Preparer?

This is an excellent question. Here’s a few examples of questions to ask your tax preparer:

• How long have you done taxes?

• Would I find your name on the IRS directory?

• What is your education?

Beyond the standard professional questions, ask background about your tax preparer. Get to know them as your tax preparer should want to know you. For me, I love discussing pets with my clients. It’s one of the easiest topics to discuss to get to know one another. Exchange silly stories. Start with a few icebreakers. You should want not only a professional relationship with your tax preparer but also a personal one.

Why Should I Know More About My Tax Preparer?

For one, you’re trusting this individual to file your taxes to the best of their ability. You’re also trusting this individual to give you the truth about everything to do with your taxes. For two, you would not trust an incompetent surgeon to operate on you or an unskilled mechanic to fix your vehicle, so why trust a tax preparer you do not really know to prepare your taxes?